India, Dec. 5 -- Whether it was geopolitical uncertainty or domestic regulatory norms, 2025 has been the year of change. From startups under legal scrutiny to AI-driven layoffs, the Indian startup ecosystem surely bid adieu in huge numbers this year. But leadership changes, especially cofounders and CEOs exiting, never follow the norm.

The exit of cofounders or CEOs from a startup signals a change of guard and vision. In 2025, several startups found themselves in this position, and while some founders quit their jobs because their startups shut down, others kickstarted new ventures.

3one4 Capital founder Pranav Pai felt that founders also need a fresh start at times.

"I think the primary reason is burnout. Building a startup is very in...