Discover the inspiring journey of Sabin Mathew, the founder of Lesics Engineers Pvt. Ltd. Lesics is an EdTech company that simplifies engineering concepts through physics-based explanations. Starting his education in a small village in Kerala, his love for science and math led him to excel in his studies. With a deep sense of understanding of physics, he thrived in academics. Now, as a prominent player in EdTech, Mathew’s focus on quality content and smart solutions is what drives Lesics forward in the industry.
In this article, learn more about Sabin Mathew, his education and career, daily responsibilities, hiring criteria, strengths, and more.
Mathew did his schooling in Kerala in a village atmosphere. Only towards his tenth standard did he develop an interest in science and mathematics. After that, it was a deep love, especially for physics. His way of understanding and learning things based on the first principles of physics gave him immense growth in his academic life. He was able to postgraduate with flying colors from IIT Delhi with an M.Tech in Mechanical Engineering because of the same quality.
Before establishing Lesics Engineers Pvt. Ltd. in the field of EdTech, Mathew gained valuable experience as a Project Engineer at McClelland Engineers Pvt. Ltd., a Technology Developer at Larsen & Toubro Limited, and a Senior Engineer at LMS International. The current business he is running, Lesics, is built on his knowledge of engineering with a strong background in physics.
Photovoltaic Power Production Explanation by Sabin Mathew
Sabin Mathew – Daily Responsibilities
Mathew has to solve a lot of conceptual problems related to engineering. As his videos are conceptually oriented, he has to brainstorm and come up with the easiest explanations for various engineering phenomena. He also needs to convey his ideas to the animators in a simple way. He works hard during weekdays and relaxes on weekends. Moreover, he enjoys what he does. So, he doesn’t get exhausted by the weekend.
Sabin Mathew – Challenges Faced
Mathew struggled a lot when one of their main revenue sources suddenly became half. He and his team overcame it by reducing the expenditure and also by diversifying their revenue model.
Sabin Mathew – Strengths and Superpowers
Mathew is quite strong in physics and mathematics. Above all, he holds a superpower in the art of storytelling.
Sabin Mathew – EdTech Industry Insights
According to Mathew, many people misunderstand the EdTech industry as just great visuals and animation. More than the visuals, the content quality is the king in EdTech. Mathew believes that if you build great visuals around bad content, it is not going to work.
Sabin Mathew – Essential Tools for Startup Success
Mathew uses Blender a lot for his business. Half of their life depends on Blender. It’s a quite powerful, free-to-use tool.
Sabin Mathew – Productivity Hacks
Mathew believes in small teams and baby steps. He has a lot of small teams in his company. Their target is something that can be achieved in 2-3 days. This way the work is straightforward and there is no confusion around the work that is to be finished. In short, they progress forward parallelly as many small teams with a minimum chance of re-work.
Sabin Mathew – Hiring Criteria
Mathew wants smart people in his team who can use their common sense and solve problems without waiting for the manager. He also likes employees who are punctual.
Lesics Workspace
Sabin Mathew – Industry Advice & Inspirational Quote
Since Mathew’s business is in the EdTech industry, his quote is very specific – “When you learn things with the aim of developing a product, learning is an enjoyable and exciting process.”
He hopes the people working in the EdTech industry can easily connect with this quote. All their courses are product development journeys. During this journey, the students will automatically acquire all the knowledge they are supposed to acquire in that field.
Sabin Mathew is the founder of Lesics Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
What is Lesics known for?
Lesics Engineers Pvt. Ltd. is known for simplifying engineering concepts through physics-based explanations, encouraging understanding and passion for the field.
What are Sabin Mathew’s strengths?
Mathew is quite strong in physics and mathematics. Above all, he holds a superpower in the art of storytelling.
“You’ll rarely meet successful people who are not exciting,” Kunal Shah.
Kunal Shah is a standout figure in India’s start-up world, particularly in the fintech sector. As a co-founder of Freecharge, he’s played a pivotal role in transforming digital payments in India, making transactions smoother and more accessible. His innovative vision has not only driven Freecharge to remarkable success but has also made a significant impact on the global fintech stage. Later, Shah launched CRED, a popular rewards platform that has captured the attention of many in India. Known for its user-friendly interface and fantastic rewards, CRED has quickly become a household name in the country’s startup realm. Shah’s journey, from a philosophy graduate to a billionaire entrepreneur, is a powerful example of how innovative ideas and dedication can lead to remarkable success. His story serves as a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs in India, showcasing the endless possibilities that come with curiosity and ambition.
Kunal Shah – Biography
Name
Kunal Shah
Born
May 20, 1983
Education
BA in Philosophy – Wilson College, Mumbai MBA – Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (dropout), Mumbai
Kunal Shah, born on May 20, 1983, in Mumbai, Maharashtra, hailed from a family where his father worked as a businessman, and he often assisted him. When Shah was just 14, his family faced financial difficulties due to his father’s struggling business. To help out, he began working at the age of 15. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from Wilson College in Mumbai. Although he started an MBA at Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies in Mumbai, he decided to leave the program. Shah’s spouse, Bhavna Shah, works as a freelance graphic designer.
Kunal Shah – Early Life
Shah’s journey into entrepreneurship showcases his unwavering determination and love for innovation. Growing up in Mumbai, India, he showed an early interest in technology and business. After finishing his studies, Shah set out on his entrepreneurial path. His journey began with PaisaBack, his first startup launched in 2009. Initially focusing on promotional discounts, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. Following this success, Shah, along with Sandeep Tandon, co-founded Freecharge in 2010. Their goal was to revolutionize the payment landscape by offering a simple way for users to recharge their phones and pay bills online. Then, in 2018, he established CRED, a platform for managing credit cards that rewards users for responsible card usage.
Kunal Shah – Career
Under Shah’s guidance, Freecharge rapidly gained popularity, attracting millions of users and catching the eye of investors. In 2015, the company made headlines by being acquired by Snapdeal, a major Indian eCommerce platform, in a groundbreaking deal worth over $400 million. This acquisition was a significant milestone for Shah and Freecharge, confirming the success of their innovative business model and positioning them as leaders in India’s growing fintech sector.
A key factor contributing to Freecharge’s rapid growth was Shah’s keen understanding of consumer behavior and market trends. He identified the increasing demand for digital payment solutions in India, driven by the widespread use of smartphones and internet access. Building on this insight, Shah and his team created a user-friendly platform that simplified the recharge process and rewarded users with cashback and discounts, a novel concept at the time.
In 2018, Shah ventured into a new endeavor by launching CRED, a platform that incentivizes users to pay their credit card bills on time. With CRED, Shah aimed to tackle the rising issue of credit card debt while offering exclusive benefits to users. Once again, Shah showcased his ability to identify untapped market opportunities and develop innovative solutions. The platform’s premium membership program offers exclusive rewards and benefits to its members.
CRED quickly became one of India’s most popular financial apps, with over 10 million downloads and processing about 20% of the country’s credit card payments. Its unique approach to credit card management, combined with its focus on building a community of high-creditworthy individuals, resonated strongly with users nationwide. Today, CRED has millions of members and is one of India’s most valuable fintech startups, with Shah leading its growth and expansion. With $200 million in funding, CRED achieved a $2 billion valuation in 2021.
CRED – Financials
Kunal Shah – Journey so Far
Kunal Shah’s journey, from co-founding Freecharge to launching CRED, showcases his exceptional leadership skills and entrepreneurial talent. His continuous drive for innovation, combined with his deep grasp of consumer behavior, has propelled him to the forefront of India’s fintech revolution. As he continues to explore new avenues and push the boundaries of what’s possible, Shah serves as a guiding inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and plays a vital role in shaping the future of digital payments.
Shah’s impact extends beyond his startups. He’s a prolific angel investor, backing over 200 companies, including successful ventures like Razorpay, Unacademy, and Innov8.
Apart from his entrepreneurial ventures, Shah is renowned for his insightful perspectives on technology, business, and human behavior. As an active speaker and thought leader, he frequently shares his expertise and insights on various platforms, providing valuable guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs and industry enthusiasts alike. Shah’s astute understanding of emerging trends and his knack for anticipating market shifts have earned him widespread recognition and admiration within the startup community.
