Tag: 👨‍💻StartupTalkers

Parth Jindal: The Visionary Behind JSW Group’s New Age Evolution

Parth Jindal, the third-generation entrepreneur of the JSW Group, has strategically redefined the conglomerate’s future by diversifying its ventures and changing its brand perception. Jindal has led the group to grow from a business-to-business (B2B) focus to a consumer-facing (B2C) entity, leading key divisions such as JSW Cement, JSW Paints, and JSW Sports. Bold decisions and new strategies have characterized his journey to build strong brands from commodities and add new dimensions to the group’s identity.

Parth Jindal’s story is nothing short of inspiring, as he is a key player in changing the face of India’s JSW Group. Educated at prestigious institutions such as Brown University and Harvard Business School, Parth quickly demonstrated his potential by revamping underperforming units (JSW Cement), launching JSW Paints, and JSW Sports.

JSW’s business acumen and innovative strategies were led by Parth, who expanded the company’s reach beyond traditional steel and cement sectors to green energy, electric vehicles, and sports franchises. JSW is not just an industrial brand; it is also a name for sports and community impact, with his founding of Bengaluru Football Club and his co-ownership of Delhi Capitals.

Jindal’s foray into sports was also groundbreaking in his attempt to brand JSW. Jindal has given JSW a unique sports-oriented identity by founding the Sports Excellence Programme, launching the Bengaluru Football Club, and investing in teams across cricket, kabaddi, and football leagues. His vision includes IPOs for JSW Paints and JSW Sports, which indicates his aspiration to make JSW a multi-sector powerhouse.

In this StartupTalky story, we will discuss Parth Jindal’s early life, education, career milestones, personal life, notable investments, and awards he has received for his contributions. This story takes you through the challenges and achievements of Parth Jindal’s visionary path and the legacy he continues to create in JSW Group and beyond.

Parth Jindal: Biography

Name	Parth Jindal
Born	May 19, 1990
Nationality	Indian
Education	BA in Economics and Political Science Masters in Business Administration
Alma Mater	Cathedral and John Connon School from Mumbai Sevenoaks School in England Brown University, United States Harvard Business School, Massachusetts
Profession	Managing Director, JSW Cement CEO, Bengaluru FC
Net Worth	$7.68 billion
Spouse	Anushree Jasani
Children	Ayana Jindal (Daughter)
Parents	Sajjan Jindal (Father) Sangita Jindal (Mother)
Siblings	Tarini Jindal Handa (Sister) Tanvi Jindal Shete (Sister)

Parth Jindal: Early Life
Parth Jindal: Education and Career
Parth Jindal: Personal Life
Parth Jindal: JSW Group
Parth Jindal: Investments
Parth Jindal: Controversies
Parth Jindal: Awards and Recognition

Parth Jindal: Early Life

Parth Jindal was born on May 19, 1990, into the renowned Jindal family, which is known for their significant influence on Indian business dynasties, known for their ventures in steel, cement, and infrastructure.

Parth was raised alongside his siblings in Mumbai and is the youngest of three children of Sajjan Jindal and Sangita Jindal. His childhood was shaped by values and culture, which were passed on by his parents with a strong emphasis on discipline, family togetherness, and an active lifestyle.

Parth Jindal: Education and Career

After attending Cathedral and John Connon School in Mumbai, he went on to study at the prestigious Sevenoaks School in England, followed by a BA in economics and political science from Brown University in 2012. The same year, Parth joined the JSW Group, eager to gain hands-on experience, first as an economic analyst. He then completed a six-month placement at JFE Steel in Japan to increase his knowledge of the steel industry. He also spent a brief time working at Falcon Edge Capital, a hedge fund in New York City, where he gained a sophisticated understanding of international finance.

Parth has been a transformative force at JSW. He was instrumental in reviving underperforming units like JSW Cement and JSW Steel USA early on, showing his strategic thinking and innovation acumen. He became a leader when he led the development of a 2.3 million-ton auto-grade steel plant in Vijaynagar, Bellary, which became the first of its kind in India to produce high-quality auto steel. In 2014, Parth further sharpened his business acumen with an MBA at Harvard University, which equipped him with the necessary tools to tackle even bigger projects back home.

On his return, Parth took on multiple roles in the JSW Group. He was managing director of JSW Cement in June 2014 and successfully positioned the brand as a leading player in a competitive market. Beyond traditional industries, his vision extends to JSW Sports, which manages and sponsors teams in major sports leagues like the Indian Super League’s Bengaluru FC, the IPL’s Delhi Capitals, and the Pro Kabaddi League’s Haryana Steelers. In 2018, he launched the Inspire Institute of Sport, a 42-acre facility that aimed to create world-class Indian athletes.

Parth Jindal: Personal Life

Parth Jindal, the co-owner of Delhi Capitals and the leader of JSW Group, balances a fulfilling personal and professional life. He currently resides in Mumbai with his family, which includes his wife, Anushree Jasani. Parth Jindal and Anushree Jasani were a couple for 7 years before they got engaged in the year 2015, and they tied the knot in a grand Viennese celebration in 2016. The wedding of the leader of the JSW group Parth Jindal and his wife Anushree Jasani was a lavish three-day event that was held at historical venues like the Hofburg Palace and Belvedere Gardens.

Together, Parth Jindal and Anushree Jasani are parents to a daughter named Ayana, who was born in the year 2019.

Parth Jindal: JSW Group

Parth Jindal, the head of JSW Group, is a major player in India’s industrial landscape and divides his operations across fields such as steel, energy, infrastructure, and cement. Currently led by Parth under his father’s vision, JSW has become a name to reckon with only for its innovative approaches towards manufacturing and sustainability. JSW Steel has amassed a reputation as being one of India’s top steel manufacturers, famous for its commitment to high quality and environmentally friendly steel production methods.

Parth Jindal has brought the energy of youth to the company and has been preaching digital transformation and sustainability. JSW Group has also expanded its focus on green energy and is now moving towards producing carbon-neutral steel under his leadership, which is a first in the sector. Notably, Parth has also made investments in renewable energy sources as a part of his forward-thinking strategy aimed at reducing the environmental impact.

Some significant milestones for JSW were becoming one of India’s top steel producers and impressive cement and infrastructure growth, especially through JSW Cement and JSW Infrastructure. However, JSW has done well beyond its industrial successes, with the JSW Sports division owning stakes in franchises like the Delhi Capitals IPL cricket team and Bengaluru FC in the Indian Super League. This diverse portfolio demonstrates the company’s dedication to not only industrial excellence but also social impact and community engagement, as envisioned by Parth Jindal for a multi-dimensional business approach.

Parth Jindal: Investments

A prominent business leader, Parth Jindal, who heads JSW Sports and the Inspire Institute of Sport (IIS), has recently expanded his portfolio by participating in a new funding round in PadelPark India. The investment is in line with Jindal’s commitment to supporting emerging sports in India and PadelPark India as the first mover in the ecosystem for Padel, a rapidly growing racquet sport with some elements of tennis and squash.

JSW Sports and IIS have already made a great contribution to India’s athletic landscape through Jindal’s involvement, creating talent across sports and providing world-class training facilities. Recently, he has ventured into the niche sports space by investing in PadelPark India and is of the opinion that niche sports should be equally promoted and accorded the same recognition, infrastructure, and professional support as mainstream sports.

Jindal’s larger ambition of increasing sports participation in the country fits well with PadelPark India’s mission of popularising Padel in the country. This funding will help PadelPark to further strengthen its infrastructure, increase its network of courts, and offer further competitive opportunities to athletes across India. With this investment, Parth Jindal not only fuels a promising new sport but also helps build the broader sports culture in India and aids in fitness and participation at all levels.

Parth Jindal: Controversies

Parth Jindal, co-owner of Delhi Capitals (DC), came under fire on social media after a bizarre incident during an IPL 2024 match between DC and Rajasthan Royals (RR). Sanju Samson, who was captaining RR, was dismissed during the game after a contentious catch. Samson was frustrated by the third umpire’s taking nearly three minutes to review the decision, and the atmosphere was tense.

Jindal’s animated gestures and some who said it was a send-off for Samson were widely criticized on social media, with many fans and commentators calling out his behavior as unsportsmanlike.

Parth Jindal: Awards and Recognition

Parth Jindal has been awarded with the following awards:

GQ’s 50 Most Influential Indians in 2018
Jashn E Youngistan 2018
2019 Economic Times Awards 40 Under Forty
2019 Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar

FAQs

Who is Parth Jindal?

Parth Jindal born on May 19, 1990, is the son of Sajjan Jindal and MD of JSW Cement & CEO of Bengaluru FC.

Who is the owner of JSW?

Sajjan Jindal is the owner of the JSW group.

Who is Parth Jindal wife?

Anushree Jasani is the wife of Parth Jindal.

What is Parth Jindal education?

Parth Jindal completed his MBA at Harvard Business School in 2016 and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science from Brown University in 2012.

November 10, 2024

Sriharsha Majety: Visionary Behind Swiggy

We have lived in times when going out to eat meant the celebration of special occasions. Then came a period when visiting a restaurant became almost a weekend thing & now, we live in a ‘Netflix & chill’ era where we prefer food reaching us to going out to eat. And surprisingly this can be done with just a click.

The food & restaurant industry has undergone a huge transformation in the past few decades. One of the many factors that drove this transformation is the online food ordering platforms. Online food ordering today is almost synonymous with Swiggy.

In this article, let’s explore the journey of Sriharsha Majety, one of the brains behind this online food revolution.

Sriharsha Majety Biography

Name	Sriharsha Majety
Birthplace	Andhra Pradesh, India
Nationality	Indian
Education	Electrical and Electronics Engineering, BITS Pilani Master in Physics, BITS Pilani PGDM-Finance, IIM Kolkata
Position	Co-founder and CEO of Swiggy

Sriharsha Majety – Education
Sriharsha Majety – Career
Sriharsha Majety – Swiggy
Sriharsha Majety – Personal life
Sriharsha Majety – Personal Investments
Sriharsha Majety – Partner Investments
Sriharsha Majety – Awards & Recognitions
Sriharsha Majety – Quotes

Sriharsha Majety – Education

Majety has a diverse and impressive educational background that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial journey.

