Bangalore: With increasing number of funding options available, the number of start-ups in the country is rising exponentially. It is difficult to guess their exact number, but the pitches made to venture capitalists every year can be a sign. For example, the Indian Angel Network evaluated 3,400 pitches in 2012, shortlisted 82, and ended up funding 13. In 2011, it had received just 2,000 pitches. The number of early-stage VC investments has grown 71 per cent in 2012 against 2010 levels.

‘Business Today’ identified 15 of the best start-ups in India and featured them in its annual list called 'India's Coolest Start-ups'. They all have thought out of the box. This year the startups are from diverse sectors - retail, e-commerce, social media, technology, health-care and biotech.

15. Hector Beverages

Location: National Capital Region

Business: Functional Beverage

Founded in: October 2009

Led by: Neeraj Kakkar, Suhas Misra, James Nuttall, Neeraj Biyani

Cool quotient: A great-tasting energy drink with a crazy name