Kunal Shah – FreeCharge
In 2010, Shah leaped and established FreeCharge, a digital payments firm offering discounts and cashback to users for their transactions. Initially focusing on mobile recharges, he swiftly broadened its scope to encompass other services like bill payments. Through his innovative approach and unwavering determination, Shah transformed FreeCharge into a widely recognized name in India’s digital payments sector. The company experienced rapid growth, attracting investor interest and culminating in one of the largest acquisitions in India’s startup landscape. In 2015, Snapdeal acquired FreeCharge for an impressive $400 million, solidifying Shah’s reputation as a prominent entrepreneur in the country.
Kunal Shah – CRED
Noticing the confusion many Indians faced with credit cards, Kunal Shah identified an opportunity to simplify credit card management and improve financial control. In 2018, he established CRED, a platform rewarding users for responsible credit card usage. Because of Shah’s vision, CRED has become one of India’s most popular financial apps. Its user base has grown swiftly, and the platform now offers services such as credit score tracking, bill reminders, and convenient payments for multiple credit cards. CRED’s premium membership program also provides exclusive rewards and benefits. Additionally, CRED allows users to make house rent payments and offers short-term credit lines. By April 2021, the company had attracted over 5.9 million users and processed around 20% of all credit card bill payments in India. CRED introduced six products, including Cred RentPay, Cred Cash, and Cred Pay. Moreover, in August 2021, CRED launched Cred Mint, a Peer-to-peer lending feature aiming to monetize its 7.5 million users. CRED served as the official sponsor of the Indian Premier League (IPL) from 2020 to 2022.
Kunal Shah’s investment portfolio boasts a remarkable 259 ventures. His most recent involvement was in Nurturev’s Pre Seed Round on February 28, 2024, where the company successfully secured $1 million in funding.
Announced Date
Organization Name
Funding Round
February 28, 2024
Nurturev
Pre-seed Round
February 14, 2024
Segwise
Pre-seed Round
February 8, 2024
Neodocs
Seed Round
January 9, 2024
MyMuse India
Seed Round
January 2, 2024
VRO Hospitality
Venture Round
November 27, 2023
ELIVAAS
Seed Round
November 7, 2023
OnFinance AI
Seed Round
November 3, 2023
Jugyah
Seed Round
October 31, 2023
FreshBus
Seed Round
October 18, 2023
Tap Invest
Seed Round
Kunal Shah – Philanthropy
Shah strongly believes in innovation’s ability to bring about positive transformations and uplift communities. Through his charitable efforts and mentorship initiatives, he actively encourages and guides aspiring entrepreneurs, enabling them to pursue their ambitions and make significant contributions. His steadfast dedication to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship reflects his broader goal of creating a better and more equitable future for everyone.
‘We’re Not Realizing The Risks Of AI’ Says CRED Founder Kunal Shah
Kunal Shah – Controversies
Cred has faced criticism for being overvalued and lacking a clear strategy for making money.
Shah sparked a debate on social media by asserting that success comes from personal effort rather than being inherited.
CRED’s CEO Shah, faced backlash after revealing his salary. During an ‘Ask Me Anything’ session on Instagram, he disclosed his monthly salary. Responding to a user who was surprised by his modest salary, Shah explained that he earns ₹15,000 per month because he believes he shouldn’t receive a higher salary until the company becomes profitable. He also mentioned that he could manage with this salary because he sold his previous company, FreeCharge, for a significant amount.
Kunal Shah – Awards and Recognitions
Kunal Shah has received many awards and honors for his remarkable journey, highlighting his creative ideas, entrepreneurial talent, and leadership abilities. Some of his notable achievements include:
Forbes India Leadership Awards (2015)
Entrepreneur of the Year (2016)
Top 10 Most Innovative CEOs (2017)
Young Business Leader (2018)
India’s Most Admired Entrepreneur (2019)
Impactful Tech Leader (2020)
FAQs
Who is Kunal Shah?
Kunal Shah is an entrepreneur, an angel investor, and founder of fintech company CRED and FreeCharge.
What is CRED about?
CRED allows credit card users to pay their credit card bills through its platform and extends rewards for each transaction. CRED has become one of India’s most popular financial apps.
When was FreeCharge founded?
In 2010, Kunal Shah established FreeCharge which is a digital payments firm offering discounts and cashback to users for their transactions.
Charles Matthew “Chuck” Geschke, a key figure in the tech world and one of Adobe Inc.’s co-founders, made a lasting impact on the digital scene. Born on September 11, 1939, in Cleveland, Ohio, Geschke’s life was marked by a strong drive for innovation and a dedication to pushing the limits of what could be done in computing.
His influence on the tech industry is most evident in his significant role in establishing Adobe, a company that changed how people interact with digital content. Geschke’s pioneering efforts in software development and contributions to the growth of desktop publishing forever altered how individuals and businesses approach design and creativity. As a co-founder of Adobe, he not only shaped the company’s path but also played a vital role in transforming how the world engages with digital media, making his legacy a crucial part of the tech story.
Geschke’s visionary leadership and dedication to innovation have left a lasting impression on how people and businesses approach digital creativity. His journey from a small town in Ohio to co-founding one of the world’s most influential tech companies underscores the transformative power of passion, vision, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the ever-changing tech landscape.
Adobe Founders – Charles Geschke and John Warnock Interview
Geschke and his wife Nancy “Nan” McDonough had three children.
Geschke’s mother worked as a bankruptcy court paralegal. Both his father and paternal grandfather were letterpress photo engravers. During the early days of Adobe, Geschke’s father supported the company by examining color separation work using his engraver’s loupe.
Geschke passed away on April 16, 2021, at the age of 81, due to cancer.
Charles Geschke – Early Life
Charles Geschke’s early life set the stage for his later accomplishments. He obtained a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati and later pursued a Ph.D. in computer science at Carnegie Mellon University. His academic pursuits equipped him with the theoretical knowledge and analytical skills essential for his groundbreaking contributions to the technology industry.
Upon completing his doctorate, Geschke joined Xerox Corporation‘s Palo Alto Research Center (PARC), a renowned hub for pioneering work in computer science and engineering. It was at Xerox PARC that Geschke met John Warnock, another visionary who shared his passion for pushing the boundaries of technology.
Charles Geschke – Career
The collaboration between Geschke and Warnock sparked one of the most impactful partnerships in computing history. In 1982, these two visionaries joined forces to establish Adobe Systems Incorporated, aiming to create software solutions that would transform how people make and engage with digital documents. Adobe’s initial product, PostScript, was a breakthrough in desktop publishing. It served as a page description language, enabling smooth communication between computers and printers and establishing a universal standard for printing text and graphics. This innovation revolutionized the printing industry, simplifying the process for designers and publishers to produce high-quality documents with consistent results across various printing devices.
Charles Geschke – Adobe
Charles Geschke, alongside John Warnock, co-founded Adobe in 1982, driving technological advancements that forever changed how people create and consume content on various screens. As a highly regarded industry leader, Geschke played a key role in developing pioneering technologies in the software industry.
Geschke served as the chairman of the board with Warnock from September 1997. He held the position of chief operating officer at Adobe from December 1986 to July 1994 and served as president from April 1989 until his retirement in April 2000. The duo founded Adobe in Warnock’s garage, naming it after the nearby Adobe Creek. Interpress, their initial project, eventually evolved into PostScript, playing a pivotal role in one of the first desktop publishing (DTP) systems. This allowed users to compose and preview documents on a personal computer exactly as they would appear in print, known as WYSIWYG.
John Warnock and Charles Geschke – Founders, Adobe
Geschke’s presidency at Adobe witnessed continuous innovation in digital creativity. Adobe Illustrator, introduced in 1987, became a crucial tool for graphic designers, enabling precise vector-based illustrations. The launch of Adobe Photoshop in 1988 solidified Adobe’s position in graphic design, offering powerful tools for image editing. These applications laid the foundation for Adobe’s Creative Suite, an indispensable toolkit for professionals and amateurs in the creative industry.