He holds an engineering degree in Electrical & Electronics and a Master’s degree in Physics from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani.

After his Engineering, he signed up for the CFA Program but soon found that it wasn’t what he wanted to do. Majety had not settled with whatever came his way but always wanted to do things with passion. Further, he went on to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Management at the prestigious Management school, IIM, Calcutta.

This unique blend of technical and business education was instrumental in shaping his vision for the upcoming business adventures.

Sriharsha Majety – Career

Majety’s career has many ups, downs & learnings. His professional life started as an Associate at Nomura International, a London-based company. He stayed there for a year before quitting. Later, he quit his job so that he could get connected with the startup ecosystem and build up his own business. He wanted to learn & explore things before jumping into his own business.

He traveled across Europe & Asia and this is what he says about his experience:

“I traveled 3500 km from Portugal to Greece by bicycle over 3 months and continued overland from Turkey to Kazakhstan through public transport and hitchhiking. Using the time from the career switch to gain some perspective and learn more about the world we live in has been my most rewarding decision to date.”

As a beginning to his entrepreneurial journey, in 2013, he along with his BITS companion Nandan Reddy, founded their first venture Bundl. Bundl was a logistics intermediary that linked courier service providers with small and medium-sized businesses.

A year passed by and both of them analysed the market to realise that there was a gap to be filled in the restaurant industry’s logistics which connects restaurants with customers.

Thus, came into the picture, the now-very-popular Swiggy, founded by Majety, Nandan Reddy & Rahul Jaimini who was an IIT Kharagpur alumnus and software engineer.

The journey there onwards, though had ups and downs, has been very successful to the point that Swiggy is one of the first names that comes to our mind when we say online food order.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CNBC-TV18 (@cnbctv18india)

Sriharsha Majety – Swiggy

Founded in 2014, Swiggy is one of the most successful food ordering and delivery platforms which was started as an eCommerce company called Bundl Technologies Pvt. Ltd.

It is headquartered in Bengaluru from where it had started its operations. It initially had six delivery executives and was serving around 25 restaurants. Later in 2015, Swiggy expanded its operations to eight more cities in India including NCR, Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.

Over the years, Swiggy has found huge popularity & spread across many cities all over India. It has also diversified into many new areas like Cloud kitchen service, hyperlocal courier service, hyperlocal shopping, and Kitchen incubator business.

Swiggy also launched “She The Change- From Vision to Venture” to encourage & recognize women entrepreneurs. This initiative highlights how food delivery services support and encourage women’s entrepreneurship around the nation.

With little over 100 restaurant partners in 2015, Swiggy has decided to go public and received the approval of its shareholders for a $1.3 billion IPO in 2024. This stands as a testament to the huge success that Swiggy has acquired in the past ten years.

Majety being the biggest stakeholder among the three founders, is seen as the face of Swiggy.

On 9th October 2024, IPO-bound Swiggy granted $271 million Esops to the founder Sriharsha Majety, and the top management of the company. Majety has been given most of the company’s stock options, worth almost $200 million. This will increase his 6.23% stake in the company by an extra 2.2 to 2.5%. Together with selling shares worth $7.5 million in the IPO, this move makes his position stronger before the company goes public.

Sriharsha Majety – Personal Life

Sriharsha hails from a family of entrepreneurs who stand as a great inspiration for him. His father used to own a restaurant in Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh. His mother is a doctor.

He is married to Neetha Majety whom he had met in IIM Kolkata.

Sriharsha, unlike many other successful business giants, stays below the radar & doesn’t seem to like the limelight much. Not much is known about his family as he is generally seen talking more about business in interviews.

Sriharsha Majety – Personal Investments

Below are the personal investments made by Sriharsha Majety:

Announced Date	Organization Name	Lead Investor	Funding Round
February 13, 2023	Stable Money	–	Seed Round
December 28, 2022	The Whole Truth	–	Series B
December 8, 2022	Vidyut	–	Seed Round
December 6, 2022	Virgio	–	Series A
November 1, 2022	Virgio	–	Series A
September 1, 2022	Tortoise	–	Seed Round
May 18, 2022	Blissclub	–	Series A
February 2, 2022	Headout	–	Series B
July 7, 2021	The Whole Truth	–	Series A
May 2, 2019	Pesto Tech	–	Seed Round

Sriharsha Majety – Partner Investments

Sriharsha also made some partner investments and below is the detail about them:

Announced Date	Organization Name	Lead Investor	Funding Round
April 17, 2022	Urban Piper	–	Series B
April 15, 2022	Rapido	Yes	Series D

Sriharsha Majety – Awards & Recognitions

Sriharsha has been awarded with the following accolades:

The Economic Times recognized Majety with the “Entrepreneur of the Year” Award in 2019.
He was also enlisted under IIFL Wealth Hurun India 40 & Under Self-Made Rich List 202

Sriharsha Majety – Quotes

Talking about Swiggy, he says,

💡

A culture of innovation is who we are at Swiggy. We have a huge, crazy love for tinkering and we’re always pushing boundaries.

While talking at the 6th Edition of ASCENT eConclave 2021, he says, “It has been a very character-building year for me. I find myself asking deeper questions every time while deciding what can go wrong and doing premortems a lot better.”

FAQs

Who is Sriharsha Majety?

Sriharsha Majety is co-founder and CEO of Swiggy.

What is Swiggy?

Swiggy is an Indian online food ordering and delivery platform, founded in 2014. Headquartered in Bangalore, Swiggy operates in over 580 cities across India as of July 2023.

What is Sriharsha Majety education?

Sriharsha holds an engineering degree in Electrical & Electronics and a Master’s degree in Physics from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani. After his Engineering, he signed up for the CFA Program but soon found that it wasn’t what he wanted to do. Further, he went on to pursue a postgraduate diploma in Management at the prestigious management school, IIM, Calcutta.

Who is Sriharsha Majety wife?

Sriharsha Majety is married to Neetha Majety whom he had met in IIM Kolkata.

November 7, 2024

Noel Tata: A Torchbearer of Legacy, Leadership, Compassion, And The Architect of Global Retail Expansion

Noel Tata, recently cataloged in the media as Ratan Tata’s half-brother, has silently carved out a significant niche for himself in the oceanic Tata Empire. Overshadowed by the more prominent figures in the family like Ratan Tata, Noel’s contributions to the Tata Group’s success and commitment to social causes have been instrumental in shaping the conglomerate’s retail division and enduring legacy.

Born into the family of legends, Noel Tata joined the Tata Group in 1999 and took over Trent, the retail arm of the huge empire. Under his strategic leadership, Trent came to the forefront of India’s gigantic retail market, diversifying its offering and expanding its footprint. A man of few words with keen business acumen, Noel has played a quintessential role in various Tata ventures, ranging from retail to hospitality.

From his initial days at Tata Industries to becoming the Chairman of Tata International, let us uncover Noel’s challenges and lessons learned in life along the way. Learn about Noel Tata, his education, career, family, and more from this article.

Noel Tata – Biography

Name	Noel Naval Tata
Born	December 1957
Nationality	Indian-born Irish Citizen
Hometown	Mumbai, India
Education	University of Sussex, England INSEAD Business School, France
Position	Chairman Tata Trust Chairman Trent and Tata Corporation Chairman, Non-Executive Director Tata International Vice Chairman Titan Company and Tata Steel Non-Executive Director, Tata Sons
Net Worth	$1.5 billion
Spouse	Aloo Mistry
Children	Neville Tata (Son) Leah Tata (Daughter) Maya Tata (Daughter)
Parents	Naval Hormusji Tata (Father) Simon Naval Tata (Mother)
Siblings	Ratan Naval Tata (Died October, 2024) Jimmy Naval Tata

Noel Tata – Early Life and Education
Noel Tata – Career
Noel Tata – Personal Life
Noel Tata – Journey So Far!
Noel Tata – Key Achievements

Noel Tata – Early Life and Education

Noel Tata was born with a golden spoon to the legendary Naval Tata and Simone Tata (née Dunoyer) in December 1957. Even though he was born with a golden spoon, Noel’s upbringing has been through understated channels, laying a foundation of benevolence.

His early education was completed in Mumbai, where he immersed himself in the city’s rich culture and tradition that posed a strong foundation of Tata family values. To pursue higher education, Noel flew to England, where he earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom.

To further polish his business acumen, Noel enrolled in the International Executive Program (IEP) at INSEAD Business School in France. His academic journey in England and France helped him acquire a global perspective on business management.

Noel Tata – Career

Noel Tata started his career with the Tata Group in foundational roles and steadily grew through the ranks, demonstrating his leadership skills, and innovative approach and gaining the trust of the vast conglomerate.

His first step in the group was at Tata International, the global trading division of Tata Group, and eventually, he became its Managing Director in 2010. Under his affluent leadership, Tata International diversified to multiple segments like engineering, leather, and metal, creating a global presence. Noel has been the brain behind strengthening the company’s international footprint, especially in Africa and Southeast Asia.

In June 1999, he became the Managing Director of Trent, Tata Group’s retail arm, started by Noel’s mother, Simon Tata. Trent operates retail chains like Westside, Star Bazaar, and Zudio. Under his stewardship, Trent saw substantial growth, with its shares skyrocketing over 6000%. In 2014, he became the Chairman of Trent, with Westside and Zudio becoming major players in India’s fashion retail market.

Seeing his leadership qualities in 2003, Noel was appointed as the Director of Titan Industries and Voltas. In 2018, he was raised to the rank of Vice Chairman for Titan Industries, and in March 2022, he became the Vice Chairman of Tata Steel.

Noel Tata was embraced as one of the board members of the Sir Ratan Tata Trust in February 2019, and soon after the demise of his brother, on October 11th, 2024, he was appointed as the Chairman of the Tata Trust, which holds a stake of 66% in Tata Sons, the parent company.

In a historic move, Noel Tata joined the board of Tata Sons on November 4, 2024, as a nominee of Tata Trusts, marking the first time since 2011 that a Tata family member serves on both boards. His appointment is in line with Tata Sons’ Articles of Association, allowing Tata Trusts to nominate one-third of the directors on the board.

