The automotive industry was an epicenter of activity with profitable prospects in 2008. In an attempt to capitalise on the excitement, everyone joined the party and opened their own auto dealerships or companies.
Nevertheless, a significant gap was present in the midst of the frenzy: a dearth of unbiased, transparent, and dependable information regarding automobiles. CarDekho identified this need and began with a straightforward yet ingenious business plan by giving customers accurate and trustworthy vehicle information.
Let’s take an intriguing tour of the CarDekho business model’s many components to encourage aspiring young entrepreneurs to investigate comparable complex opportunities-
Two brothers, Amit and Anurag Jain (CarDekho founders), came up with the bright concept to launch CarDekho.com in 2008 as a one-stop shop for everything related to cars. It began modestly, resembling a car guidebook. CarDekho.com quickly grew as more people visited it, adding professional reviews, vehicle prices, and buying/selling advice. With its headquarters located in Jaipur, CarDekho has footprints in India, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines.
The main purpose of CarDekho’s introduction was to provide a comprehensive and open source of information about cars. With all the clear and objective information on the car, greatly aids potential buyers and increases CarDekho’s credibility and trustworthiness.
CarDekho helps consumers find the answers to their automobile-related questions by providing thorough information about a variety of cars, which ultimately helps them select the best car for their requirements. Currently, CarDekho runs a number of well-known Indian auto portals, including PowerDrift.com, Gaadi.com, ZigWheels.com, BikeDekho.com, and CarDekho.com. Customers can sell their used automobiles at its CarDekho Gaadi stores, and they can purchase used cars at its CarDekho Gaadi Trust Mark Stores.
CarDekho Business Model Canvas
CarDekho is a leading online platform in India that helps users buy, sell, and research cars. It offers detailed car reviews, price comparisons, and connects users with dealers, lenders, and insurers. Below is the Business Model Canvas that outlines how CarDekho creates, delivers, and captures value:
CarDekho Business Model Canvas
1. Key Partners
Car manufacturers and dealerships
Insurance companies
Loan/finance providers
Affiliate partners (accessories, warranty)
Content creators and influencers
2. Key Activities
Listing cars and comparing prices
Generating leads for dealers
Certifying and inspecting used cars
Creating automotive content (reviews/videos)
Running Gaadi stores (buy/sell used cars)
Managing subscriptions (CarDekho Plus)
3. Value Propositions
All-in-one platform for buying/selling cars
Verified and detailed car information
Easy connection with top local dealers
Car financing, insurance, and accessories support
Certified used cars with trust and transparency
4. Customer Relationships
Online support via chat or call
Social media and YouTube engagement
Personalized tools (car matcher, recommendations)
Loyalty via CarDekho Plus subscription
5. Customer Segments
New and used car buyers
People selling their used cars
Car dealers and manufacturers
Auto enthusiasts and video viewers
Customers seeking loans, insurance
6. Channels
CarDekho.com and sister sites (BikeDekho, Gaadi, etc.)
CarDekho discovered that only those who are interested in buying a car will use the website to view the models’ specifications. As a result, after gaining the trust of the public with truthful data, they also made the process of buying a car easier by connecting the prospective buyer with the local top sellers and created a profitable business model. The company makes money through various modes:
Generating Revenue Through Advertising
CarDekho gives automakers and dealerships a range of advertising choices to advertise their goods and services. The business charges for sponsored content, banners, and display adverts on its website and mobile app.
Guiding the Customers and Generating Revenue
CarDekho connects automakers and dealerships with prospective customers to create leads. Depending on the buyer’s interest and budget, the business charges a fee for each lead it generates.
Subscription Model
“CarDekho Plus,” a premium subscription plan offered by CarDekho, gives consumers access to extra perks like longer warranties, free insurance, and exclusive discounts. For this service, the business charges a fee that is renewed annually.
Partnering with Third-Party Companies
CarDekho collaborates with a number of other businesses to market their auto-related goods and services, including finance, insurance, and accessories. Every sale made via the company’s affiliate links results in a commission for the business.
The core of CarDekho’s business strategy is offering a comprehensive platform for both car buyers and sellers, in addition to other value-added services. The business is a major force in the Indian automobile sector since it makes use of its extensive network and data insights to produce income through a variety of channels.
CarDekho is the biggest consumer-facing internet site in India, with 50 million unique visitors each month, the largest automotive social networking platform, and the top player of automotive video content, with over 3 million YouTube subscribers.
SWOT Analysis of CarDekho
CarDekho SWOT Analysis
CarDekho Strength
For the first time, CarDekho reported a profit of INR 37 crore (excluding unusual items) in FY24. Compared to a loss of INR 143 crore in FY23, this was a major turnaround.
Additionally, consolidated losses decreased to INR 340 crore from INR 562 crore in the prior fiscal year. These numbers indisputably show that the business is turning a profit again.
CarDekho Weakness
The majority of consumers feel apprehensive about the method CarDekho uses to evaluate cars and assign a price.
Most of the customers believe that the price they are paying is far lower than what they would have received otherwise.
CarDekho Opportunity
Since the company has already launched its operations internationally, it can further expand its wings to other countries in order to increase its business operations.
CarDekho Threats
Competition is getting very intense in this domain.
With startups like Spinny signing sports icon Sachin Tendulkar to promote their brand, it is critical for CarDekho to always look for new business opportunities in order to stay ahead of the competition.