Beyond his technical expertise, Geschke’s leadership style and commitment to fostering a creative and inclusive corporate culture played a vital role in Adobe’s success. Under his guidance, the company created an environment that promoted innovation and collaboration, instilling a sense of ownership and pride among employees. Geschke’s focus on ethical business practices and dedication to social responsibility contributed to Adobe’s reputation as a responsible corporate citizen. During his tenure as CEO and Chairman of the Board until 2017, the company not only thrived commercially but also actively participated in philanthropic initiatives and community development projects.
Chuck and Nancy Geschke were honored with the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for their continuous leadership and charitable contributions to Catholic education. The achievements of the Charles M. and Nancy A. Geschke Foundation highlight their commitment to the well-being of the nation’s youth and their dedication to ensuring the vitality and accessibility of Catholic schools for the next generation. The Geschkes played leadership roles in institutions such as the University of San Francisco, Xavier University of Cincinnati, Marygrove College in Detroit, the Catholic Foundation of Santa Clara County, and Magnificat and St. Ignatius high schools in Cleveland.
Through their support of initiatives like the Endowed Faculty Fund, the construction of the Geschke Learning Resource Center, and Charles Geschke’s role as the inaugural holder of the Rossi Entrepreneurial Chair at the University of San Francisco, the Geschkes significantly contributed to the advancement of education.
Marygrove College alumna Nancy Geschke played a pivotal role in establishing Marygrove’s Nancy A. McDonough Geschke Writing Center. She was recently appointed to the board of trustees at Detroit College and led a capital campaign to rejuvenate both the building and operations of the Nantucket Athenaeum in Nantucket, Mass.
Geschke served on various boards, including the San Francisco Symphony, the National Leadership Roundtable on Church Management, the Commonwealth Club of California, Tableau Software, the Egan Maritime Foundation, and the Nantucket Boys and Girls Club. He also served on the computer science advisory board at Carnegie Mellon University.
In 1995, Geschke was elected to the National Academy of Engineering. In 2008, he became a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He completed his term as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of San Francisco in 2010 and was elected to the American Philosophical Society in 2012.
Charles Geschke – Controversies
On May 26, 1992, while arriving for work in California, Geschke was kidnapped at gunpoint from the Adobe parking lot by two men, 26-year-old Mouhannad Albukhari from San Jose and 25-year-old Jack Sayeh from Campbell. An FBI spokesperson revealed that the kidnappers had contacted Geschke’s wife, demanding a ransom. Albukhari was later arrested after picking up the $650,000 ransom left at a designated spot by Geschke’s daughter. Following a discussion with the FBI, Albukhari led them to a bungalow in Hollister where Sayeh held Geschke hostage. After four days, Geschke was released unharmed, though he mentioned being chained during the ordeal. Eventually, both kidnappers received life sentences in state prison.
Charles Geschke – Awards and Recognitions
Charles Geschke’s impact on the technology industry goes beyond his contributions to Adobe, earning him various accolades and honors, including the National Medal of Technology and Innovation in 2009.
In 1999, Geschke became a fellow of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
In 2002, he was honored as a fellow of the Computer History Museum for his achievements in the commercialization of desktop publishing with John Warnock, as well as innovations in scalable type, computer graphics, and printing.
In October 2006, Geschke and co-founder John Warnock became the first software executives to receive the annual AeA Medal of Achievement. In 2008, he was presented with the Computer Entrepreneur Award from the IEEE Computer Society. President Barack Obama awarded him the 2008 National Medal of Technology and Innovation.
In 2009, Adobe was recognized in the Forbes 400 Best Big Companies, and in 2010, it was ranked 1,069th on the Forbes Global 2000 list.
On October 15, 2010, the Marconi Society co-awarded Geschke and Warnock the Marconi Prize.
On May 20, 2012, Geschke delivered the commencement speech at John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio, where he had previously been a mathematics professor. He was awarded an honorary doctorate of Humane Letters.
As a co-author, Geschke contributed to Wulf’s 1975 book, “The Design of an Optimizing Compiler.”
FAQs
Who is Charles Geschke?
Charles Geschke co-founded Adobe along with John Warnock.
What is Adobe used for?
Adobe is a software company known for creating multimedia and creativity tools. Its products, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, are widely used for graphic design, photo editing, video editing, and document management.
Nirmit Parikh leads Apna, a pioneering venture in India’s professional networking and job landscape. As the founder and CEO, Parikh’s journey showcases entrepreneurial determination, foresight, and a keen grasp of India’s job market trends.
In 2019, Parikh set out to tackle the hurdles confronting countless job seekers in India. He envisioned Apna.co as a tech-driven solution to connect job seekers with employers, laying its groundwork. The platform quickly gained momentum, becoming a go-to hub for both job seekers and employers nationwide.
Apna’s rapid ascent highlights Parikh’s knack for spotting market needs and delivering innovative solutions. With over 40 million users and 545,000 employers onboard, Apna has become a key driver of socioeconomic progress, linking individuals with meaningful job prospects across 74 Indian cities.
As India experiences economic revitalization, Parikh remains steadfast in his vision for Apna, to equip individuals with the tools and opportunities essential for success in a dynamic job market. Through continuous innovation and a commitment to societal betterment, Parikh is not only shaping India’s employment landscape but also empowering millions to pursue their aspirations.
‘Every Emerging Working Class Individual Is A Champion’: Nirmit Parikh
Nirmit Parikh – Biography
Name
Nirmit Parikh
Nationality
Indian
Education
Master of Business Administration, Stanford University Graduate School of Business
Nirmit Parikh completed his Bachelor of Technology degree in Instrumentation & Control at Nirma Institute of Technology between 2005 and 2009. Following this, from 2014 to 2016, he pursued a Master of Business Administration at Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
He is the founder of Incone Technologies, a company specializing in control systems for hydropower automation and IT sectors. These systems can range from single powerful components to complex integrated systems spanning entire enterprises. Incone Technologies has implemented innovative control systems for various hydro and irrigation projects, benefiting corporations such as ICCS, AD Hydro, and NHPC, contributing to over 1200 MW of renewable energy.
Additionally, Parikh co-founded Cruxbot, a company acquired by Kno Inc, Intel Corp, focusing on designing artificial intelligence solutions capable of processing large amounts of data to establish connections between people and machines.
In November 2023, he joined Intel Corporation, leading the research and development team for personalized education. His responsibilities included strategic planning, data analysis, trend identification, defining product roadmaps, and overseeing product development of decision-making engines and algorithms. He successfully facilitated technology transfers and established Intel’s first office in Ahmedabad, India.
Transitioning to Apple in July 2016, Parikh oversaw product and strategy for software platforms, particularly focusing on Capex.
In 2019, he founded Apna, marking another milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.
Nirmit Parikh – Career
Apna, aside from its significant user base, has made notable partnerships with prominent companies such as Zomato, Burger King, and Delhivery, demonstrating its effectiveness in meeting the hiring requirements of various industries. Notably, Amazon.com, BigBasket, and HDFC Bank Ltd. have utilized the platform for recruitment purposes.
Additionally, Apna’s collaboration with respected organizations like the National Skill Development Corporation and UNICEF Yuwaah highlights Parikh’s dedication to enhancing skills and employment prospects for India’s young population. Through partnerships with both public and private entities, Apna serves not only as a job platform but also as a force for societal change, empowering individuals to realize their full potential.
Parikh’s influence extends beyond Apna, as he actively engages with government initiatives such as the Ministry of Minority Affairs of India to promote inclusive growth and opportunity creation. By leveraging technology and strategic partnerships, Parikh aims to democratize access to employment opportunities, ensuring that everyone has equal access to building a rewarding career.
In terms of revenue, Apna primarily earns through its recruitment solutions provided on its website and mobile application. Revenue is generated through fees, recognized upon completion of services or at the end of the subscription period.
Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Bangalore, Apna achieved unicorn status within just 21 months. Supported by Sequoia Capital, its total revenue surged by 283% to INR 65.7 Cr in FY22 from INR 17 Cr in FY21, while expenses rose by 293% year-over-year to INR 178.3 Cr, primarily due to increased spending on advertising and promotions.
In 2019, tech entrepreneur Nirmit Parikh immersed himself in the world of blue-collar work by taking on a role as an electrician in Mumbai. This firsthand experience revealed the significant challenges faced by workers in this sector, including a lack of support networks and resources for finding jobs and improving skills.