Noel Tata – Personal Life

Noel Tata with wife Aloo Mistry and Daughter Leah Mistry

Noel Tata is married to Aloo Mistry, the daughter of another prominent businessman in India, Pallonji Mistry. Pallonji Mistry has been associated with Tata Group since time immemorial and owns a substantial stake in Tata Sons as the single largest shareholder.

Noel and Aloo have three children, one son, Neville Tata, and two daughters, Leah Tata and Maya Tata. His family life is a reflection of his reserved personality; grounded, private, and away from the public eye. Balancing his professional responsibilities with his personal life, Noel has maintained a quiet yet resilient presence both in the business and family spheres.

Noel Tata – Journey So Far!

Despite speculations in the business world about him succeeding his half-brother, Ratan Tata, as the head of Tata Sons, his brother-in-law Cyrus Mistry was declared as the successor of Ratan Tata in 2011. However, Cyrus was removed from the Chairmanship of Tata Sons in October 2016, and the role went back to Ratan Tata until February 2017.

However, even through this family chaos, Noel remained unimpacted and continued to influence the group’s retail and international operations. His leadership extended further when he took on an influential role within Tata Trusts, which control the majority of shares in Tata Sons.

Noel Tata’s undeniable contributions have coagulated his status in the Tata Group, leaving a mark as a forward-thinker. His hard work as the leading light of Tata International and Trent has substantially contributed to Tata Group’s global expansion, showcasing his commitment towards the legacy and future of Tata Sons.

Despite his dominance across various Tata Group arms, he chose to uphold a quiet presence in the media compared to other Tata family members. Currently, Noel Tata remains a key figure in the operations and governance of the Tata Group, actively taking the Tata family’s legacy to global podia.

Noel’s connection to the Mistry family through his wife, Aloo Mistry, further solidifies his presence within the group, with his children also playing active roles within Tata Trusts. Over the years, Noel Tata has emerged as a key figure shaping the future of the Tata Group, especially following Ratan Tata’s exit from active leadership due to his grief.

Noel Tata – Key Achievements

Noel Tata may be understated in the media as compared to Ratan Tata, but his achievements have no denying when talking about making Tata Group’s retail and international businesses enduring success.

As the Chairman of Trent, Noel spearheaded the growth of the Westside retail chain, turning it into a profitable and leading retail brand in India and multiplying its shares to over 6000%. He also played a crucial role in expanding the Tata Group’s global footprint, especially through Tata International. Under his leadership as a Managing Director from 2010 to 2021, he raised revenues from $500 million to $3 billion.

To add to his list of achievements, he has held multiple leadership roles in Tata Group, including Vice Chairman of Titan Company and Tata Steel. Noel has now been appointed as the Chairman of Tata Trust to lead the company, after the late Ratan Tata, which oversees a 66% stake in Tata Sons. His current role in Tata Trust solidifies his position within the Tata Group, shutting the mouths of many who doubted his capabilities.

FAQs

Who is Noel Tata?

Noel Naval Tata is a businessman with roots in both India and Ireland. He holds important positions in several Tata companies. He is the newly appointed chairman of Tata Trusts, Trent, and Tata Investment Corporation. He is also the managing director of Tata International and the vice chairman of Titan Company and Tata Steel.

Who is the wife of Noel Tata?

Aloo Mistry, daughter of Pallonji Mistry is the wife of Noel Tata.

What is the net worth of Noel Tata?

The net worth of Noel Tata is $1.5 billion as of 2024.

November 5, 2024

Anant Ambani: The Green Business Heir And Animal Advocate With A Golden Heart

Anant Ambani, the youngest scion of the Ambani legacy, is a unique blend of ambition, compassion, and resilience. Anant’s journey has captured both the business world and the public eye, with his love for animals and his innovative role in Reliance’s next-generation ventures. From a challenging health voyage of severe asthma to his grit and transformational involvement in Reliance’s green energy vision, Anant’s story is one of personal evolution and sustainable drive.

While he may be the youngest of the Ambani siblings, his dedication to environmental causes and his growing influence in the business world make him a force to be reckoned with. Through his vision for a sustainable future, Anant, through his leadership, has turned Reliance’s New Energy towards a greener future, aligning with India’s environmental goals.

As a key figure in Reliance Industries, he’s not just a beneficiary of a family legacy but an active participant in shaping its future. With a heart as vast as the wilderness he champions, Anant Ambani is emerging as a unique voice in the world of business and philanthropy.

In this StartupTalky story, let us learn about Anant Ambani’s ambitious vision for animal shelter and renewable energy, his personal life, education, and philanthropy reflecting both a deep-rooted legacy and an innovative future.

Anant Ambani: Biography

Name	Anant Mukesh Ambani
Born	April 10, 1995
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Mumbai
Education	Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai Brown University, The United States
Profession	Managing Director, Reliance New Solar Energy Limited Director on the Boards, Jio Platforms Limited Director on the Boards, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited Director on the Boards, Reliance New Energy Limited Director on the Boards, Reliance Industries Director on the Boards, Reliance Foundation
Net Worth	$40 billion
Spouse	Radhika Merchant
Parents	Mukesh Ambani Nita Ambani
Siblings	Isha Ambani Akash Ambani

Anant Ambani: Early Life and Education
Anant Ambani: Career
Anant Ambani: Personal Life
Anant Ambani: Philanthropy
Anant Ambani: Criticism & Controversies
Anant Ambani: Awards And Recognition

Anant Ambani: Early Life and Education

Anant Ambani is the youngest born to business tycoon Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani on April 10, 1995. He is the youngest of three siblings, the elder sister Isha Ambani, and brother Akash Ambani. Raised in one of India’s wealthiest families, Anant’s upbringing is marked by privilege, responsibility, and spirituality, as he was introduced to the foundations of his family’s vast business empire early on.

Anant attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. After completing his primary and secondary education here, he went on to pursue higher studies in the United States, attending Brown University in Rhode Island.

Anant’s early life involved many health challenges, as he struggled with chronic asthma. This led to a noticeable weight gain due to the heavy antibiotics, steroids, and other medications.

Anant Ambani: Career

After graduating from Brown University in the USA, Anant returned to India and joined Reliance Industries in 2019. Initially, Anant worked alongside his siblings Akash and Isha under the mentorship of their father. By 2022, Anant was chosen as Director of Boards for Jio Platforms Limited, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited, Reliance Industries, and Reliance Foundation.

In 2021, Anant was entrusted with overseeing Reliance’s ventures into solar energy, hydrogen production, and battery technology. In 2022, under Anant’s leadership and innovative ideas, Reliance New Energy diversified to ‘Green Hydrogen Fuel’ as a clean energy source. He played a crucial role in setting up giga factories for solar panel production, battery manufacturing, and fuel cell research in Gujarat. In 2023, Anant was appointed the Director of Boards for Reliance New Energy Limited.

Under Anant’s influence, the company has embarked on several initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and sustainability. His strategic insights and forward-thinking approach have been instrumental in driving Reliance’s expansion into emerging markets, further solidifying its position as a global leader.

Anant Ambani: Personal Life

Anant Ambani was married to Radhika Merchant, daughter of Viren Merchant and Shaila Viren Merchant, on 12th July 2024. Theirs was the third grand wedding in India, with celebrations lasting for seven months. The wedding festivities were split between Gujarat and Mumbai and were one of the most talked-about events, attended by global celebrities, business tycoons, and political figures.

In March 2024, Anant and Radhika’s pre-wedding festivities took place in Jamnagar, Gujarat. The grand three-day celebration was held at RIL township in Moti Khavdi Village, sparkled by Hollywood artists like Rihanna and magician David Blaine.

Anant is known to be passionate about sports, particularly cricket, and supports multiple domestic and international cricket events through the Reliance Foundation. He also plays a key role in managing the IPL’s Mumbai Indians cricket team, owned by the Ambani family. He often attends matches and is actively involved in the strategic management of the team alongside his mother, Nita Ambani.

Anant has a penchant for luxury watches and has a massive collection that includes some of the most prestigious brands in the world, including Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Rolex, and Richard Mille. Despite being the son of India’s richest man and being a billionaire himself, Anant is a spiritual, humble, and grounded person with a strong focus on family and legacy.

Anant Ambani: Philanthropy

Anant is involved in various philanthropic initiatives through the Reliance Foundation, led by his mother, Nita Ambani. He is specifically passionate about animal welfare and has established ‘Vantara’, a 3000-acre animal rescue center in Jamnagar, Gujarat, a project very close to Anant’s heart. Due to his profound knowledge and interest in wildlife conservation, Anant is recognized as the ‘walking encyclopedia of animals.’

Through ‘Vantara’, Anant aims to rehabilitate abused and endangered animals by providing advanced healthcare facilities, research centers, and academic institutions. Under Anant’s vision to protect animals, Vantara has collaborated with organizations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).

To lay emphasis on education for all, Anant supports many education-related programs held by the Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. Under this initiative, the school offers scholarships to underprivileged children and emphasizes holistic development alongside academic excellence.

During COVID, Anant Ambani was actively involved in Reliance’s extensive relief efforts to set up India’s first dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Mumbai. This helped the frontline workers with PPE kits and provided the latest medical equipment to help the public.

Anant is known for his deep spiritual beliefs and makes massive donations to various temples in India. He has been seen making pilgrimages and participating in various religious ceremonies. Anant has recently donated a 20-kilogram gold crown worth $150 million to Mumbai’s famous Lalbaug Cha Raja Ganpati under the Reliance Foundation.

Apart from this, Anant’s wife, Radhika, who is also a trained classical dancer, is also engaged in promoting art for underprivileged individuals and other social impact ventures. Anant and Radhika’s role as philanthropists emphasizes on their commitment to bringing a positive change in society and uplifting underprivileged societies.

Anant Ambani: Criticism & Controversies

Anant Ambani has on most occasions maintained a low-profile public image; however, given the fame of the Ambani family, he has occasionally been brought to the spotlight in negative form.

1. Weight Loss Journey: Anant has faced a lot of criticism on his weight. In 2016, when he underwent a major weight loss transformation, it did attract a lot of media coverage. While his journey was largely praised, many raised questions about the extreme measures and medical treatments that were taken.

2. Wedding with Radhika Merchant: Anant and Radhika’s wedding also faced a lot of criticism and social media discussions on the opulence associated with the Ambani family. The spark arose when, during the wedding festivities, Jio increased their call rates and data charges.