Conclusion
The success of Car Dekho can be linked to its creative business strategy, customer-focused mindset, and efficient use of technology. Amit and Anurag Jain, the company’s creators, have successfully established a distinctive online marketplace that serves the requirements of automobile buyers and sellers throughout India. Car Dekho is in a strong position to take advantage of the prospects and increase its market share as the Indian auto industry grows.
FAQ
Is CarDekho a B2B or B2C?
CarDekho operates as both B2B and B2C.
Who owns CarDekho?
CarDekho is owned by GirnarSoft, founded by Amit Jain and Anurag Jain.
What is CarDekho?
CarDekho helps users buy, sell, and compare cars, providing vehicle reviews, insurance, and financing options.
How does CarDekho make money?
CarDekho makes money through ads from car brands and dealers, lead generation fees, paid subscriptions (CarDekho Plus), commissions from loans and insurance, and used car sales at its Gaadi stores.
What are CarDekho business model revenue streams?
CarDekho’s revenue streams include advertising, lead generation fees from dealers, CarDekho Plus subscriptions, commissions from finance and insurance partners, and income from selling used cars through Gaadi stores.
Is CarDekho profitable?
Yes, CarDekho is now profitable. In FY 2024, the company posted a standalone profit of INR 37 crore (excluding exceptional items), marking its first full-year profit after an INR 143 crore loss in FY 2023. Consolidated losses also improved significantly, dropping from INR 562 crore in FY 2023 to INR 340 crore in FY 2024.
Amit Jain, the face of CarDekho and a known Shark Tank India judge, is shaping India’s startup space with his smart investments. CarDekho, established in 2008, offers a comprehensive online marketplace for car buyers and sellers. Beyond steering CarDekho to unicorn status, Amit has invested in many companies like BlueStone, Internshala, Nish Hair, Snitch, Miko, and more.
He believes in betting on people first, then the business. With a keen eye for talent and a bold investment style, he has become a key player in India’s growing startup world. Whether it’s fintech, AI, or consumer brands, Amit helps drive India’s next big success stories.
In this article, let’s explore Amit Jain’s investment portfolio.
About Amit Jain
Amit Jain, born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, is the Co-Founder and CEO of CarDekho Group. He completed his schooling at St. Xavier’s School in Jaipur and earned a B.Tech degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, in 1999.
Amit began his professional journey as a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services in 1999. He then advanced to roles such as Senior Associate, Delivery Manager, and Product Manager at Trilogy, a Texas-based software company, where he worked until 2007.
In 2006, following his father’s illness, Amit returned to Jaipur to support his family. Together with his brother Anurag, he founded GirnarSoft in 2007, operating initially from their home garage. The following year, they launched CarDekho, an online platform designed to simplify car buying and selling in India.
Under Amit’s leadership, CarDekho has expanded into a comprehensive auto-tech and financial services company, encompassing platforms like InsuranceDekho and Rupyy.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Amit Jain joined the panel of investors on Shark Tank India in its second and third seasons, sharing his expertise to mentor emerging entrepreneurs.
Amit’s journey from a software engineer to a leader in India’s automotive industry shows his passion for the entrepreneurial world.
Amit Jain’s journey from a small startup to a billion-dollar company shows his power of smart decisions He doesn’t just invest in businesses but he backs passionate entrepreneurs, focusing on talent before products.
With CarDekho worth $1.2 billion and his investments expanding across AI, fintech, and consumer brands, his impact continues to grow. While his time on Shark Tank India brought him into the spotlight, his real work happens behind the scenes. It is clear that Amit is not just investing in startups, rather he’s working towards a bigger goal of shaping India’s business future.
In a world where each individual is a unique mosaic of experiences, passions, and goals, the path to success is as varied as the individuals themselves. The many educational backgrounds people bring are crucial to this variation fabric.
Every choice made on Shark Tank India is based on a wealth of experience and expertise fashioned by the different educational backgrounds of its respected judges. These diverse fields provide a thorough understanding of business principles and invaluable insights into various industries and market dynamics.
In this post, we’ll look at all Shark Tank India judges’ educational backgrounds and how they’ve applied their qualifications and expertise in the real world.
Vineeta Singh was born in Anand, Gujarat, India, in 1983 and is 40 years old as of 2023. She completed her schooling at Delhi Public School R. K. Puram, New Delhi, from 1987 to 2001. She graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, with a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering. While at IIT Madras, she did her three-month summer internship with I.T.C. Limited in Kolkata. In 2005, she graduated from the Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad with an MBA She worked as an intern for three months at Deutsche Bank in both London and New York while she studied for her MBA. Vineeta Singh worked on projects with the strategic equity transaction group in New York and the emerging markets structuring team in London during her internship.
Delhi University, Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Indian School of Business, Kellogg Graduate School of Management
Shark Tank India Judges – Aman Gupta
Aman Gupta finished his education at Delhi Public School, R. K. Puram, New Delhi. He later pursued a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons.) degree at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College. He attended the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India from 1999 to 2002 to pursue his studies in accounting, finance, and chartered accountancy. He then enrolled in the Indian School of Business to pursue an M.B.A. in Finance and Strategy. Following that, in 2011, he enrolled in Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management’s student exchange program to pursue an M.B.A. in General Management and Marketing.