Inspired by his observations, Parikh launched Apna, a smartphone app utilizing advanced algorithms to connect job seekers with employers on a local level, catering to rural areas as well. Apna also fosters more than 70 professional communities where individuals such as carpenters, electricians, and delivery personnel can network, share job-seeking tips, and enhance their skills.
In just 21 months, Apna achieved a remarkable $1.1 billion valuation, with a vision of leveraging technology to drive cultural and social change. The platform experienced rapid growth, expanding by 125% within two years and garnering usage from over 150,000 companies in India, including Shadowfax, Zomato, and Burger King. Apna has facilitated over 100 million interviews and boasts over 10 million downloads of its Android app.
Profile on Apna
Under Parikh’s leadership, Apna has become synonymous with innovation and impact in India’s job market. His adeptness in overcoming challenges, forming strategic partnerships, and fostering organizational growth reflects his leadership skills and dedication to positive transformation.
Apart from his role at Apna, Parikh is esteemed as a thought leader in the entrepreneurial sphere, sharing insights and knowledge to inspire future innovators. His contributions to the startup community have earned him acclaim, solidifying his position as a visionary leader in India’s technology landscape.
Furthermore, Apna collaborated with the Generation India Foundation, which aims to create employment opportunities for graduates of the Amazon Web Services (AWS) re/Start program. Through this partnership, Apna will assist graduates in honing their professional skills and connecting them with technology and cloud-related job opportunities through its platform. This collaboration addresses the growing demand for IT and cloud talent across India, providing AWS re/Start graduates with a platform to showcase their abilities directly to recruiters seeking entry-level tech roles nationwide.
FAQs
Who is Nirmit Parikh?
Nirmit Parikh is the founder and CEO of Apna, a tech-driven solution to connect job seekers with employers.
When was Apna founded?
Apna was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Bangalore.
How many users does Apna have?
With over 40 million users and 545,000 employers onboard, Apna has become a key driver of socioeconomic progress, linking individuals with meaningful job prospects across 74 Indian cities.
Bipin Preet Singh, a visionary entrepreneur and the force behind MobiKwik, is a key player in the ever-changing world of financial technology. As the Managing Director, Co-Founder, and CEO of MobiKwik, Bipin has been crucial in transforming how India handles transactions, manages money, and adopts digital payments. His journey is a clear example of how determination, creativity, and a commitment to excellence can bring about significant change.
Bipin’s deep understanding of the evolving needs of the digital economy has guided MobiKwik to become a major player in the fintech industry. His leadership style, combining strategic foresight with hands-on involvement, has not only led MobiKwik to success but has also left a lasting impact on India’s fintech landscape.
Bipin’s role as the Managing Director, Co-Founder, and CEO of MobiKwik, along with being a Co-founder at ZaakPay, reflects his unwavering dedication to transforming India’s financial scene through innovation and inclusivity. His entrepreneurial spirit, along with a forward-thinking approach, has not only positioned MobiKwik at the forefront of the fintech industry but has also established him as a leader and influencer in the broader business community. As India embraces the digital revolution, Bipin’s vision and leadership are set to play a crucial role in shaping the future of financial technology in the country.
Exclusive chat with Bipin Preet Singh, Co-founder & CEO, Mobikwik
Bipin Preet Singh – Biography
Name
Bipin Preet Singh
Born
16 June 1980
Nationality
Indian
Education
B.tech in Electrical Engineering, IIT Delhi
Position
Managing Director, Co-founder, and CEO of MobiKwik
Bipin was born on 16 June 1980. He is married to Upasana Taku.
Bipin Preet Singh – Early Life
Bipin Preet Singh embarked on his professional journey by earning a B Tech in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, spanning from 1998 to 2002. In the initial phase of his career, he served as a Senior Design Engineer at Intel from 2002 to 2005. Here, Bipin played a pivotal role in the Whitefield project, Intel‘s groundbreaking server microprocessor design initiative in Bangalore. Starting in a 30-member team, his expertise in comprehensive hardware design expanded, encompassing logic and circuit design, formal modeling, and verification for a high-end x86 server microprocessor.
Following his stint at Intel, Bipin transitioned to a role as a Training Facilitator at Janaagraha in 2006-2007, contributing to the creation of India’s first citizen awareness program for the youth. His focus was on motivating individuals, particularly students and young IT professionals, to actively engage in the democratic process beyond just voting. The impact of his efforts is evident in one of the students he trained, who later led the renowned Jaagore campaign.
In 2006-2007, Bipin served as a Platform Architect at NVIDIA, collaborating with the global architecture team on media and communications processors. During this period, he fine-tuned a high-end memory controller for post-silicon performance and played a key role in developing the architecture for storage technologies such as RAID and SATA/AHCI. Subsequently, he took on the role of SoC Architect at Freescale Semiconductor from May 2007 to June 2009. Here, his focus was on multimedia and memory technologies for handheld devices, showcasing expertise in generating and analyzing performance models and proposing innovative features for Motorola chipsets.
Bipin’s entrepreneurial journey began in August 2009 when he founded MobiKwik, where he currently serves as the CEO. Over the past 14 years and 7 months, he has dedicated himself to building disruptive technologies that make financial services affordable and accessible to 500 million Indians, marking a remarkable trajectory in his career.
Bipin Preet Singh – Career
Bipin Preet Singh’s journey embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship. Growing up in India, he began his career fueled by a passion for technology and a talent for spotting business opportunities. Early on, Bipin recognized the potential of digital payments and aimed to create a platform to simplify and transform financial transactions. In 2009, alongside co-founder Upasana Taku, he established MobiKwik with a vision to make digital payments accessible to every Indian, marking the start of a transformative path.
Under Bipin’s leadership, MobiKwik has become a pioneer in digital payments and financial services. The company has played a crucial role in promoting digital transactions in India, providing services such as mobile recharges, bill payments, digital wallets, and more. Bipin’s commitment to financial inclusion is visible in MobiKwik’s initiatives to empower millions of users, particularly those in underserved areas, with convenient and secure digital payment solutions. His strategic vision has guided MobiKwik through the challenges of the fintech industry, adapting to evolving consumer preferences and technological advancements.
Bipin Preet Singh’s noteworthy accomplishments include guiding MobiKwik through different growth phases, securing significant funding, and forming strategic partnerships. His skill in attracting investment and building alliances with key industry players has not only helped MobiKwik grow but has also established the company as a crucial player in India’s digital economy. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and a focus on innovation, Bipin has successfully led MobiKwik to expand its services, introducing digital credit, insurance, and wealth management.
Bipin’s influence goes beyond the boardroom, he actively engages with the broader fintech community, sharing insights and contributing to discussions about the future of digital finance in India. His thought leadership is evident in public appearances, where he advocates for policy changes and technological advancements that can drive the growth of the fintech sector. Bipin’s dedication to fostering an ecosystem of innovation has not only helped MobiKwik but has also played a role in the overall development of India’s digital infrastructure.
In 2012, MobiKwik introduced a digital wallet system allowing users to deposit money online for bill payments and more. Teaming up with CashCare in May 2016, MobiKwik started offering small loans ranging from ₹500 to ₹2,500. The MobiKwik Lite mobile app was launched in November 2016, catering to users with older 2G mobile networks and those in areas with limited internet connectivity. By that time, the company had over 1.5 million merchants and 55 million users. Following the demonetization of Indian banknotes in November 2016, MobiKwik saw a 400% surge in financial transactions by late December 2016.
In February 2017, MobiKwik shared plans to invest about $45 million to increase its user base from 50 million to 150 million in 2017. By June 2017, Paytm and MobiKwik jointly accounted for 80 percent of India’s mobile wallet transactions market. In 2019, MobiKwik expanded its services internationally through a partnership with DT One. Also in 2019, the company diversified its offerings by providing loans, insurance, and investment advice.
On February 25, 2021, an Indian security researcher named Rajshekhar Rajaharia asserted that a hacker group named Jordandaven had taken the KYC details of almost 100 million MobiKwik users from a company server and posted them for sale on the dark web. The company, on March 4, 2021, refuted the claim and declared its intent to take legal action against the researcher. Subsequently, several independent researchers and users confirmed the availability of their MobiKwik data online. On March 30, 2021, TechCrunch reported that the company was hiring a third party to conduct a forensic data security audit.