3. Concerns About Alleged Privilege in the Business Sphere: As Anant prepares to take on a larger role in Reliance’s New Energy sector, some critics have speculated about his potential influence given the Ambani family’s impact on Indian business and policy.

Anant Ambani: Awards And Recognition

Anant Ambani has been awarded with the following awards:

Honorary Membership of Lalbaug Cha Raja Sarvajanik Ganesh Utsav Mandal.
Member of the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee, appointed by the Uttarakhand Chief Minister TS Rawat in March 2019.

FAQs

Who is Anant Ambani?

Anant Ambani is the youngest son of Mukesh Ambani, the chairman of Reliance Industries, one of India’s largest conglomerates. Known for his role within the family business, Anant is gradually taking on responsibilities in various sectors of Reliance Industries, particularly focusing on the group’s newer ventures, like clean energy and green technology.

Who is Anant Ambani wife?

Radhika Merchant is the wife of Anant Ambani. They got married in a lavish ceremony held from July 12 to July 14, 2024.

What is Anant Ambani education?

Anant Ambani finished his schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. He then went on to study at Brown University, an Ivy League school in Rhode Island, USA.

November 1, 2024

M.A. Yusuff Ali: From Humble Beginnings To Creating A Global Retail Empire, The Humanity Ambassador

Yusuff Ali, now a billionaire, is a humble man with roots from a small village in Kerala. With his sheer determination and farsighted ambition, Yusuff transformed from being ordinary to a business titan in the global retail landscape.

Equipped with a strong work ethic and a dream to make an impact, Yusuff’s entrepreneurial journey began in the 1970s when he moved to Abu Dhabi. Today he is the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, commanding the retail empire. Under his shade, Lulu Group has expanded its pedigrees across Europe, the Middle East, and India.

A strong business acumen coupled with a passion for quality and customer satisfaction is what propelled Yusuff to take the Lulu Group to unprecedented heights. With his strident farsightedness, Yusuff has established Lulu Group as one of the most recognizable names in retail, with Lulu Hypermarket becoming a staple in households worldwide. Over the last three decades, Yusuff has diversified his authority into sectors like food processing, hospitality, and real estate.

Beyond business, Yusuff is known for his philanthropic contributions through the Yusuff Ali Foundation. He actively supports social causes in education, disaster relief, and healthcare across the UAE, India, and other parts of the globe.

In this StartupTalky story, let us unpeel M.A. Yusuff Ali’s life, challenges, achievements, and how he turned Lulu Group into a powerhouse that transformed retail in the Gulf and beyond.

M.A. Yusuff Ali: Biography

Name	Yusuff Ali Musaliam Veettil Abdul Kade
Born	November 15, 1955
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Thrissur, Kerala
Alma Mater	Schooling from St. Xavier’s High School, Thrissur, KeralaDiploma in Business Management and Administration, India
Profession	Chairman & Managing Director, Lulu Group International
Net Worth	$ 7.4 Billion
Spouse	Shabira Yusuff Ali
Children	Yusuffali Shabeena (Daughter) Shafeena Yusuff Ali (Daughter) Yusuffali Shifa (Daughter)
Parents	M.K. Abdul QaderSafiya Abdul Qader
Relatives	Shamsheer Vayalil (Son-in-law) Adeeb Ahmed (Son-in-law) Sharoon Shamsudheen (Son-in-law)
Siblings	Ashraf Ali

M.A. Yusuff Ali – Early Life and Education
M.A. Yusuff Ali – Lulu Group International
M.A. Yusuff Ali – Personal Life
M.A. Yusuff Ali – Philanthropy
M.A. Yusuff Ali – Controversies
M.A. Yusuff Ali – Awards And Recognition

M.A. Yusuff Ali – Early Life and Education

Yusuff was born on November 15, 1955, in a small village named Nattika in the Thrissur district of Kerala, India. Being raised in an ordinary village family, he spent his early years in a rural setting, which imparted him with values of hard work and empathy. From a very young age, Yusuff learned the basics of trade through his father, who ran a small business.

Yusuff completed his schooling at St. Xaviers High School in Thrissur, Kerala, and holds a diploma degree in Business Management and Administration. To seek business opportunities beyond India, Yusuff moved to Abu Dhabi in 1973 and joined his paternal uncle’s small trading business.

M.A. Yusuff Ali – Lulu Group International

Yusuff Ali - Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International — Yusuff Ali – Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International

Yusuff began his career in 1973 when he moved to Abu Dhabi and started working with his paternal uncle in his small trading business. With his newly acquired business knowledge, he started handling import and distribution, majorly focusing on goods for the local market.

In 1995, Yusuff founded LuLu Group International, initially intending to trade and supply goods across the Gulf region. Under Yusuff’s robust leadership and visionary ideas, the small company expanded to include cold storage and food processing, growing into an international group with operations across three continents.

In the same year, Yusuff expanded into the large-format retail market and opened the first store of ‘Lulu Hypermarket’ in Abu Dhabi. With a supermarket chain, he aimed to offer a wide range of affordable daily-use products catering to the specific needs of Gulf residents. Yusuff’s strategic move ignited a new era in the Middle-Eastern retail sector, positioning ‘Lulu’ as a go-to hypermarket, changing shopping habits in the Gulf.

By 2000, he expanded the ‘Lulu Group’ across the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) countries, opening supermarkets in Dubai, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Yemen, Kuwait, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. In 2006, Yusuff stretched his arms back to India by opening ‘Lulu Convention Centre’ a convention center cum hotel in Kerala’s Thrissur.

By 2013, he opened his first retail venture, ‘Lulu International Shopping Mall’ in Kochi, Kerala, the largest shopping mall in India. In April 2013, ‘Lulu Group’ started its operations in Birmingham by inaugurating its logistics and packaging facility under the name ‘Y International’, catering to chilled and frozen products of British origin for sale in Lulu Hypermarkets. In the same year, Yusuff acquired a 4.99% stake in the Catholic Syrian Bank (CSB) and Dhanlaxmi Bank and increased his stakes to 4.47% in the Aluva-based Federal Bank. In 2014, Yusuff further acquired a 2% stake in the South Indian Bank. In May 2014, Yusuff opened the first ‘Lulu Hypermarket’ in Malaysia.

In 2016, Yusuff acquired the Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London, laying the groundwork for Lulu’s expansion beyond retail. This diversified Lulu’s portfolio into the hospitality and real estate sectors, showcasing Yusuff’s ambition to make ‘Lulu Group’ a globally recognized brand.

From 2019 to 2024, Yusuff fulfilled his Indian expansion vision by opening malls, hotels, and convention centers in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhubaneshwar, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kozhikode, Kottayam, Kochi, Lucknow, Mumbai, Prayagraj, Rajasthan, Varanasi, Tirur, Thrissur, and Thiruvananthapuram. As of 2024, there are more than 200 Lulu Hypermarkets in GCC, 7 in India, 4 in Malaysia, and 4 in Indonesia.

‘Lulu Group’ has been listed for an IPO on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange as ‘Lulu Retail Holdings’. The IPO will be launching over 2.58 billion shares of about $ 1.43 billion, starting at Dh 1.94 to Dh 2.04 per share.

M.A. Yusuff Ali – Personal Life

Yusuff is married to Shabira Ali and lives in Abu Dhabi. The couple has three daughters; the eldest, Shabeena, is married to billionaire businessman Shamsheer Vayalil. The second daughter Shafeena is married to Adeeb Ahamed, who also manages Yusuff with Lulu International Exchange and Twenty14 Holdings, the group’s hospitality investments division. The youngest daughter, Shifa, is married to Sharoon Shamsudheen, who runs a successful IT business.

M.A. Yusuff Ali – Philanthropy

Yusuff Ali is widely recognized not only as a successful businessman but also for his substantial contributions to philanthropy. Through the ‘Yusuff Ali Foundation’, he has undertaken multiple initiatives in education, healthcare, disaster relief, and community welfare in the UAE as well as India.

Community Welfare

As a part of Lulu’s Global CSR policy, the company has joined hands with Dubai Cares and adopted multiple schools in Gaza and Nepal. Yusuff is actively involved in ensuring the economic, religious, and social welfare of Indians in the Persian Gulf region and has played a major role in finding land for the Christian Community to build churches and secure cremation grounds. Yusuff has also contributed to opening a multi-faith funeral center of 8.3 acres in Sharjah for the Indian community.

Disaster Relief Efforts

Yusuff has donated a substantial amount to the Gujarat Earthquake, Tsunami Relief Fund in Asia, and Typhoon Flood Relief across the globe. In the devastating 2019 Kerala floods, Yusuff donated INR 50 million towards relief efforts for emergency supplies and financial aid for rebuilding homes. In 2021, Yusuff Ali donated INR 9 million to build houses for flood-affected families in Kerala, giving many families a stable place to live. Through his foundation, he has helped rehabilitate people who lost their livelihood in the Kozhokode market fire in India.

Educational Support and Scholarships

Yusuff has contributed to building schools and educational institutions in rural areas to ensure access to quality education for underprivileged children. His support extends to providing scholarships for higher education and sponsoring students for professional courses. To promote the importance of skill-building, he has funded various training programs for young people, helping them develop technical and vocational skills to enhance their employment prospects.

Healthcare Initiatives

Yusuff has funded numerous healthcare projects that include the construction of hospitals and health clinics in underserved areas. Under his foundation, Yusuff has organized multiple medical camps, free health screenings, and critical treatments for underprivileged patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Yusuff donated substantial funds for healthcare infrastructure in India and the UAE to support frontline workers with PPE kits, ventilators, and oxygen tanks.

M.A. Yusuff Ali – Controversies

Yusuff Ali, the Chairman and MD of LuLu Group International has largely maintained a reputation for integrity and community service. However, a few instances have attracted media attention, though none have escalated into major controversies.

LIFE Mission Case where ED accused Yusuff of bribery.
The Kerala CPM Feud.