MBA in Operations & Strategic Management (Boston College, US)
Shark Tank India Judges – Anupam Mittal
Anupam Mittal’s widespread fame stems from his position as CEO and founder of Shaadi.com and the People Group. Having started internet enterprises before the internet bubble, Mittal is among the pioneering technology-driven entrepreneurs in India. In addition, he has produced Bollywood films Flavors and 99 under the banner of his parent firm, People Group. He was born in Mumbai, India, and completed his education at Jai Hind College. He earned his M.B.A. degree in operations and strategic management from Boston College in Massachusetts.
Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, Duke’s Fuqua School of Business
Shark Tank India Judges – Namita Thapar
Emcure Pharmaceuticals’ Executive Director and Shark Tank India investor Namita Thapar is an incredibly successful businesswoman. Her professional accomplishments are matched by her ownership of luxurious mansions, a fleet of exquisite cars, and a net worth in the crores. She finished her primary and secondary schooling at a school in Pune. Namita gave up all extracurricular activities in school to focus solely on academics. She was an excellent student who consistently ranked top in her class. Following her education, Namita enrolled in the B. Com. program at Savitribai Phule Pune University in Pune. She also pursued her ICAI chartered accountancy degree in the interim. Namita then attended Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business in Durham, North Carolina, to get an MBA.
Peyush Bansal, born in Delhi, India, began his education at Don Bosco School in New Delhi. Peyush Bansal has demonstrated his inventive energy and passion for value creation through his entrepreneurial experience. His academic aspirations led him to prestigious schools such as McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. He then enrolled in the Management Programme for Entrepreneurs and Family Businesses (MPEFB) at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.
Amit Jain received his early education at St. Xavier’s School in Jaipur. After finishing school, Amit passed the IIT entrance exam and was accepted into IIT Delhi in 1999.
College Dropout, Sacred Heart School, and St. Johns Senior Secondary School
Shark Tank India Judges – Ritesh Agarwal
Ritesh attended Sacred Heart School in Rayagada, Odisha, and later graduated from St. Johns Senior Secondary School in Meerut Cantt, Uttar Pradesh, India. Then, to prepare for the IIT entrance exam, he traveled to Kota, Rajasthan. Following that, he enrolled in the Indian School of Business and Finance in Delhi’s University of London International Program in 2011 and eventually dropped out. He became the first Asian recipient of the $100,000 Thiel Fellowship grant, equivalent to Rs. 55 Lakh at the time.
During his school years, Deepinder Goyal performed below average and had difficulty passing his classes until he reached class 8. For the first time, Deepinder placed third in the class during his first semester of study sessions in class 8 when one of his teachers provided him with a solved answer sheet. Inspired by the praise he got from his parents and professors, he decided to continue his studies henceforth diligently. After two years of improved grades, his parents moved him to D.A.V. College in Chandigarh for classes XI and XII, where he studied science.
He was able to pass the Indian Institutes of Technology, Joint Entrance Examination on his first attempt despite the difficulties he encountered throughout his academic career. He subsequently attended the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, to pursue an engineering degree.
Mathematics and Computer Science, IIT Delhi (Dropped out)
Shark Tank India Judges – Azhar Iqubal
Azhar Iqubal is an Indian entrepreneur who co-founded and serves as the CEO of the news app Inshorts. After completing his schooling, he began preparing for the IIT JEE. He began studying at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi in 2009, pursuing engineering and computer science. In 2012, he left IIT to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.
B.S.E in Entrepreneurship, Operation & Information Management, Wharton B.A.S in Engineering
Shark Tank India Judges – Kunal Bahl
Kunal Bahl grew up in India and went to Delhi Public School R.K. Puram for his early education. He later studied at the University of Pennsylvania, where he joined the prestigious Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology. He secured two bachelor’s degrees—one in Entrepreneurship, Operations & Information Management from The Wharton School and another in Engineering from the School of Engineering and Applied Science respectively. He also completed an executive marketing program at the Kellogg School of Management to further build his business skills.
Ronnie Screwvala’s name is synonymous with innovation and achievement in the realm of educational technology. As the founder of upGrad, he has transformed online education in India, enabling thousands of students to advance their careers and thrive in the digital era. He completed his education at Mumbai’s Cathedral and John Connon Schools before earning his degree from Sydenham College. His father worked in the film business, instilling a passion for entertainment and media in him from an early age. Ronnie Screwvala’s parents had other plans for him. However, he still aspired to start his own business while attending university in Mumbai.
MBA from Mudra Institute of Communications Ahmedabad
Shark Tank India Judges – Varun Dua
Varun Dua is the founder and CEO of Acko. He is also the owner of CoverFox. Having worked in the insurance industry for over a decade, Varun was responsible for technology-enabled efficient customer service and marketing analytics for primary business acquisition. He earned a commerce degree from the R. A. Podar College Of Commerce & Economics in Mumbai, Maharashtra. After graduation, he took the C.A.T. exam. Later, he earned a master’s in Strategic Marketing and Communications from Mudra Institute of Communications in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
Industrial Marine Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic
Shark Tank India Judges – Viraj Bahl
Viraj Bahl is the Founder and Managing Director of Veeba (VRB Consumer Products Pvt. Ltd.), a leading consumer food brand. He will join the panel of Sharks forShark Tank India season 4. Viraj is known for his deep understanding of the food industry. He is excited to share his knowledge and mentor entrepreneurs with great, scalable ideas.