Bipin Preet Singh – Achievements and Recognitions
Bipin is widely acknowledged as one of India’s top tech founders. In 2016, he made it to the ‘Fortune 40 under 40’ list of Indian entrepreneurs. Additionally, in 2018, he was recognized in the ‘Economic Times’ 40 under 40′ list of India’s prominent business leaders.
Bipin Preet Singh is the Co-founder, Managing Director, and CEO of MobiKwik.
What is MobiKwik about?
MobiKwik, India’s top digital banking platform, offers diverse financial services for both consumers and merchants, encompassing payments, digital credit, and investments.
What is MobiKwik used for?
MobiKwik has broadened its scope to cover various use cases, spanning bill payments, eCommerce, food delivery, petrol pumps, major retail chains, pharmacies, and local Kirana stores. Their platform facilitates peer-to-peer transactions through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), MobiKwik Wallet, and seamless transfers from MobiKwik Wallet to banks.
The Indian startup circuit has witnessed many astounding stories. The growth of many multinational companies has added to its worth and value as an ecosystem where everyone gets an opportunity to shine and rise. With the new era approaching, it is time to have a sneak peek into one of the most successful entrepreneurs, Vijay Shekhar Sharma. Well, if you are residing in India or if you have kept in touch with the Indian startup ecosystem, then you might have heard about Paytm. It is one of the first e-wallets and is still considered the representative of the Indian startup system in the e-wallet circuit.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is a billionaire with a $1.2 billion net worth. Once, Sharma used to earn around Rs 10,000 a month when he was 27 years old and based in Aligarh. From the small town of Aligarh to being the head of one of the largest fintech companies focused on digital payments and wallet-based payments, the journey of Vijay Shekhar Sharma is as unique and interesting as it is inspiring.
So, let’s take a walk along the journey of Vijay Shekhar Sharma and get a glance at the key highlights of Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s Story, Education, net worth, obstacles & more.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma- Biography
Name
Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Born
8 July 1978 Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Citizenship
Indian
Education
B.Tech from Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University)
Vijay’s story can be compared with that of Mahendra Singh Dhoni. Both of them came from small towns but were full of sheer determination and passion, and eventually brought about a big change in the system. In real life, Vijay is self-effacing and has no pretensions. He speaks from the heart. His colleagues love him because he is a genuine person who is kind to all. Talking about the Indian startup circuit, everyone loves him because he epitomizes startup resilience.
Vijay is further known for his love of rock music and rock concerts. The Paytm founder is also famous for his heartfelt speeches. Furthermore, he is a really cheerful person as a CEO and often takes the stage to deliver motivational speeches that are roaringly applauded both by the employees of Paytm and other audiences.
Whenever Vijay shared his life story, one would get the idea that he truly understands what it takes to succeed in the ever-changing and challenging world of entrepreneurship. He has been on the receiving side of the harsh times when one would have to toil hard with no guarantee of success. However, Vijay has a wonderful ability, which is to make others laugh because he admires his roots and failures.
The above-mentioned characteristics of Vijay make him one of the most charming CEOs in the country today. However, one must be aware of the fact that his self-effacing humour doesn’t take away Vijay’s staunch belief in inspiring change.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma- Overcoming The Tough Circumstances
Vijay was the third of four children born to school teacher Sulom Prakash and Asha Sharma, a homemaker. He has seen the tough life of the economically backward section of the country. When he was a 12-year-old kid who used to sport a chappal and visit his school, his batchmates had no money to afford a pair of slippers. After witnessing this, he wrote a poem expressing his bewilderment at the inequalities of life.
Vijay hailed from Aligarh, where he was based in a small town. Vijay was once considered an ineligible bachelor, earning around Rs 10,000 a month at the age of 27. Though the challenges tried hard to bring him down, he always had the ember in him to shine.
Sharma didn’t even have an educational background in English and was hence quite poor in the language. However, he didn’t shy away from it but taught himself English through rock music.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma was, nevertheless, quite inclined to literature, Hindi literature to be precise, since his early school days. He wrote many poems and even got some of them published. The Paytm chief recently shared on Twitter one of the poems he had written back in 1991 on August 6, 2022. The poem is titled “Vishwas Karo Karm Mein” and is motivational to the very brim, so much so that it strikes the right chords even with the netizens.
Just found my poem, from our school magazine published in 1991. 😊 I was in class 10 then. pic.twitter.com/84pVlrBGJw
Vijay was one of the two people from his village who went on to pursue engineering. Vijay holds an engineering degree from the prestigious Delhi Institute of Technology. As per Vijay, if one used to study in a Hindi-Medium school, he/she had to face many difficulties. A child reading in the 1990s framed Hindi-medium school rarely had access to books and coaching facilities! Therefore, Vijay realized he was alone on his path to success.
During his time at DTU, he expressed his life in a manner similar to the popular Bollywood movie Tare Zameen Par! That is, he could see the lips of his teacher moving, but he could not understand a single word! While preparing for the exams, he and his friends would read the answers and not know the questions because the questions were written in English. However, he conquered one of his greatest fears successfully!
Paytm, which was founded in August 2010, has always been highly valued as a company and features as one of the biggest digital payment services relied upon by merchants and users alike. Furthermore, it has recently witnessed one of the biggest IPOs in Indian history, which kickstarted on November 8, 2021. However, ever since the listing of Paytm shares, the company has witnessed some challenging drops in the share prices, which declined to a record low of nearly 37% to hit an all-time low of Rs 1,283 per share. Nevertheless, the shares of the company had finally seen a rise of 9% in prices, as reported on November 23, 2021.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s Paytm was recently barred by the RBI from onboarding new customers under its banking vertical, Paytm Payments Bank. This significantly affected Paytm’s performance on the share market. Right after the spreading of the news, the company’s shares tanked 14% to hit a new low of Rs 672 on the BSE in the intra-day trade on March 14, 2022. All of this started after it went for its public listing.
Paytm, which once commanded the market and looked forward to a magnanimous public listing with an issue price of Rs 2,150, has witnessed a considerable erosion of its value, which waned by 70%. As per the reports dated March 18, 2022, the Paytm Founder and CEO, Vijay Shekhar Sharma, has lost around Rs 88 crore daily after its stock market debut on November 18, 2022.
Paytm has seen a whole lot of controversies since the wake of the new year, 2022. Amidst the free fall of its shares that the fintech company is witnessing, reports of the arrest of the Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma were also circulated. Vijay Sharma was allegedly arrested and bailed on the same day, February 22, 2022, for hitting the vehicle of DCP (South Delhi) Benita Mary Jaiker. Though the fintech company and its founder are currently pitted against challenges on all sides, this too, will pass.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma- Converting The Obstacles Into Opportunities
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Founder and CEO of Paytm and One97 Communications
The turning point in Vijay’s life came when he went to market one Sunday and picked up a Forbes magazine. He came to know about the success stories of mega-brands like Apple, Intel, and HP and how they became one of the biggest names in the startup circuit. Each of the companies had one thing in common: all of them were built from basement garages! Then, Vijay wanted to go to Silicon Valley. But, due to a lack of money and resources, that was never possible. Therefore, despite giving up, he taught me that even though Vijay couldn’t visit Silicon Valley, he could create one in India!
Hence, he started an internet company with his friend Hari during his college days in 1997. It was in their second year of college that Vijay started a company called XS Corps back in 1997. Both of them wanted to develop search engines, and they knew that the search engine would become the main attraction given the fact that the internet was taking giant strides in the technology circuit during that time. Reflecting on this, Harinder Takhar and Vijay Shekhar Sharma managed to build indiasite.net, which was made to serve as a search engine for a firm. After working on it strenuously for a period of 2 years, they managed to pull off a great deal and sold the website to US Lotus Interworks for a million dollars.
It was in the same year, early in his career, that Vijay Shekhar Sharma developed electronic itineraries for Jet Airways. He also made another website for India’s tourism department. In contrast to the other ventures in his professional career, where he was utterly serious, passionate, and dedicated, Sharma was really impatient when it came to studies. He often used to walk out of the examinations. I wanted to achieve a lot in a short span,” said Sharma.