M.A. Yusuff Ali – Awards And Recognition

St. Ephraim Medal and title of “Commander” by the Patriarch Ignatius Zakka I Iwas of Universal Syriac Orthodox Church, 2004.
Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, 2005.
Padma Shri from the Government of India, 2008.
Business Man of the Year 2009-10 award by the Kerala State Forum of Bankers’ Clubs, 2010.
Lifetime Achievement Award at the inaugural Indian CEO Awards, 2012.
Swiss Ambassador’s Award 2012 for outstanding efforts in promoting Swiss-UAE relations.
Most Influential Asian Business Leader in the MENA region award by Forbes Middle East, 2012.
Arab Business Leader of the Year 2012 by the third edition of the Global Arab Business Meeting held in Ras Al Khaimah.
Honorary D.Litt. by Aligarh Muslim University, 2014.
Honoured with the Archbishop Mar Gregorios Award by the alumni association of Mar Ivanios College, Amicos, for his contribution to the industrial sector in 2016.
Honorary doctorate from Middlesex University, 2018.
Honorary doctorate from Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, 2018.
Honoured with Abu Dhabi’s highest civilian award, the Abu Dhabi Award 2021 by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
Was granted a long-term residential visa by Qais bin Mohammed Al Yousaf, Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion (MOCIIP) in 2021.
In 2022, Yusuff became the first Bahrain golden residency visa recipient.

FAQ

Who is the real owner of LuLu Mall?

Yusuff Ali is the Chairman and Managing Director of LuLu Group International, which owns the LuLu Hypermarkets and Supermarkets retail chain.

Who is the richest businessman in Kerala?

Kerala’s wealthiest businessman is M.A. Yusuff Ali, chairman of Lulu Group, with an estimated wealth of ₹55,000 crore.

Which is the largest Lulu Mall in the world?

The largest Lulu Mall in the world is located in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, covering 2.5 million square feet.

October 28, 2024

Akash Ambani: From Legacy To Leadership, A Visionary Architect Beyond Billions

Akash Ambani, the eldest son of Indian business tycoon Mukesh Ambani, has emerged as a poised leader with a distinctive vision. Born in a world of legends where it’s easy to get overshadowed, Akash is not just a coheir to India’s biggest conglomerate. Rather, he is writing his own story as an avant-garde and bold innovator.

Through his calm demeanor and resilient business acumen, Akash has transformed India’s digital landscape through Jio, making it the largest telecom network in the country. Through his innovative methodologies and unconventional tech revolution, Akash is redefining the foundation of his inherited empire.

With an aim to connect millions through affordable and cutting-edge technology, Akash, in collaboration with his twin sister Isha Ambani, launched ‘Jio’ which changed the dynamics of the Indian telecom industry. Under his leadership, Jio witnessed a meteoric rise by attaining the maximum market share with its economical 4G services, turning his vision into reality.

Akash’s youthful dynamism, strategic foresight, and deep understanding of the digital economy make him a sparkplug of the future of Reliance Industries. Behind his calm character lies a bold thinker who is reshaping and modernizing ‘Reliance’ for the 21st century by pushing boundaries in digital services, e-commerce, and telecommunications.

His ability to create a bridge between old and new, Akash, has strengthened the legacy of the family with risk-taking, tech-vision, fresh perspective, and youthful energy. In this StartupTalker story, we will uncover Akash Ambani’s innovative leadership, the challenges he faced in navigating the digital age, and how he is shaping Reliance’s bold new future.

Learn about Akash Ambani, his education, career, family, philanthropy, Reliance, and more from this article.

Akash Ambani Biography

Name	Akash Mukesh Ambani
Born	October 23, 1991
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Mumbai
Education	Dhirubhai Ambani International School Brown University, The United States
Profession	Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm Director on the Boards, Jio Platforms Limited Director on the Boards, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited Director on the Boards, Reliance New Energy Limited Director on the Boards, Reliance New Solar Energy Limited
Net Worth	$40 billion
Spouse	Shloka Mehta
Children	Prithvi Akash Ambani (Son) Veda Akash Ambani (Daughter)
Parents	Mukesh Ambani Nita Ambani
Siblings	Isha Ambani Anant Ambani

Akash Ambani: Early Life and Education
Akash Ambani: Career
Akash Ambani: Personal Life
Akash Ambani: Philanthropy
Akash Ambani: Controversies
Akash Ambani: Awards And Recognition

Akash Ambani: Early Life and Education

On October 23, 1991, Akash was the firstborn son of renowned personalities Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani. Being born into one of the most wealthiest and influential families in India, Akash grew up with a deep sense of carrying the family tradition and legacy. Since a young age, Akash was surrounded by the world of business through his daily’s extensive global network.

Akash completed his early education from Dhirubhai Ambani International School, an Ivy League school in Mumbai, founded by his mother, Nita Ambani. After completing his schooling, Akash went to the United States to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Brown University. His upbringing was marked by a focus on academic excellence and an awareness of the family’s cultural values, which has shaped his approach towards business.

Akash Ambani: Career

In 2014, after attaining a degree in economics, Akash came back to India and officially joined Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited as a non-executive Director. In December 2015, Akash, along with his siblings Isha and Anant, launched Jio 4G services, which brought a digital revolution to the country.

In 2016, under Akash’s inventive leadership and strategy, Jio went public, offering free voice calls and low-cost data services, and acquired over 100 million subscribers within months. In 2017, Akash was appointed as the Director on the Boards for Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail, extending his headship beyond telecom to digitize the retail arm of Reliance Industries.

In 2018, Akash spearheaded key partnerships with global technology syndicates such as Facebook, Google, and Microsoft that led to positioning Jio as a leading player in the global tech ecosystem. Through his revolutionary business concepts, Jio expanded to create a digital ecosystem by integrating platforms like JioTV, JioCinema, and JioSaavn. By 2020, Akash secured a $20 billion investment deal from 13 marquee investors, solidifying Jio’s position as the leading telecom industry with a valuation of over $65 billion.

In 2022, Akash was appointed as the Chairman of Reliance Jio, marking the beginning of next-gen leadership at Reliance. In the same year, Akash launched Jio 5G, proposing the next phase of digital transformation in India. By January 2023, under his rheostat, Jio 5G spread across 192 cities across 29 states in India, revolutionizing industries like education, entertainment, and healthcare.

Akash Ambani: Personal Life

Akash married his childhood friend Shloka Mehta in March 2019, who is the daughter of diamond magnate Russell Mehta and Mona Mehta. Theirs was the second grand wedding of India, which took place in Mumbai and was one of the most talked-about events, attended by global celebrities, business tycoons, and political figures.

Akash and Shloka welcomed their first child, Prithvi Akash Ambani, in December 2020. In May 2023, they became parents to a daughter, Veda Ambani. Despite the enormous responsibilities that come with his role at Reliance, Akash is a grounded and humble person with a strong focus on family and legacy.

Akash is known to be passionate about sports, particularly football and cricket. He also plays a key role in managing the IPL’s Mumbai Indians cricket team, owned by the Ambani family. He often attends matches and is actively involved in the strategic management of the team alongside his mother, Nita Ambani.

Akash Ambani: Philanthropy

Akash is actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives through the Reliance Foundation, led by his mother Nita Ambani. Through his digitized and technical approach, Akash plays a significant role in shaping the foundation’s focus on education, healthcare, rural transformation, and disaster response.

To lay emphasis on education for all, Akash supports education-related philanthropy done by the Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. Under this initiative, the school offers scholarships to underprivileged children and emphasizes holistic development alongside academic excellence.

As a sports enthusiast, Akash plays an important role in promoting sports in India and supports various sports development programs for grassroots-level athletes to nurture young talent. Through the Reliance Foundation, Akash has undertaken various initiatives to promote football and other sports to encourage physical education and a healthy lifestyle.

Akash Ambani was involved in Reliance’s extensive relief efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company set up India’s first dedicated COVID-19 hospital in Mumbai, provided medical equipment, and supported frontline workers. Through the Reliance Foundation, Akash helped distribute millions of free meals and essential supplies to those affected by the pandemic.

Apart from this, Akash’s wife Shloka is also engaged in social impact ventures through the Reliance Foundation. Akash and Shloka’s role as philanthropists emphasizes on their commitment towards bringing a positive change in society and uplifting underprivileged societies.

Akash Ambani: Controversies

Akash Ambani has generally maintained a positive and clean public image, apart from his Aston Martin car crash incident in 2013.

Akash Ambani: Awards And Recognition

Akash Ambani has been awarded with the following accolades:

TIME100 Next in TIME Magazine’s list of rising stars 2022
Fortune’s 40 Under 40 list of young leaders

FAQs

Who is Akash Ambani?

Akash Mukesh Ambani is an Indian businessman who serves as the chairman of Reliance Jio. He is the son of Mukesh Ambani.

Are Akash Ambani and Isha Ambani twins?

Yes, Akash Ambani and Isha Ambani are twins. They were both born on October 23, 1991, to Mukesh and Nita Ambani.

What is Akash Ambani education?

Akash Ambani attended Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai for his early education. He later went to Brown University in the United States, where he earned a degree in Economics.

October 28, 2024

V.S.S Mani: The Architect Of India’s Digital Directory Who Revolutionized Local Search

In the early 1990s, when the internet was just an infant and mobile phones were not smart, V.S.S Mani envisioned creating digital yellow pages to connect people and local businesses with just one phone call.

In 1996, Mani sowed the seeds of his idea in the bustling streets of urban chaos in Mumbai and launched ‘Justdial.’ He aimed to simplify the cumbersome task of finding local businesses in a printed directory. Mani invented an efficient phone-based online directory service where anyone could dial in to find local businesses, products, and services.

Who knew what started as a small garage idea with an investment of only INR 50,000 would turn into a multi-million company, altering the way Indians searched for information?

In this ‘Startup Talker’ story, we will explore the fascinating journey of V.S.S Mani, the early days of Justdial, and the challenges he faced along the way.

V.S.S Mani – Early Life and Education
V.S.S Mani – Career
V.S.S Mani – Personal Life
V.S.S Mani – Challenges
V.S.S Mani – Controversies
V.S.S Mani – Awards And Recognition
V.S.S Mani – Famous Quotes!