His experience in building a successful business will help guide those looking for investments and advice. Viraj has studied Industrial Marine Engineering at Singapore Polytechnic.
Managing Director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Funds
Education
B.Sc in Economics
Shark Tank India Judges – Radhika Gupta
Radhika Gupta is the managing director and CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, which established a mutual fund company worth Rs 1 trillion in just five years. Due to her father’s transferable employment, Radhika Gupta finished her education at various institutions across multiple nations. She graduated from Delhi Public School in India, the American International School in Abuja, Nigeria, and Marymount International School in Rome, Italy.
She later graduated from the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School with a B.S.E. in economics in 2005. She also finished the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology.
Ashneer Grover is a graduate of IIM Ahmedabad and IIT Delhi. Ashneer Grover finished his schooling in Delhi. Following that, he received his B.Tech from the Indian Institute of Technology. While studying at IIT Delhi, he was chosen for a student exchange program at the National Institute of Applied Sciences, known as INSA Lyon, France. This engineering school is among the most prestigious and largest in Europe. With a €6,000 grant from the French Embassy, he relocated to INSA Lyon in 2002. Grover then attended the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad in 2004 to pursue an MBA in finance and graduated in the year 2006.
Ghazal Alagh is an Indian businesswoman and the Chief Mama of Mamaearth, a natural, toxins-free cosmetics brand. Ghazal Alagh graduated from Punjab University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Applications. 2013 she completed a Summer Intensive Course in Modern Art in Design and Applied Arts. She also completed a rigorous figurative painting course at the New York Academy of Art that same year.
Bangalore University, Symbiosis Centre for Management & Human Resource Development, Pune
Shark Tank India Judges – Vikas D Nahar
Co-founder and CEO of Happilo, Vikas D. Nahar is a Special Guest Judge on Shark Tank India. Nahar hails from a farming family that produces coffee and pepper. After completing his schooling in Bangalore, he attended Bangalore University to acquire a Bachelor’s in Computer Applications in 2005. After that, he completed his MBA in marketing at Pune, Maharashtra’s Symbiosis Centre for Management & Human Resource Development (SCMHRD).
In conclusion, the judges of Shark Tank India have a variety of educational backgrounds, which emphasizes the value of interdisciplinary knowledge and practical experience in the business world. Each judge contributes a distinct viewpoint influenced by their academic journey, drawing from famous institutions such as IITs and IIMs as well as international universities and specialized programs.
FAQs
Who is Aman Gupta?
Aman Gupta is the co-founder and Chief Marketing officer of the company boAt.
What is the education of Peyush Bansal?
Peyush Bansal began his education at Don Bosco School in New Delhi. His academic aspirations led him to prestigious schools such as McGill University, where he earned a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering. He then enrolled in the Management Programme for Entrepreneurs and Family Businesses (MPEFB) at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore.
Who is Vineeta Singh?
Vineeta Singh is the co-founder and CEO of Sugar Cosmetics.
What is Shark Tank India?
Shark Tank India is a platform that provides opportunities to new entrepreneurs who will be able to entice the sharks with their ideas. The Sharks will invest in those businesses that they will find suitable.
Company Profile is an initiative by StartupTalky to publish verified information on different startups and organizations.
The emergence of the internet has transformed the car-buying experience positively, making it much more accessible and convenient than before. Today we have a lot of online portals that will take you through the process effortlessly. One such portal is CarDekho.
Founded by Amit Jain and Anurag Jain in 2008, CarDekho is a prominent car search venture that helps users find fitting new and old car variants and buy them without any hassles.
Here’s the StartupTalky article to know about CarDekho, its founders, competitors, business and revenue model, startup story, funding, investors, acquisitions, and more.
CarDekho, a creation of ‘GirnarSoft‘ founded by Amit and Anurag Jain, stands as a comprehensive online platform dedicated to all things automotive. Both the web app and the CarDekho.com website house a wealth of rich automotive content. This includes expert reviews, detailed specifications, pricing information, andcar comparisons, as well as an extensive collection of pictures and videos covering a diverse array of car brands and models available in India.
Furthermore, CarDekho provides valuable insights into the automobile industry, ensuring users stay updated with fresh content, recent launches, and industry trends.
CarDekho – How it Works?
CarDekho offers consumers a smooth 360-degree experience by acting as a virtual auto dealer. Users of the platform can peruse through a number of categories, future autos, and new releases. Furthermore, CarDekho has its own online store with a large selection of automobile accessories, including sun films, car stereos, stickers, floor mats, and more. In addition, it also provide car loan for new car used car and refinances for the existing car.
Company maintains an active automotive forum where industry professionals and reviewers respond to user-posted questions about cars in an effort to promote community involvement. In general, CarDekho creates a comprehensive and effective automobile platform by fusing technological know-how with user-friendly interfaces.
CarDekho is the product of ‘GirnarSoft’ owned by the founder duo, Amit and Anurag Jain. CarDekho is a web app that has almost anything and everything about an automobile. Both the app and the CarDekho.com website boast rich automotive content including but not limited to expert reviews, detailed specs, and prices of cars, comparisons of cars, pictures, and videos of an exhausting range of car brands and models available in India.