Sharma’s company, XS Corps, was attempting to create a search engine in India. Though this idea could not be materialized then, due to the scarcity of funding, the company managed to create a content management tool, which helped several media agencies like Living Media and Express Group to host their content. In the final year of college, Sharma aimed to go for River Run Software, which offered the highest-paid job on campus. Sharma still has the memories of the interview day really fresh in his mind. It was one such occasion where he was under immense pressure, which was similar to some more instances. For instance, when he sat in front of Jack Ma or when he sat face to face with the RBI governor, it was the same inexplicable pressure that Vijay experienced.
XS Corps was acquired by a US entrepreneur in 1999 for $1 million of cash and some stocks. This gave him the opportunity to pay off his father’s debt, and in doing that, he left the job there. However, his parent insisted he join a real job, but his sheer determination towards developing a new company never allowed him to stay in the traditional job for a long period! Throughout his life, Vijay wanted to be a bird who had freedom; he never wanted to be a horse who ran the same track over and over again!
Hence, to pursue his dream, he founded One97 Communications in 2000 with an aim to create an online directory for people to access through SMS. Sharma managed to work on the idea and managed to expand other value-added services like live astrology, cricket, songs, and more. However, soon after, he realized that recovering money from telecom operators in India wasn’t as easy as it seemed. In his first tenure, he learned that cash flow matters, not profitability! With the lack of a collection team and mounting outstanding amounts, the company was on the verge of collapse, and Sharma again had to hit the roads for a new job in 2003.
This was because he was the victim of this cash flow problem, as his clients would never pay him on time. Sharma took up repairing computers against a daily wage and was forced to sell 40% of the company for Rs 8 lakh to his angel investor at that time. It was high time for Vijay as his sister’s marriage was coming up, and he wanted to secure that marriage. There was a big problem for the family as his father, even though he was clean on the loan defaulters sheet, was not granted a loan of 2 lakhs! Hence, by drawing inspiration, he developed Paytm, the platform that aimed to resolve the issues of the poor and economically backward sections of society. The platform was built for a shopkeeper or an auto-rickshaw driver who is never respected or liked by any financial institution.
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The platform has been synonymous with the rise of e-wallet in the country. The Paytm Payments Bank has become the first platform to offer a zero-balance account facility. This platform also offers UPI payments and shopping facilities. Paytm as a brand continues to rise in the modern-day era of e-commerce.
How to Be Fearless By Vijay Sharma – Founder of Paytm
Vijay Shekhar Sharma – Awards and Recognitions
Vijay Shekhar Sharma has received numerous awards and recognitions during his career, some of which are:
Received Best Serial Entrepreneur Award at Rural and Urban Development Summit 2022 from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Govt. of India.
Forbes magazine has ranked me as the youngest Indian billionaire.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma was felicitated with the Yash Bharati Award, the highest civilian award from the Uttar Pradesh government.
He was ranked in the 62nd position in the Forbes list of the richest person in India in 2020.
He was listed as the youngest billionaire in India in 2017, with a net worth of $1.3 billion.
Time Magazine listed Sharma among the 100 most influential people in 2017.
Sharma was recognized by The Economic Times as the ET Entrepreneur of the Year for 2016.
He was also named the Dataquest IT Man of the Year in 2017.
Sharma was felicitated with an Honorary Doctorate from Amity University, Gurgaon, in 2016.
He received the title Businessman of the Year at the GQ Men of the Year Awards in 2016.
He also became the NDTV Indian of the Year in 2016.
Sharma also emerged as India’s Hottest Business Leader under 40, as recognized by The Economic Times in 2015.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma- An Inspiration
Vijay has been the face of the economically backward section of Indian society. Even though he came from a family that had financial issues, he was able to break the barriers and work for the betterment of society. Undoubtedly, Vijay is one of the biggest names in the Indian Startup circuit!
John Warnock, the co-founder of Adobe, was a major player in the tech world, leaving a lasting impact on the digital landscape. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and his journey into the tech scene began with a deep curiosity and a strong passion for innovation. With a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, he started a career that would change how we deal with information and reshape the world of design.
During the early days of personal computing, Warnock, alongside Charles Geschke, created Adobe Systems. This company later became well-known for its groundbreaking software solutions. Their partnership wasn’t just about technical skills, it was a story of facing challenges and staying resilient. Warnock’s role in starting Adobe and developing the ground-breaking PostScript language transformed desktop publishing and played a crucial role in modern graphic design.
As the leader of Adobe, Warnock kept pushing boundaries. Adobe Illustrator, introduced under his guidance, transformed vector graphics and set the stage for the company’s future successes. In 1988, the release of Photoshop further emphasized Adobe’s commitment to innovation, providing new possibilities in digital image manipulation. Warnock’s strategic vision made Adobe a pioneer in software development, creating tools essential in design, multimedia, and digital communication.
Beyond his tech contributions, Warnock’s leadership style and care for employees created a lasting legacy. He promoted a corporate culture that encouraged creativity and collaboration, laying the foundation for Adobe’s ongoing success. Warnock’s journey from a young engineer with a love for innovation to the co-founder of a global tech giant reflects not just his technical skills but also his dedicated efforts in shaping the future of digital creativity. In tech history, John Warnock remains a standout figure whose legacy lights the way for future innovators and visionaries.
Born on October 6, 1940, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Warnock faced a setback in ninth-grade math but later graduated from Olympus High School in 1958. Despite the early struggle, he went on to obtain a Bachelor of Science in mathematics and philosophy, a Doctor of Philosophy in electrical engineering (computer science), and an honorary science degree, all from the University of Utah. At the university, he was part of the Gamma Beta Chapter of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity and received an honorary degree from the American Film Institute.
In 1965, Warnock married Marva M. Warnock, and they had three children. They resided in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Besides his contributions to technology, Warnock had various hobbies, including photography, skiing, web development, painting, hiking, curating rare scientific books, and collecting historical Native American objects.
John Warnock – Early Life
In the late 1970s, as the world stood at the brink of a technological revolution, Warnock envisioned a significant change in how computers handled graphics. Around that time, he partnered with Geschke to establish Adobe Systems in December 1982. Initially, they focused on creating a page description language capable of explaining intricate graphics and text to a printer, giving rise to PostScript.
PostScript, an innovative breakthrough, revolutionized printing and publishing by seamlessly combining text and images with unprecedented precision and detail. Its impact reached across industries, providing a universal language for printers and marking the beginning of desktop publishing. This transformative technology became the foundation of Adobe’s success, firmly establishing Warnock’s reputation as a visionary in computer science.
John Warnock – Career
Before co-founding Adobe with Geschke, Warnock collaborated with Geschke at Xerox’s Palo Alto Research Center (Xerox PARC), where he had started working in 1978. However, unable to persuade Xerox management to commercialize the InterPress graphics language for universal printing, Warnock and Geschke left Xerox in 1982 to establish Adobe. They chose the name Adobe after Adobe Creek, located behind both their homes.
In late 1986, Warnock created Adobe Illustrator, a computer drawing program utilizing lines and Bézier curves for scalable graphics. Originally developed to automate tasks for his wife, Marva, a graphic designer. Illustrator was released in early 1987.
Warnock held twenty patents and served on the board of directors for Ebrary, Hiball, Knight-Ridder, Octavo Corporation, Netscape Communications, and Salon Media Group in addition to his role at Adobe Systems. He was a former chairman of the Tech Museum of Innovation in San Jose. He served on the board of trustees for the American Film Institute, the Sundance Institute, and the Folger Shakespeare Library.
How John Warnock Created Adobe
John Warnock – Adobe
Known as the driving creative force behind Adobe System’s early software products, PostScript, Adobe Illustrator, and PDF, Warnock remained actively involved in new product development throughout his career. After stepping down as CEO in 2000, he continued to play a crucial role as the chairman of the board alongside Geschke until 2017. Even after leaving this position, he stayed connected with the company by serving on the Board of Directors.
A strong advocate for higher education, Warnock and his wife, Marva, showed support by establishing three presidential-endowed chairs in computer science, mathematics, and fine arts at the University of Utah.
They also contributed to an endowed chair in medical research at Stanford University.
In 2003, the Warnocks donated 200,000 shares of Adobe Systems, valued at over $5.7 million, to the University of Utah for a new engineering building. This generous gift led to the completion of the John E. and Marva M. Warnock Engineering Building in 2007, housing the Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute and the Dean of the University Of Utah College Of Engineering.