V.S.S Mani – Biography

Name	Venkatachalam Sthanu Subramani Mani
Born	In 1966 at Tata Main Hospital, Jamshedpur
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Jamshedpur
Education	High School from Tamil Nadu
Profession	Founder, Managing Director, and CEO Justdial
Net Worth	INR 1332 Crore ($13.32 Billion)
Spouse	Anita Mani

V.S.S Mani – Early Life and Education

V.S.S Mani was born in 1966 in Jamshedpur and belongs to a humble and traditional Tamil Brahmin family. Growing up in a middle-class family, he was no stranger to the challenges of making ends meet. Mani’s early life was shaped by strong family values and a zeal to work hard, which later played a crucial role in his entrepreneurial journey.

After completing his schooling, Mani enrolled for a bachelor’s degree at Delhi University along with preparing for Chartered Accountancy. However, he had to quit his college dreams due to financial crunches.

Even as a college dropout, Mani aspired to create something of his own and faced several challenges along the journey before landing on the idea that would later become ‘Justdial’.

V.S.S Mani – Career

Mani started his professional journey in 1987 as a salesperson for a yellow page company, United Database India. Being a man with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, in 1989 he co-founded AskMe, his first start-up venture and India’s first phone-based directory based in Delhi. Even with an initial investment of 25 lakhs and the brains of three other partners, AskMe did not succeed due to the lack of phone accessibility among people and exorbitant call rates.

In 1992, Mani ventured into a wedding planner magazine, yet to confront another setback. For four years, Mani kept trying his hands in multiple initiatives and enterprises with not much success. Finally, with many consecutive misses, Mani shifted his base to Mumbai, a city that made his dream come true.

In 1996, with a small capital of INR 50,000, borrowed furniture, rented computers, and a small office in Malad with only five employees, Mani started ‘Justdial.’ With the liberalisation of telephone policies and a successful meeting with MTNL officials on a unique customer number, Mani’s vision turned into reality. Through sheer determination and innovative thinking, he transformed ‘Justdial’ into a household name, revamping the way people connected with businesses across the country.

In 2000, Mani launched the dot-com version of ‘Justdial,’ expanding the services from mere contact details to online food ordering and ticket booking. Within a decade, with the simple concept of providing a comprehensive online directory of local businesses, Mani had tapped the unmet need of the Indian market. Seeing the massive success with the company’s valuation soaring to INR 4,000 crore by 2007 under his proficient supervision and innovative ideas, the company introduced its web-based version.

In 2013, Mani listed ‘Justdial’ and made the company public by issuing an IPO that further amplified the valuation of the company to INR 6,000 crores. The trailblazing success of ‘Justdial’ grabbed the attention of many investors, and in 2021, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail acquired a total of 66.95% shares in Justdial, which included a 15.63% stake owned by V.S.S. Mani, valued at approximately INR 1,332 crore.

Interview with V.S.S Mani about his Career

V.S.S Mani – Personal Life

Mani is married to Anita Mani and is known to be a family man. Despite his professional success and a strong bond with his wife and kids, Mani believes in keeping his personal life private. Apart from ‘Justdial,’ all his personal affairs are out of the public spotlight.

V.S.S Mani – Challenges

Success did not come to Mani on a platter, both personally and professionally. From not being able to complete his education due to financial crunches to failed startup initiatives, he has faced catastrophe at every step of his life. During the inception of ‘Justdial’, Mani struggled with funding, where he had to sell his wife’s jewellery and withdraw funds from the FDs.

V.S.S Mani – Controversies

Mani has largely maintained a clean public image; however, in 2013, after the release of the ‘Justdial’ IPO, the company’s stocks faced volatility, leading to questioning the credibility of the company. With the rising concerns over the company’s ability to sustain long-term growth, investors started doubting Mani’s leadership and business model.

‘Justdial’ has also been questioned by industry analysts for their take on innovation, and the company struggled to maintain its market share with rising competition from international giants like Google & Zomato, which put Mani under scrutiny.

Moreover, when ‘Justdial’ was acquired by Reliance Industries, there was a lot of skepticism in the business world about the future of the company. Many believed that Mani would lose all his powers in the once-pioneering startup that was more of a dream come true for him.

V.S.S Mani – Awards And Recognition

Mani was honoured with the coveted Ernst & Young ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ Award 2013 in the area of services.

V.S.S Mani – Famous Quotes!

“Believing in oneself is the most important ingredient to becoming successful.” V.S.S. Mani, Founder, MD, and CEO, Justdial Ltd.

FAQ

Who is the CEO and founder of Justdial?

V.S.S. Mani is the founder and current CEO of JustDial.

What is the work of Justdial Company?

Justdial provides local search services, helping users find contact details, reviews, and addresses for businesses and services across various categories in India.

Is Justdial owned by Reliance?

Yes, Reliance Industries acquired a majority stake in Justdial in 2021.

October 24, 2024

Saurabh Gadgil: The Billionaire Behind India’s Iconic Jewellery Brand Crafting Heritage Into Modern Luxury

In the cultural capital of Maharashtra, where tradition and craftsmanship intertwine, Saurabh took the reins of a legacy that has been cherished since 1832. He is not just a jeweler but a visionary who transformed the Indian jewelry industry by taking it to global stature.

Saurabh, a name synonymous with legacy, opulence, and tradition, has inherited more than just a family business. He is the successor of an heirloom built on trust, exquisite craftsmanship, and rich heritage.

Born into a kingdom of gold, Saurabh inherited a passion for jewelry and revolutionized it into a billion-dollar fortune. With a keen eye for design, a modern perspective, a relentless pursuit of perfection, and a knack for business acumen, Saurabh has elevated the family jewelry business to unprecedented heights.

From the humble beginnings of PNG Jewellers through his Dajikaka in the lanes of Pune to making the company a global brand, Saurabh has steered the future of Indian jewelry with modern luxury, capturing the hearts of many customers worldwide.

As the sixth generation of the legendary PNG Jewellers family business, Saurabh’s unique ability to fuse heritage with innovation sets him apart. Under his leadership, the company expanded globally, reaching international markets while retaining the soul of its traditional roots. Saurabh’s forward-thinking strategies, like embracing eCommerce and modern marketing, played a pivotal role in the company’s remarkable growth, making it a billion-dollar empire.

In this exclusive StartupTalker story, we will discover the secrets behind Saurabh’s success and the challenges he overcame. Let’s uncover the innovative strategies that have propelled PNG Jewellers to the forefront of the Indian jewelry industry.

Saurabh Gadgil Biography

Name	Saurabh V Gadgil
Born	1976 or 1977
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Pune, Maharashtra
Education	Bachelor of Commerce PhD in Mechanical Engineering Master of Business Administration
Alma Mater	Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce University of Texas, Austin Symbiosis Institute of International Business
Profession	Managing Director and Chairman, PNG Jewellers
Net Worth	$1.1 billion
Spouse	Radhika Gadgil
Children	2 (Sons)
Parents	Vidyadhar Gadgil Vaishali Gadgil

Saurabh Gadgil – Early Life and Education
Saurabh Gadgil – Career
Saurabh Gadgil – Personal Life
Saurabh Gadgil – Awards And Recognition
Saurabh Gadgil – Famous Quote

Saurabh Gadgil – Early Life and Education

Saurabh was born in Pune to the legendary Gadgil family, deeply rooted in the traditional gold jewelry business. Raised in Pune, he has been deeply influenced by strong family values soaked in ethics and trust, which can be seen in his business stratagems. These strong cultural beliefs proved invaluable as he later undertook leadership roles within the family business, whose reign dates back to 192 years.

Being raised in a close-knit family of legendary jewelers, Saurabh was exposed to the world of fine craftsmanship and gold jewelry at a very young age. Over the years, he has naturally instilled his family’s meticulous approach to both business and customer relations, which played a crucial role in shaping his vision as a modern-age business leader.

For his education, Saurabh pursued a bachelor’s degree in commerce from Brihan Maharashtra College of Commerce in Pune and flew abroad to the USA for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas, Austin. Later, due to his interest in business management, he pursued an MBA degree from the Symbiosis Institute of International Business.

Saurabh Gadgil – Career

Saurabh’s academic journey began with an internship at the Reserve Bank of India, where he was acquainted with the knowledge of the gold market.

In 1998, Saurabh joined his family’s jewelry business, PNG Jewellers, bringing in an unwavering dedication to the entrepreneurial spirit. When he took the reins of PNG, he revamped marketing strategies towards modernizing the structure by introducing eCommerce and making the business more consumer-centric.

Saurabh’s main contribution has been the brand’s retail expansion with the opening of new stores in Aurangabad, Baramati, Goa, Kolhapur, Latur, Mumbai, Nashik, Pune, and Solapur, UAE, and the United States. This expansion has allowed PNG Jewellers to reach a wider audience and establish itself as a global luxury brand.

Saurabh Gadgil with Salman Khan and Madhuri Dixit

In 2014, Saurabh collaborated with renowned Bollywood celebrities and launched a limited-edition jewelry line with his innovative approach to marketing and branding. Under his leadership, he teamed up with Salman Khan and featured a PNG-exclusive collection in the movies Prem Ratan Dhan Payo, Bajrangi Bhaijaan, and Dilwale. To attract the masses, Saurabh launched the PNG TIMELESS collection with Madhuri Dixit and opened a luxurious boutique store at JW Marriott, Pune.

In 2015, Saurabh partnered with actor Preity Zinta and opened the first PNG store in Fremont, California. The same year, Saurabh was appointed as the Vice President of West Zone for the Indian Bullion & Jewellers Association Limited, where he advocates for the interests of the jewelry industry and contributes to policy-making.

In September 2016, Salman Khan collaborated with PNG and introduced the Being Human Jewellery brand. The sister company of PNG, SQJPL, is the official distributor of Being Human Jewellery with a global license.

In September 2024, under Saurabh’s headship, PNG Jewellers launched their IPO, making him the newest member of India’s Billionaires’ Club after the company’s shares surged by 61%. Through his visionary leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for excellence, Saurabh has propelled PNG Jewellers to new and global heights. As of 2024, PNG Jewellers has 39 operating stores in Maharashtra, with 28 self-owned stores and 11 franchisee outlets.

Saurabh Gadgil – Personal Life

Saurabh hails from Pune and belongs to a family deeply rooted in Maharashtrian culture. Known to be a family-orientated person, Saurabh resides in Pune with his family.

In 2020, Saurabh married Radhika Gadgil, and the couple is blessed with two boys. Despite his prominent public figure, Saurabh maintains a private personal life.