India’s automotive market grew rapidly, hitting $121.5 Billion in 2024 and expected to reach $247.4 Billion by 2033, with a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.13 % from 2024 to 2033. India is a well-known center for the production of automobiles worldwide. Its low production costs are a result of cheap labor, a plentiful supply of raw materials, and a depreciating currency. India is a key player in the global automotive industry, producing more than 4 million cars a year, making it the fourth largest automobile producer in the world.
CarDekho – Founders and Team
Amit Jain and Anurag Jain are the founders of CarDekho. Amit Jain is the CEO and co-founder, while Anurag Jain acts as the COO and co-founder at CarDekho. Umang Kumar has also been the President and co-founderof the company.
Amit Jain
Amit Jain – Co-founder and CEO at CarDekho
Amit Jain is an IIT Delhi alumnus from where he obtained a BTech degree before going on to join Tata Consultancy Services. Leaving TCS after serving the company for around one year, Amit joined Trilogy, where he went to be a Product Manager. Jain next started with GirnarSoft as the CEO and co-founder of the company, which he is still serving at the present. Amit Jain is also the CEO and co-founder of CarDekho.
Anurag Jain
Anurag Jain – Co-founder and COO at CarDekho
Anurag Jain is also an IIT Delhi alumnus who has obtained an Integrated Master of Technology in Mathematics and Computing. Jain was a Senior Systems Consultant at i2 Technologies after which he joined Sabre Holdings as a Senior Operations Research Analyst. Anurag is serving as the COO and co-founder at GirnarSoft.
Both the founder and his brother were born on November 12th, and they both finished their education at St. Xavier’s School in Jaipur. Both of them continued their education at IIT Delhi, where Anurag studied computer science and mathematics and Amit chose to major in civil engineering. Amit was interested in products and technology-related items because he and his brother had worked in the corporate sector for about eight years, having worked for businesses such as TCS and Trilogy.
Umang Kumar
Umang Kumar – Co-Founder and President at CarDekho
Umang Kumar was earlier the co-founder of Gaadi.com, but ever since the latter has been acquired by CarDekho, Kumar has been associated with the team, where he has been serving as the co-founder and President at CarDekho. Umang Kumar is an alumnus of Visvesvaraya Technological University, from where he obtained a BE degree in Computers. Kumar next went on to pursue a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian School of Business and then joined the Harvard Business School for the Naspers program in General Management, Strategy and Leadership. Before joining Gaadi Web as the co-founder and CEO, Umang founded another company, Accentium Web. During his career, Umang served a couple of other companies, 9.9 Mediaworx and ABP, where he served in key leadership positions.
Flaunt your startup with StartupTalky
800+ stories, thousands of founders, and millions of visitors. Want to be the next?
StartupTalky is where founders, entrepreneurs, startups and businesses hang out and look up to for inspiration. If you have the means, we have the medium! Inviting founders and startups who are building sustainable solutions from ground zero! Startups who run the show, StartupTalky will let the world know!
In January 2008, the Delhi Auto Expo inspired brothers Amit and Anurag Jain to start their own business to make buying a car easier. Cardekho.com was launched in March 2008, with the brothers starting the business from their garage foundation. As a result of their vision and influence on the automobile retail industry, their creation is valued at an astounding $1.2 billion.
In the early days of their startup journey, the Jain brothers encountered initial challenges, particularly in their outreach to potential customers through phone calls and emails. When they finally got their first client, their persistence paid off, and they embarked on a modest but eventually fruitful journey that led to several referrals and more jobs. CarDekho’s early success served as the impetus for its growth. Equipped with an expanding workforce, amassed capital, and a well-defined idea, they formally introduced CarDekho, signifying a noteworthy turning point in their endeavor to revolutionize the automotive sector.
CarDekho – Startup Launch
A lot of thought and conceptualizing went into building CarDekho after its launch. Even though the company had been launched, they kept their IT consultancy services ongoing because the founders wanted the primary income to keep flowing. CarDekho is one of those companies that take the consumer through the whole process, from the start to the end and during the process, to make sure that the customer is satisfied.
Like all the other entrepreneurial ventures, this company too was a little slow in the beginning, but when it geared up the pace, the founders never looked back. And soon enough, its numbers did the talking when they roared success out loud to the world.
CarDekho.com has launched many innovative features to ensure that users get an immersive experience of the car model before visiting a dealer showroom. The standout feature is the “Feel The Car” tool, providing a 360-degree view of the car’s interior and exterior. It goes beyond visuals, incorporating authentic sounds and feature explanations through engaging videos. It also offers features for searching and comparing cars by the makes, models, prices, features, and more. Furthermore, it also provides live offers and promotions in all cities.
Along with the above consumer product features, CarDekho.com provides a rich array of tech-enabled tools to OE manufacturers and car dealers. These consist of lead management applications for dealer sales executives, call tracking services, cloud-based sales performance monitoring, digital marketing assistance, virtual online showrooms, and outsourced lead management operational procedures that move customers from inquiry to sale.
The company’s vision is to establish a comprehensive ecosystem that links automakers, dealers, consumers, and associated businesses. There goal is to make it simple for customers to buy and sell cars while handling every aspect of car ownership, such as coordinating the purchase of accessories, tires, batteries, insurance, and roadside help.