John and Marva actively participated in charitable endeavors, assisting with cataract surgeries on missions led by Geoffrey Tabin to reverse blindness in less developed countries. They endowed a chair at the Moran Eye Center, supporting efforts to address preventable blindness in Utah and worldwide.
John Warnock – Awards and Recognitions
Warnock received notable honors, including the esteemed National Medal of Technology and Innovation from President Barack Obama.
He was also given the Computer Entrepreneur Award by the IEEE Computer Society, the Medal of Achievement from the American Electronics Association, and the Marconi Prize for his significant contributions to information science and communications.
FAQs
Who was John Warnock?
John Warnock co-founded Adobe along with Charles Geschke in the year 1982.
Who is the CEO of Adobe?
Shantanu Narayen is the CEO of Adobe since 2007.
What is Adobe used for?
Adobe is a software company known for creating multimedia and creativity tools. Its products, such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat, are widely used for graphic design, photo editing, video editing, and document management.
Soma Mondal, a prominent figure in the Indian steel industry, made a significant impact during her tenure at the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), a government company with a value of Rs 41,075 crore. Mondal, known as the “Queen of Steel,” has been recognized on Forbes’ Most Powerful Women list for her remarkable leadership.
During her impressive 6-year and 3-month journey at SAIL, Mondal displayed exceptional dedication and leadership skills. Progressing through various key roles within the organization, she eventually became the Chairperson, serving in this role for 2 years and 5 months after a tenure as the Director Commercial for 3 years and 11 months.
Born in West Bengal, India, Mondal holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela. With a career spanning over three decades, she has played a pivotal role in transforming SAIL through initiatives focusing on modernization, technological advancements, and sustainable practices.
Beyond her corporate success, Mondal is known for her commitment to social responsibility, actively driving initiatives for community welfare and environmental sustainability. As a role model for women aspiring to leadership in male-dominated industries, Mondal’s journey reflects resilience, vision, and the ability to navigate challenges.
Given the nickname “Queen of Steel” for her substantial contributions, Mondal has earned a place on Forbes’ “World’s Most Powerful Women” list for 2022 and 2023. Her story stands as an inspiration, proving that gender should never hinder one’s ability to reach the pinnacle of success in the dynamic business and industry landscape.
Soma Mondal – Biography
Name
Soma Mondal
Education
Electrical Engineering, National Institute of Technology, Rourkela
Nationality
Indian
Position
Former Chairman, Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL)
Soma Mondal was born and raised in a middle-class Bengali family in Bhubaneswar. Her father was an agricultural economist. Mondal’s husband, an engineer and graduate of IIM-Ahmedabad who worked with UTI, passed away in 2005. Despite this loss, Mondal managed to raise her three children with support from her parents and mother-in-law while also maintaining her job.
Soma Mondal – Early Life
Soma Mondal majored in Electrical Engineering at the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela in 1984.
“Chairman Is A Gender-Neutral Word”: Soma Mondal, Chairman, SAIL
Soma Mondal – Career
Soma Mondal – NALCO
Having earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from the National Institute of Technology, Rourkela, in 1984, Soma Mondal has more than 35 years of experience in the metal industry. Her career began as a Graduate Engineer Trainee at NALCO, where she steadily advanced to the role of Director (Commercial) in 2014. Mondal dedicated 32 years and 4 months to NALCO, starting her journey in November 1984 and concluding in February 2017, serving in various capacities along the way.
Soma Mondal – SAIL
When she took on the position of Director Commercial in March 2017, her tenure at SAIL officially started. From 2017–18 to 2019–20, Soma Mondal led the way in implementing marketing initiatives, which produced back-to-back best-ever sales volumes. She is in charge of starting an 80,000 million rupee production capacity expansion project.
After taking over at SAIL in January 2021, Mondal led the steel giant to earnings that broke all previous records, tripling to 120 billion rupees in just her first year. In January 2021, Mondal was appointed as the first female chair of the state-run SAIL. In addition to being SAIL’s first female functional director, Mondal holds the special honor of being the corporation’s first female chairman.
To address the changing demands of the challenging domestic market, Mondal made the necessary adjustments to SAIL’s Marketing Organisation Structure on time. She established three verticals Sales, Marketing, and Services, to improve the administration and marketing of the increased volumes after SAIL’s modernization and expansion. This was intended to improve the marketing operations’ concentration and level of micromanagement.
She has worked in the metals sector for almost thirty years. To support the company’s branding initiatives for its numerous products, she played a key role in the introduction of two new labels, “NEX” and “SAIL SeQR,” which are used to market TMT bars and PF structural sections, respectively.
Having recognized the necessity of increasing sales via retail channels, she has worked hard to establish a two-tier distribution network. The “Gaon Ki Ore” workshops were held in almost all of the States and Union Territories in India to educate people and harness the enormous potential of rural areas.
On 30 April 2023, she was retired from her position. As of December 6, 2023, SAIL’s market capitalization is Rs 41,075 crore.
She was chosen to serve as the head of the Standing Conference of Public Enterprises (SCOPE), which is the body that represents public enterprises under the Central Government, in March 2021.
She is the chairperson of the CII subcommittee on “Safeguard for Tariff and Non-Tariff Barrier” and a member of the CII-National Committee on Steel.
As of May 2023, after retiring from SAIL, Mondal is a member of the Public Enterprise Selection Board.
Soma Mondal secured the 70th position in Forbes’ World’s Most Powerful Women list for 2023. Other Indian women on the list include Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, HCL Technologies Chairperson Roshni Nadar Malhotra, and Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw. Forbes wrote, lauding her “She’s responsible for launching an 80,000-million-rupee effort to expand production capacity.”
In 2023, Soma Mondal was recognized as the ‘CEO of the Year’ at the ETPrime Women Leadership Awards.
FAQs
Who is Soma Mondal?
Soma Mondal is the Former Chairperson of the Steel Authority of India (1 January 2021 – 30 April 2023).
What is Soma Mondal doing post-retirement from SAIL?
Post-retirement from SAIL Mondal is now a member of the Public Enterprise Selection Board (PESB).
What is Soma Mondal also known as?
Soma Mondal is also known as the “Queen of Steel”.
Ritesh Agarwal, the visionary entrepreneur behind OYO, has become a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, changing how people view and experience budget accommodations worldwide. From a small-town dreamer to the head of one of the world’s fastest-growing hospitality chains, his journey speaks to his persistence, strategic thinking, and steadfast belief in his vision. He started with Oravel Stays in 2012, a platform for budget accommodations, and in 2013, he conceptualized OYO Rooms, transforming the hospitality landscape.
OYO, short for ‘On Your Own,’ was founded with a mission to offer standardized and affordable accommodations. Agarwal’s deep understanding of the challenges in budget lodging, combined with his innovative approach, propelled OYO’s rapid growth. The platform provided a range of budget hotels, guesthouses, and homes, each subject to strict quality checks to ensure a consistent and comfortable stay. This commitment to quality, along with Agarwal’s relentless drive, attracted attention and investments.
Under Agarwal’s leadership, OYO expanded not only in India but globally. The company’s aggressive expansion involved strategic partnerships, acquisitions, and a robust technological infrastructure. By using technology to streamline operations, improve customer experiences, and support hotel partners, OYO disrupted traditional hospitality models. Agarwal’s ability to navigate challenges and adapt when necessary played a key role in OYO’s remarkable success.
Beyond business, Agarwal is known for his leadership style marked by innovation, adaptability, and a strong commitment to social impact. His efforts to empower small hotel owners have transformed the hospitality sector and created economic opportunities in various communities.
As a young and dynamic entrepreneur, Ritesh Agarwal continues to inspire aspiring business leaders globally. His story illustrates that with a compelling vision, determination, and readiness to embrace change, one can overcome obstacles and reshape industries.
Ritesh Agarwal – Biography
Name
Ritesh Agarwal
Birthplace
Bissam, Cuttack. Odisha
Born
16 November, 1993
Education
College Dropout, Sacred Heart School, and St. Johns Senior Secondary School
Ritesh Agarwal was born into a Marwari family in Bissam Cuttack, Odisha, and grew up in Titilagarh. His family operated a small shop in Rayagada, Odisha. He completed his education at Sacred Heart School and later at St. Johns Senior Secondary School. In 2011, he relocated to Delhi for college.