Beyond business, Saurabh is a former national-level chess player and enjoys being involved in local cultural and social events, reflecting on his deep connection to his heritage and upbringing.

Saurabh Gadgil – Awards And Recognition

Saurabh Gadgil, MD & Chairman, of PNG Jewellers, has received several awards and accolades for his innovative business acumen, leadership, and contributions to family business.

Maharashtrian Youth Entrepreneur Icon Award 2017.
CITADEL Award for Excellence in Business 2017.
Entrepreneur Excellence Award 2017 by deAsra Foundation.
Times of India Award for Visionary in Jewellery Retain, India 2018.
Influencer of Industry Award in GJTCI Excellence Award 7th Edition, 2019.
Exemplary Leader (Consumer Goods) Awards 2023.
Debut in the Bloomberg Billionaires Index 2024.

Saurabh Gadgil – Famous Quote

💡

I don’t measure successes with bottom lines. I measure it with growth curves. You become what you believe.” Saurabh Gadgil, MD & Chairman at PNG Jewellers.

FAQs

Who is Saurabh Gadgil?

Saurabh Gadgil is the Managing Director and Chairman of PNG Jewellers.

What is Saurabh Gadgil net worth?

The net worth of Saurabh Gadgil is $1.1 billion (Oct 2024).

Who is Saurabh Gadgil wife?

Saurabh married Radhika Gadgil, and the couple is blessed with two boys.

October 23, 2024

Isha Ambani: More Than Just A Billionaire’s Daughter, A Perfect Fusion Of Beauty, Brains, And Business Brilliance

Isha Ambani, the eldest child of India’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and coheir to India’s largest conglomerate, Reliance Industries, is more than just a billionaire’s daughter. Coming from a prominent business family that has shaped India’s economy, Isha could have easily stepped into the shadows of her father’s legacy. In lieu, she carved a niche for herself as a modern-day ‘Maharani’, illuminating her path with grace, intelligence, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Born and raised in a world of grandiosity, Isha from her early days has always been in the spotlight as a fashion icon. Still, her vision stretched far beyond into the future of retail and digital India. As a key executive at Reliance Industries, she is redefining business boundaries and has demonstrated an exceptional ability to balance tradition with innovation.

Armed with an Ivy League education, Isha’s journey wasn’t just about inheriting a legacy but about rewriting it. With her sharp business acumen, she is the driving force behind Reliance Retail and Jio, making her mark globally. Yet her journey wasn’t without its hurdles while carving her path. Steering through the corporate complexities, Isha has championed sustainable practices, turning obstacles into opportunities.

Isha’s influence extends beyond the corporate world as a prominent philanthropist and a champion for women’s empowerment. From boardroom meetings to defining some of the most innovative ventures, let us unveil how Isha is taking her father’s empire to new heights.

Learn about Isha Ambani, her education, career, family, philanthropy, controversies, Reliance, and more from this article.

Isha Ambani – Biography

Name	Isha Ambani
Born	October 23, 1991
Nationality	Indian
Hometown	Mumbai
Education	Stanford Graduate Business School Yale University
Profession	CEO Reliance Retail Director Reliance Industries Limited Director Reliance Jio Infocomm Member of Board, Jio Member of Board, Jio Financial Services Member of Board, Dhirubhai Ambani International School
Net Worth	$100 million
Spouse	Anand Piramal
Children	Krishna Ambani Piramal (Son), Aadiya Ambani Piramal (Daughter)
Parents	Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani
Siblings	Akash Ambani and Anant Ambani

Isha Ambani – Early Life and Education
Isha Ambani – Career
Isha Ambani – Personal Life
Isha Ambani – Philanthropy
Isha Ambani – Controversies
Isha Ambani – Awards And Recognition
Isha Ambani – Famous Quotes!

Isha Ambani – Early Life and Education

On October 23, 1991, Isha was born as the daughter of Mukesh Ambani and Nita Ambani. She is the elder of the three siblings, having a twin brother, Akash Ambani, and a younger brother, Anant Ambani. Isha was raised in the heart of Mumbai’s elite circles, where she was exposed to the business world from a young age.

Isha’s educational journey is as impressive as her family background. She completed her schooling at the prestigious Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai and later went on to pursue a degree in Psychology and South Asian Studies from Yale University. In 2018, she went to Stanford Graduate School of Business to complete her MBA.

Isha Ambani – Career

Isha commenced her career as a Business Analyst with a stint at McKinsey & Company. In 2014, she came back to India and officially joined Reliance Industries as a Member of the Board. Isha was also a Member of the Executive Committee for Reliance Jio Infocomm, the telecom arm of Reliance Industries, and quickly rose to become the Director of Reliance Jio Infocomm. In December 2015, Isha, along with her brothers Akash and Anant, launched Jio 4G services. She is also a Member of the Board for Reliance Jio, Reliance Foundation, and Dhirubhai Ambani International School.

As a part of the executive leadership team of Reliance Retail, in 2016, Isha launched Ajio, an online fashion brand under Reliance Retail. She rose to become the Managing Director for Reliance Retail, driving its rapid growth and diversification into new markets. Under her vision, Ajio has grown to house over 25,00 brands and commands 15% of the eCommerce fashion market in India with annual sales of over $2 billion. Her advanced digital-first strategy helped modernize the company’s operations, making Reliance Retail a dominant force in the Indian eCommerce market.

In August 2022, Isha was appointed CEO of Reliance Retail by her father, Mukesh Ambani. In July 2023, Isha closed a deal with America’s biggest apparel brand, GAP, and launched over 100 outlets across India. With a vision to bring luxury brands to India, she developed Jio World Plaza, a high-end shopping and entertainment complex in Mumbai, and inaugurated it in November 2023.

Over time, Isha has taken on increasingly significant responsibilities at Reliance Industries. She has been instrumental in driving the company’s expansion into new sectors, such as retail, telecom, healthcare, financial services, and new energy. Her contributions have been particularly notable in the areas of consumer products and retail, where she has played a key role in launching and growing successful businesses.

Isha Ambani – Personal Life

On December 12, 2018, Isha Ambani married Anand Piramal, the son of Ajay Piramal, Chairman of the Piramal Group. Their wedding was one of the most extravagant events that was attended by global business leaders, Bollywood celebrities, political figures, and international guests like Hillary Clinton and Beyoncé.

Isha Ambani and Anand Piramal are parents to twins, one son, Krishna Ambani Piramal, and a daughter, Aadiya Ambani Piramal, born on November 19, 2022. Despite their busy professional and social lives, Isha and Anand are known to share a deep-rooted connection with their families and have high beliefs in their families’ cultural values.

Isha is not just an entrepreneur and fashionista, but an inspiration for many young girls and women in the true sense.

Speaking openly about her motherhood through IVF in an interview with Vogue, she says, “I am very quick to say that my twins were conceived via IVF because that is how we will normalize it, right?” Isha further states, “If there is modern technology in the world today, why not use it to have children?”

She truly believes that motherhood is something you should be excited about; even if achieved through IVF, you must own it with pride and not hide. Isha’s bold move and open statements on IVF have sparked noteworthy conversations around fertility, choice, and women’s empowerment, inspiring many young women.

Isha Ambani – Philanthropy

Isha Ambani is the co-founder of the Reliance Foundation, a non-profit organization chaired by her mother, Nita Ambani. The foundation concentrates on various causes such as education, healthcare, rural development, disaster response, and sports development in India.

One of Isha’s significant contributions has been in the field of education, promoting digital schooling and sports for all. She has been instrumental in starting initiatives like ‘We Care, We Volunteer,’ which aims at providing education, art, and storytelling for underprivileged children.

In healthcare, Isha has played a key role in expanding the foundation’s initiatives to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services. Under Reliance Foundation, she has taken up the ingenuity to spread breast cancer awareness and has launched a book, Being Breast-Aware: What Every Woman Must Know,’ a book written by Dr. Vijay Haribhakti, Chair, Onco Sciences, Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital. To improve the overall health of millions of Indians, Isha has introduced programs, mobile health units, and community health initiatives under the Reliance Foundation.

Isha is also involved in sports development, continuing her mother’s legacy of promoting sports at the grassroots level. The Reliance Foundation Youth Sports (RFYS) program has helped thousands of young athletes hone their skills, providing them with training, equipment, and opportunities to participate in national and international events.

Beyond the Reliance Foundation, Isha and her husband, Anand Piramal, are also engaged in social impact ventures through the Piramal Foundation, focusing on healthcare, education, and social entrepreneurship. Isha’s role as a philanthropist emphasizes her commitment to driving impactful social change and uplifting marginalized communities.

Isha Ambani – Controversies

Isha Ambani has generally maintained a positive public image, but being a prominent figure, there have been a few instances where she has been a part of criticism or controversy.

Reliance Jio Controversy: Reliance Jio, a telecom company where Isha holds an executive leadership role, has faced some controversy during its launch. Many critics accused the company of using unfair tactics to gain market share and of harming the interests of existing players in the telecom industry.

Environmental Concerns: Isha’s business ventures, particularly in the energy sector, have also faced criticism over environmental concerns. Some projects have been associated with issues such as land acquisition, pollution, and deforestation.

Isha Ambani – Awards And Recognition

Isha Ambani has received several awards and accolades for her intense business acumen, leadership, and contributions to transforming Reliance Industries.

In 2015, Forbes’ 30 Under 30 Asia list for her crucial role in the launch of Reliance Jio.
In 2020, Forbes Asia’s Power Businesswomen across the Asia-Pacific region to spearhead Reliance Retail and Reliance Jio.
Among the Twelve Most Powerful Upcoming Businesswomen of Asia by Fortune India.
Second-youngest billionaire heiress on the Forbes list, with a net worth of $100 billion.
‘The Economic Times’ list of most powerful women in business.
Featured in The Times Power List.
Credited with the GenNext Entrepreneur Award at the 12th Forbes India Leadership Awards 2023.
Won Maharashtrian of the year 2024.
Recognized as a rising star at TIME100 Next List.
Ranked 31st in the Hurun India Under-35 list of entrepreneurs.
Icon of the Year Award at the Harper’s Bazaar Women of the Year Awards (2024).

Isha Ambani – Famous Quotes!