CarDekho – Name, Logo and Tagline
CarDekho Logo
The naming of CarDekho has been done because the website aims to help users to browse through cars and car-related information. The tagline of CarDekho says, “Bharosa Kar Ke Dekho.”
CarDekho – Business Model
CarDekho operates as a pivotal online marketplace, serving as a nexus between buyers and sellers of automobiles. Its fundamental business model centers on offering consumers an all-encompassing platform for researching, comparing, and acquiring both new cars. As an information-based e-commerce platform, CarDekho delivers insightful content to cater to auto enthusiasts. Moreover, it seamlessly functions as an eCommerce platform, ensuring a seamless and convenient experience for individuals immersed in the car-buying process.
CarDekho – Revenue Model
The revenue model of CarDekho has been simple and clear-cut since day 1.
Here are the primary mediums through which CarDekho earns its revenues:
Advertising: To help automakers and dealerships advertise their goods and services, CarDekho provides a range of advertising alternatives. On its website and mobile app, the business charges for sponsored content, banner ads, and display ads.
Lead Generation: CarDekho seamlessly connects manufacturers and vehicle dealerships with potential customers, generating leads. The fee for each lead is customized based on the buyer’s budget and level of interest, ensuring a dynamic and value-driven cost structure.
Subscription Model: CarDekho presents a premium subscription model, “CarDekho Plus,” offering users exclusive benefits like discounts, free insurance, and extended warranties. The service comes at a fee, renewable annually.
Affiliate Marketing: Partnering with third-party companies, CarDekho promotes products and services related to cars, earning commissions for each sale through its affiliate links.
Subscription Model: CarDekho presents a premium subscription model, “CarDekho Plus,” offering users exclusive benefits like discounts, free insurance, and extended warranties. The service comes at a fee, renewable annually.
Affiliate Marketing: Partnering with third-party companies, CarDekho promotes products and services related to cars, earning commissions for each sale through its affiliate links.
In February 2020, CarDekho announced a secondary sale, enabling eligible employees to redeem 50% of their vested options through GirnarSoft Group’s ESOP Exercise. The company valued this cash-out at approximately $3.5 million. Notably, this marked the second instance of such a scheme in FY20, following the initial ESOP cash-out in April 2019, where CarDekho successfully bought ESOPs amounting to $2 million.
CarDekho – Challenges Faced
CarDekho’s early difficulties included raising awareness in a market devoid of significant competitors. In order to get past this, the business made significant marketing investments, provided discounts, and expanded into the used and new car markets, eventually leading the way as an online marketplace for automobile sales.
Faced with competition from the used car industry, CarDekho made a calculated decision to enter the new car market, becoming one of the first companies to provide an online platform for new car purchases. This action not only addressed the fierce competition but also strengthened CarDekho’s standing as a pioneer in automobile retail innovation.
CarDekho – Funding and Investors
So far, CarDekho has raised $501.1 million spread across 10 funding rounds to date.
Here are the funding details for CarDekho:
DATE
STAGE
AMOUNT
INVESTORS
October 13, 2021
Series E
$200 million
LeapFrog Investments
October 13, 2021
Debt financing
$50 million
–
December 5, 2019
Series D
$70 million
Ping An Global Voyager Fund
January 3, 2019
Series C
$110 million
CapitalG, Hillhouse Capital Group, Peak XV Partners
July 20, 2018
Series B
$2.99 million
Trifecta Capital Advisors
March 21, 2018
Series B
$2.5 million
Peak XV Partners
March 21, 2016
Venture Round
–
CapitalG
May 28, 2015
Venture Round
–
HDFC Bank
January 29, 2015
Series B
$50 million
–
November 27, 2013
Series A
$15 million
Peak XV Partners
CarDekho.com, which went live in 2008, was set up by a bunch of young, enthusiastic IIT graduates. Its investors include Google Capital, Tybourne Capital, Hillhouse Capital, Sequoia Capital, HDFC Bank, Ratan Tata, and Times Internet.
CarDekho – Mergers and Acquisitions
CarDekho has acquired 3 companies.
COMPANY ACQUIRED
DATE OF ACQUISITION
AMOUNT
Revv
Dec 1, 2023
–
Carmudi Philippines
Nov 28, 2019
–
Gaadi Web
Sep 30, 2014
$11 million
CarDekho – Partnerships
Girnar AI Innovations Lab
Amit Jain’s CarDekho and Girnar AI Innovations have teamed up to revolutionize customer support with AI-powered solutions. Their platform, Uservox.ai, uses voice bots, chatbots, and conversational tools to create personalized and efficient customer interactions. This collaboration aims to enhance engagement and streamline customer experiences.
CarDekho – Growth
In its fourth year, CarDekho had already served 2.5 crore visitors by January 2012, reaching the pinnacle of success with a record 1.7 lakh used car sales across India. The launch of its iOS app, following the Android version, resulted in 100,000 downloads within a month, doubling web portal visitors and tripling revenues. By 2014, with a team of over 600 employees, CarDekho expanded its offerings with portals like BikeDekho and PriceDekho.
In 2019, CarDekho significantly expanded its reach by collaborating with 3,000 used car dealers, 4,000 new car dealerships, ten financial institutions, and eighteen insurance providers in India. This strategic network aimed to simplify processes like used car financing and insurance, offering a more streamlined experience for both buyers and sellers in the automotive market. Concurrently, CarDekho introduced Gaadi by CarDekho and inaugurated CarDekho stores in the National Capital Region (NCR) in January 2019, diversifying its services to cater to a broader audience.
In September 2021, CarDekho shifted its strategy to require thorough home inspections before car purchases, resulting in the closure of over 20 stores. This move reflects CarDekho’s confidence in the efficiency of the home inspection model, prompted by changing market dynamics post the COVID-19 crisis and showcasing the company’s adaptability to industry challenges.
CarDekho launched Rupyy
This new platform offers a whole new horizon of financing alternatives to the customers and retailers of automobiles. With the birth of Rupyy, CarDekho aims to empower customers with easy and convenient methods to apply for and receive approval for their auto-financing requirements. According to the CarDekho statement, Rupyy is an end-to-end digital platform that is designed to make the loan journey smooth and hassle-free for customers.
Rupyy work via a QR code-based onboarding process at vehicle dealerships and loan companies. This QR code-based process guides the customers with a self-help path running video KYC, e-NACH, and e-Agreement technologies, which helps them approve their loans right at the point of sale within a few minutes.
CarDekho total expenses dropped from INR 2,921 crore in FY23 to INR 2,669 crore in FY24.
EBITDA
CarDekho Financials FY21-FY24
FY21
FY22
FY23
FY24
EBITDA Margin
-32.34%
-28.63%
-19.23%
-9.19%
Expense/Rs of Op Revenue
INR 1.44
INR 1.36
INR 1.25
INR 1.19
ROCE
-36.94%
-25.71%
-21.6%
-9.2%
CarDekho – Advertisements and Social Media Campaigns
CarDekho Campaign
The auto-tech startup CarDekho, along with brand ambassador Akshay Kumar, presented advertising campaign called “Sapna re.” The brand has emphasized in the advertisement the importance of fulfilling the desire of car ownership for Indian middle-class consumers. Akshay Kumar makes an appearance in a new guise in this campaign as a father who has promised to purchase his little child a car.
CarDekho – Awards and Achievements
Some of the noteworthy awards that CarDekho received in its early days were:
“Best” and “Most Popular” Auto Website of 2016
Website of the Year India 2014 in Automobile Category
Best Car Website of 2012
Most Popular Website of 2012
Website of the Year, India 2011 and 2012
Best Automotive Website of 2009
CarDekho – Competitors
Other online marketplaces in India that deal with and cater to the same set of the target audience are:
CarDekho was looking to expand its business to Southeast Asian markets as per news of 2021. The company, according to the co-founder and President Umang Kumar, was aiming to establish its leadership in the automobile ecosystem of the region. CarDekho has expanded its footprints into Southeast Asia following the acquisition of Carmudi, as per news on October 4, 2023.
Mayank Gupta, CarDekho Group CFO, regarding the startup’s growth plans, said, “With scale, leverage, efficiencies, and process improvements, we are trying to contribute towards our total EBITDA level profitability, and that is what we intend to achieve before the IPO.”
CarDekho has therefore kept its growth plans on track and expects great growth in the future.
CarDekho plans to file its DRHP by March 2025, aiming to raise $500 million (INR 4,100 crore) with an IPO valuation of $2–2.5 billion, nearly double its 2021 valuation of $1.2 billion. The company focuses on enhancing customer experiences through advanced, personalized technologies.
FAQs
Who is CarDekho Founder?
Amit Jain and Anurag Jain are the founders of CarDekho. Umang Kumar has also been the co-founder of the company since CarDekho acquired Gaadi.com.
Is Cardekho reliable? How are CarDekho cars?
Yes, CarDekho is reliable. It is, in fact, one of the most trusted places for certified pre-owned cars. CarDekho cars are thoroughly inspected and come with a 6 months warranty along with a 7-day money-back guarantee.
What is CarDekho net worth?
CarDekho has a net worth of $1.2 billion as of December 2024.
Who is Amit Jain?
Amit Jain is the CEO and co-founder of CarDekho.
What is CarDekho Revenue Model?
The primary mediums through which CarDekho earns its revenue are:
AdSense
Sponsored Advertisements
Commissions from the manufacturers and dealers
Affiliate marketing
Lead generation
Car insurances
How much funding has CarDekho raised?
So far, CarDekho has raised a total of $501.1 million spread across 10 funding rounds to date.
Amit Jain is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-founder of GirnarSoft, an IT externalizing company that launched CarDekho in 2008. The CarDekho website and mobile application help its users buy the right vehicle they are looking for. The reliable reviews of experts help the users differentiate and compare the vehicles to buy the most preferable one. The comparisons are done through detailed information, pictures, and videos of the brands and models available in India.
Amit Jain CarDekho’s co-founder is soon going to be seen judging the popular show, Shark Tank India along with other sharks. Discover more about Amit Jain’s net worth, personal and professional life, education, and more.
Amit Jain, the Cardekho owner was born and brought up in India. He completed his academics in Jaipur and Delhi. His mother, Nilma Jain is a homemaker and his father, the Late Mr. Prashant Jain was an ex-RBI officer and also a gemstone businessman. Amit has a younger brother, Anurag Jain who is the co-founder and COO of CarDekho Group. Amit’s wife, Pihu Jain is the Head of Girnar Foundation. Amit Jain has twin sons.