💡

We are living in times of exponential changes. The world is changing, the world is innovating, and if we are to survive in this fast-changing world, we too must innovate. So, for everyone present here today: Be ready to embrace the change. Be prepared to take up Science & Technology as a career option because Science & Technology hold the key to the future. The majority of future jobs are going to be in those realms. So, break the shackles to tradition, challenge yourself, and be the changemaker. – Isha Ambai as Director, Reliance Industries.

💡

I have a private account on Instagram because there’s no need for me to have a public account. I’m not an influencer, and it’s not something that I want to be. I don’t want to be known for the number of followers I have. I use social media for fun—scrolling through Instagram is a huge source of entertainment for me!” – Isha Ambani to Vogue.

FAQs

Who is Isha Ambani?

Isha Ambani is the daughter of Mukesh Ambani, one of the richest people in India and the chairman of Reliance Industries. She plays a key role in the family business, especially in the retail and telecom sectors. Isha is also known for her leadership in launching Reliance Jio and has been involved in various projects at Reliance.

What is Isha Ambani education?

Isha Ambani did her schooling at Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai. After that, she went to Yale University in the United States, where she earned a degree in Psychology and South Asian Studies. Later, she pursued an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

What is Isha Ambani age?

Isha Ambani was born on October 23, 1991. As of 2024, she is 33 years old.

Who is Isha Ambani husband?

Isha Ambani’s husband is Anand Piramal. He is the son of billionaire industrialist Ajay Piramal, who leads the Piramal Group, a large conglomerate in India.

October 22, 2024

Bhavish Aggarwal: Driving Innovation and Transforming Transportation

India witnessed a drastic change within a very short period recently. You can now order groceries from the internet, food that reaches your doorstep, and also reach the farthest corner of your city without pressing a gas pedal.

OLA Cabs now Ola Consumer, co-founded by Bhavish Aggarwal has helped a number of its clients solve a major issue of standing in queue, sometimes for hours, or getting ignored by Autowalas in India. Moreover, it has made travel safe for women at any hour of the day.

The photography enthusiast had a big dream, to serve Indians with a secure and reliable cab service. All that became possible with the efforts he made at a young age. Aggarwal is also the co-founder and CEO of OLA and the sole founder of OLA Electric.

The successful cab service was first experimented with on the streets of Delhi. Bhavish Aggarwal founded OLA along with Ankit Bhati and the rest is history.

Let’s know Bhavish Aggarwal and his education, personal life, awards, some unknown facts, and more through this article.

Bhavish Aggarwal – Biography

Name	Bhavish Aggarwal
Birthplace	Ludhiana, Punjab
Born	28 August 1985
Nationality	Indian
Education	B.Tech (IIT Bombay)
Position	Co-founder and CEO of OLA Cabs, Founder of OLA Electric
Net Worth	$2.3 billion (2024)

Bhavish Aggarwal – Early Life
Bhavish Aggarwal – Career
Bhavish Aggarwal – Personal Life | Family
Bhavish Aggarwal – OLA Consumer
Bhavish Aggarwal – Journey So Far!
Bhavish Aggarwal – Investments
Bhavish Aggarwal – Controversy
Bhavish Aggarwal – Awards
Bhavish Aggarwal – Unknown Facts
Bhavish Aggarwal – Top Quotes

Bhavish Aggarwal – Early Life

Bhavish Aggarwal often confused with a Marwadi is a Punjabi, who was born and brought up in Ludhiana. He is part of a loving family who supported his childhood just as every family does. Aggarwal completed his UG in 2008 from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in computer science and engineering.

During the early days of his career, Aggarwal worked for Microsoft which turned out to be two of his glorious years.

Bhavish Aggarwal – Career

The mind behind OLA’s success was a research intern at Microsoft in the year 2007. Then a year later, Aggarwal was absorbed by the company to be the Assistant Researcher. In this position, he spent more than two years at Microsoft.

At Microsoft, Bhavish Aggarwal filed two patents and published three papers in international journals, however, he left Microsoft in July 2010. Not so further shortly, in September of the same year, Bhavish came up with the planning of OLA. By January 2011 he along with Ankit Bhati founded OLA Cabs now OLA Consumer.

Ola Founder Bhavish Aggarwal On ‘Krutrim’: Willing To Invest Whatever It Takes To Build AI For India

Bhavish Aggarwal – Personal Life | Family

Bhavish isn’t the only child of his parents. His father Naresh Aggarwal is an orthopedic surgeon, and his mother Usha Aggarwal is a pathologist. They have another son Ankush Aggarwal. Ankush is the founder of Avail Finance an online money lending platform for which Bhavish has been an angel investor.

Bhavish Aggarwal married his girlfriend Rajalakshmi in 2014. The Tamil-origin girlfriend and Bhavish first met in Bangalore in the year 2007 and have been dating for nearly 6 years. There is no information about the couple having any kids as of yet.

Bhavish Aggarwal – OLA Consumer

Every ease today we feel is possible because of a horrible event that pushed Aggarwal to establish OLA.

While traveling from Bangalore to Bandipur in a car, the driver stopped and started negotiating the previously fixed deal and travel fare with Aggarwal. Worried and annoyed, the founder of OLA Electric was stranded in the middle of nowhere. And that is how he came up with the inspiration behind the magnificent works of OLA.

Following the event, in 2010, Bhavish established Olatrip.com. This was known as a trip-planning company at first. A year later, looking at the growing demand for cab services Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati launched Olacabs now OLA Consumer. This time it was a taxi aggregation platform.

In the initial years, the cab booking firm had its users booking cabs via phone calls. Soon, in June 2012, Olacabs launched a mobile app. And by 2015, OLA had the biggest market share.

Today OLA has its range of Electric Vehicles, which was again founded by Bhavish Aggarwal, a man with big dreams.

Bhavish Aggarwal – Journey So Far!

Bhavish had to face several hurdles while introducing OLA to the Indian audience. Not just once, but every time he came up with something new or aimed for a new market, there had been struggles.

In the initial years, local big shots such as The Radio Traffic Services and FastTrack were tough to compete with OLA, but that didn’t stop Bhavish from aiming higher. These obstacles encouraged Aggarwal to think differently and come up with something odd yet problem-solving. This is when OLA started hiring drivers who had an All India Permit, and launched its inter-city travel feature.

Similarly, Bhavish kept on introducing newer features in OLA such as OLA Mini, and OLA Auto, which went on to win awards.

Next is his venture, Krutrim AI which recently raised $50 million at a valuation of $1 billion. With this raise, Krutrim AI became India’s first-ever startup unicorn of 2024. Not just that but Krutrim AI is also the first homegrown artificial intelligence firm.

Bhavish Aggarwal – Investments

With being an angel investor in his brother’s firm Avail Finance, Bhavish has even invested in several other firms over the years.

Company	Date	Industry
O’ Be	1 May 2022	Beverages
Karkinos	12 Feb 2022	Clinics/Outpatient Services
O’ Be	23 August 2021	Beverages
Avail Finance	28 June 2019	Other Commercial Banks
Avail Finance	14 March 2018	Other Commercial Banks
Avail Finance	1 Feb 2017	Other Commercial Banks
OfBusiness	13 December 2016	Media and Information Services (B2B)
SuperSuit	8 June 2016	Electronics (B2C)
Tork Motors	18 April 2016	Automotive
Hashlearn	23 March 2016	Educational Software

Bhavish Aggarwal – Controversy

OLA Cabs has most of its time been into controversy, sometimes due to the protests by Auto Walas or due to strikes by its drivers over less percentage of share. However, in 2022 it was reported that Aggarwal presented ruthless behavior that had upset the employees as well as board members. In this report, several OLA employees stated that inside OLA Electric, the culture has turned hostile.
Earlier in October 2024, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal hit back on X at Kunal Kamra for criticizing how Ola scooters were kept outside a dealership. Aggarwal sarcastically offered to pay Kamra to help with the company’s issues, or told him to “shut up” and let Ola handle real customer problems. This sparked a series of posts, with their feud escalating and drawing attention from netizens, who watched and commented as it got more intense.
Comedian Kunal Kamra criticized Ola Electric again, calling it a “public issue” on October 21. He listed three reasons: the company is fooling the public, subsidized by public money, and is publicly listed.
The debate heated up when Kamra mocked Ola for allegedly hiring bouncers at its service centers, after user R.J. Kashyap posted about it. Kamra sarcastically called this situation “unique.”
Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal responded aggressively, leading to backlash from netizens, who called him rude, arrogant, and ignorant in his replies. Many supported Kamra in the ongoing exchange.

Bhavish Aggarwal – Awards

Bhavish Aggarwal along with his company OLA received South Asia’s mBillionth award in 2013
In the same year, he and his company won Best Startup of The Year, which was presented by IAMAI
In 2017, he was bestowed with the ET Awards: Best and the Brightest by The Economic Times

Bhavish Aggarwal – Unknown Facts

Bhavish Aggarwal is regarded as the youngest and the wealthiest entrepreneur in India, but with all of that, he even has a few more sweet little passions.

Underneath the tight corporate suit, he likes to ride his bicycle and play squash. He is also into photography and is known to maintain a popular photoblog.

Bhavish Aggarwal – Top Quotes

💡

If we launch a new product, we have to time it right. It’s not about how soon you can do it but how well we can do it.

FAQs

Who is Bhavish Aggarwal?

39 years old, Bhavish Aggarwal is the CEO and co-founder of OLA Consumer.

Who are Bhavish Aggarwal Parents?

The parents of Bhavish Aggarwal are Naresh and Usha Aggarwal.

What is Bhavish Aggarwal education?

Bhavish Aggarwal completed his B.Tech in 2008 from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay in computer science and engineering.

What is Bhavish Aggarwal age?

Bhavish Aggarwal was born on 28th August 1985. He is 39 years old.

Who is Bhavish Aggarwal married to?

Bhavish Aggarwal is married to Rajalakshmi Aggarwal.

Who are Bhavish Aggarwal children?

As per the reports, Bhavish Aggarwal has 2 kids, a son and a daughter.

Does Bhavish Aggarwal own another firm?

Yes, Bhavish Aggarwal has also founded OLA Electric.

What is OLA about?

OLA is India’s largest mobility platform and one of the world’s largest ride-hailing companies, serving 250+ cities across India, Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

October 22, 2024