Amit Jain – Education
Amit Jain, CarDekho’s CEO did his schooling at Saint Xavier’s School, Jaipur. After finishing school, Amit studied science and passed the Engineering Entrance Exam. He then got into IIT Delhi.
Amit Jain – Professional Life
In the year 1999–2000, Amit worked as a Software Engineer at Tata Consultancy Services. After that, he worked as a Senior Associate, Delivery Manager, and Product Manager at Trilogy for about 6 years and 11 months. In 2007, Amit co-founded GirnarSoft, the IT firm, along with his brother Anurag Jain, with the dream of starting a business from their hometown. Later, in 2008, Amit and Anurag both co-founded CarDekho.com, the flagship portal of GirnarSoft.
He established a company named GirnarSoft with his brother in 2007, which launched CarDekho in 2008. He is the CEO of the company and Co-Founder along with his brother. He aimed to build an online platform that would drive traffic from Google and appear at the top. Amit and his brother dreamed of establishing a million-dollar company through an IT-based firm. His efforts paid off with fruitful results. Their online venture, CarDekho, eventually gained huge gross profits.
Millions of people visited the website and returned to learn about the reviews and features of various cars. Amit understood that this was going to work, and the brothers invested more employees and time in the CarDekho online venture. Buying a car is, for sure, an important decision for a middle-class family, they need to have proper guidance. CarDekho proves to be the best online platform that the common man needs.
Amit Jain – Shark Tank India
Amit Jain – Shark Tank India
Shark Tank India Season One turned out to be a great success for numerous startups as well as the sharks. Amit Jain replaced the first season’s most prominent shark, Ashneer Grover in the second season of Shark Tank India.
Amit was super thrilled to be a part of the show. While expressing his excitement, he wrote on his LinkedIn, “Looking forward to mentoring budding entrepreneurs on the show to build a new India.”
Being a judge on one of the most popular shows among Indian audiences has undoubtedly added to Amit’s success.
Amit and his brother started with a small garage at their home. They dreamed of establishing an IT outsourcing firm, and soon a team of 20 people started working for them. The first year of the company proved to be profitable, and eventually, they could buy a place for an office. But in 2009, the company went bankrupt when the stock market crashed. At that time, the company had about 70–80 employees, and they didn’t even have money to pay their salaries. Amit didn’t know how he would manage the office expenses, salaries, etc. Without losing hope, he learned that it is very important to use corporate money with sanctity.
With a pre-established company, both the brothers started thinking of an online venture CarDekho. However, they were still in a dilemma of paying employees of their team. Still, they made CarDekho live in just two weeks. The idea of launching CarDekho came when they attended the Auto-Expo in Delhi. After doing the necessary calculations, they got to know that they could recover their loss through this online venture. The turning point came when they took CarDekho as an official flagship project.
Very few people think of initiating their business from their home town. Also, there are a few examples of people who have really started their ventures from their hometown and accomplished them gradually. Amit Jain is undoubtedly among those examples, who has not only established his firm but also brought huge success and fame to his name and hometown.
Amit Jain – CarDekho
Not a single penny was spent on marketing CarDekho, still, it achieved more popularity than any other application software launched by GirnarSoft. It has now become India’s number one Autotech portal and Rajasthan’s first unicorn startup. The company boasts having more than 35 million monthly unique users, 6000+ monthly used car sales, and 3000+ new cars sold monthly.
In 2013, the company got weighty funding from an American-based company, Sequoia Capital. It significantly attracted many companies for advertising because of the spectacular online presence of CarDekho. Later, it also acquired Gaddi.com in 2014 and Zigwheels in 2015. Without any doubt, CarDekho played a vital role in lifting the name of the parent company GirnarSoft. CarDekho became a unicorn startup in India after raising $250 million in its Series E funding round in October 2021, bringing its valuation to $1.2 billion.
CarDekho is planning to launch an IPO in 2025 and is talking to investment banks about it. The company aims to raise INR 3,000 crore to INR 4,000 crore. The bankers for the IPO will be chosen soon, according to a source. With an estimated worth of $2 billion to $2.5 billion, the IPO would almost double its prior valuation.
CarDekho Group Acquisitions Under Amit Jain’s Leadership
Year
Acquisition
2014
Gaadi
2015
ZigWheels
2018
PowerDrift
2019
Carmudi Phillipines
2023
Revv
After completing 11 terrific years of CarDekho, Amit Jain CarDekho owner disclosed the new Logo in February 2019. The snazzy new logo manifests the automated settings of the app. Like, whenever a new car comes on the market, an old and new comparison tool is designed to clear things up. Both the brothers acceded for aLogo especially designed on the pockets of their white shirts, be it old or new.
The basic aim of CarDekho was to provide data on different cars so that people may understand the features offered in a car. Comparison, reviews, and feedback are something that makes a product reliable and give satisfaction to the customer.
Amit Jain – GirnarSoft
Parent Company of CarDekho – GirnarSoft
GirnarSoft is a company providing business value-based IT solutions and services. Amit founded the company along with his brother in 2007. It is the parent organization of CarDekho and is headquartered in Jaipur, Rajasthan. The company offers a variety of services like mobile application development, Automotive, Outsourcing IT solutions, custom software development, etc. It operates automotive portals and marketplaces like PriceDekho, BikeDekho, InsuranceDekho,OTO.com, and various other portals around the world.
Rishabh Rathi