On March 7, 2023, Agarwal married Geetansha Sood, a native of Lucknow. Unfortunately, just three days after their wedding, Agarwal’s father passed away, which came as a shock.
Ritesh Agarwal – Early Life
Ritesh Agarwal initiated his entrepreneurial journey at the young age of 13 by selling SIM cards. Despite his father’s aspirations for him to become an engineer, Agarwal had different plans. In pursuit of his dreams, he moved to Delhi during 10th grade to prepare for the IIT-JEE entrance exam. During this period, he began selling SIM cards, not only to develop business skills but also to financially support himself independently. Despite enrolling in an engineering college, he made a daring choice to drop out and venture into entrepreneurship.
In 2013, at the age of 19, he earned a spot in the prestigious Thiel Fellowship initiated by Peter Thiel, receiving a $100,000 grant to materialize his ideas. Utilizing this opportunity, he launched Oravel Stays in September 2012, a budget accommodation portal similar to Airbnb, marking the commencement of his journey in the hospitality industry.
The success of Oravel Stays paved the way for the establishment of OYO Rooms in May 2013. This ground-breaking hotel network rapidly gained popularity, providing affordable and standardized accommodations throughout India. Agarwal’s commitment and innovative approaches attracted substantial funding, with the company securing $1 billion by September 2018. Through the visionary entrepreneur’s leadership, OYO Rooms expanded its reach to 154 cities in India, becoming the largest hotel network in the country.
Ritesh Agarwal – Career
OYO Rooms is identified as a potential future unicorn in a study by CB Insights, as reported in The New York Times. The company has secured a total funding of $125 million through four rounds from seven investors. Ritesh Agarwal, the founder, has received numerous awards, including the Business World Young Entrepreneur Award, acknowledging his notable contributions. He is a frequent speaker at entrepreneurial events globally and holds a fellowship with the Thiel Foundation.
Ritesh Agarwal – OYO Rooms
Ritesh Agarwal, a college dropout, stands as the wealthiest self-made Indian under 40, boasting a net worth of $2 billion. His remarkable journey from a modest background to the forefront of the hospitality industry underscores his resolute determination and entrepreneurial drive.
OYO Rooms’ success transcended national borders. In 2016, Agarwal achieved a significant milestone as the hotel chain surpassed one million check-ins and ventured into Malaysia. The subsequent year they witnessed the launch of OYO Rooms in Nepal, solidifying its footprint in South Asia. Expanding further, the company entered the UK, UAE, Dubai, China, Singapore, and Indonesia in 2018. By 2019, OYO Rooms had acquired over 330,000 rooms in 500 cities globally, showcasing Agarwal’s exceptional leadership and expansion prowess.
Under the leadership of Agarwal, OYO, the hospitality and travel tech startup, reached a noteworthy milestone by achieving positive cash flow in the fourth quarter of the financial year 2023. As per a presentation shared with employees, the company concluded Q4FY23 with a cash flow surplus of Rs 90 crore, signaling a positive financial trajectory. This accomplishment sets OYO on a path to mark its first profitable year since its inception in 2013, with an estimated adjusted EBITDA of about Rs 245 crore for FY23.
In September 2018, the company secured $1 billion in funding. By July 2019, reports indicated that Agarwal had invested $2 billion in shares, tripling his stake in the company. In August 2020, OYO Rooms achieved a valuation of $9.6 billion after raising $5 million from tech giant Microsoft. OYO Rooms initiated the IPO filing process in October 2021.
During challenging times, OYO had to make adjustments, laying off 400 employees in December 2019 and more during the lockdown imposed in India in March 2020. Despite this, OYO remains committed to expansion, with plans in key markets such as India, China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
OYO Rooms has garnered support from notable investors including SoftBank Group, Didi Chuxing, Greenoaks Capital, Sequoia India, Lightspeed India, Hero Enterprise, Airbnb, and China Lodging Group.
Ritesh Agarwal – Shark Tank India
Agarwal, the self-made billionaire and highly successful entrepreneur behind OYO Rooms, has earned the distinction of being the youngest Shark on the panel for Season 3 of Shark Tank India. He will join other accomplished Sharks such as Aman Gupta (co-founder and CMO of boAt), Amit Jain (CEO and co-founder of CarDekho Group, InsuranceDekho.com), Anupam Mittal (founder and CEO of Shaadi.com – People Group), Namita Thapar (Executive Director of Emcure Pharmaceuticals), Vineeta Singh (Co-Founder and CEO of SUGAR Cosmetics), and Peyush Bansal (founder & CEO of Lenskart.com) in the upcoming season.
Ritesh Agarwal – Shark Tank India 3
Ritesh Agarwal – Investments
Ritesh Agarwal has made 22 investments. Their latest investment was Venture Round – Beyond Odds on Dec 19, 2023, when Beyond Odds raised ₹910M.
During the challenging period of the coronavirus crisis, Agarwal took a proactive stance, announcing his decision to forgo his entire annual salary to support the government. In a show of solidarity, other executive leaders at OYO also voluntarily accepted pay cuts of up to 50%, contributing to building a financial runway for the company. Agarwal expressed his gratitude towards the leadership team for their collective effort during these unprecedented times.
In response to the global business challenges, OYO committed not to reduce the salaries of its employees. The company assured its workforce in India, including over ten thousand OYOpreneurs and numerous OYO-managed assets staff, that their salaries and benefits would remain uninterrupted throughout the nationwide initial 21-day lockdown.
OYO also demonstrated social responsibility by offering its hotels to various groups affected by the lockdown, including frontline medical staff, aircrew, corporates, tourists, paying guests, and stranded foreign nationals. This initiative aligned with government directives and aimed to provide support to those impacted by the pandemic.
Venturing into the healthcare sector, Agarwal has revealed plans to set up five healthcare centers dedicated to the underprivileged in Odisha, his home state. As per an official announcement, the strategic positioning of these centers is intended to address areas with restricted healthcare accessibility, effectively reducing the disparity between healthcare services and marginalized communities.
OYO Founder Ritesh Agarwal’s Speech Leaves Audience Speechless | Youngest BILLIONAIRE from India
Ritesh Agarwal – Controversies
Agarwal faces allegations of deceiving OYO’s co-founder, Manish Sinha, during the company’s early stages. Accusations suggest that Agarwal, through his company OYO, entered into agreements with U.S. hotel owners to rebrand their properties under the OYO name, promising compensation and guaranteed income. However, crucial information was omitted, OYO lacked authorization to operate a franchise business in California. In March 2019, California regulators fined OYO $200,000, and a cease and desist order was issued by Washington after discovering unauthorized offers made to hotel owners and managers.
In September 2020, Agarwal faced a case in Dera Bassi, lodged by a Chandigarh-based businessman, charging him with fraud and conspiracy under IPC 420 (cheating) and 120 B (criminal conspiracy).
An October 2019 report revealed police cases filed against OYO by hotel operators in Bangalore, Mysore, and other Karnataka cities, accusing Agarwal of fraud. Despite this, he successfully secured a stay order on one case in Bangalore.
OYO encountered opposition from 10,000 hotel owners in India who claimed that undisclosed fees, amounting to half or more of their revenues, were charged by OYO when hotels joined the platform.
Ritesh Agarwal – Awards and Recognition
In 2016, Ritesh Agarwal earned a spot in Forbes’ “30 under 30: Consumer Tech” list for his role as the founder and CEO of the innovative hospitality business and app.
Reflecting his remarkable achievements, Agarwal’s net worth in 2020 was estimated at around $1.1 billion (Rs 7253 crore). This positioned him as the youngest self-made billionaire globally, a recognition acknowledged by the Hurun Rich List.
In 2023, Agarwal achieved another milestone by becoming the youngest Shark to be featured in Shark Tank India.
FAQs
Who is Ritesh Agarwal?
Ritesh Agarwal is the founder and CEO of OYO Rooms.
What are OYO Rooms used for?
OYO rooms are popular choices for budget-conscious travelers, tourists, and individuals seeking affordable and convenient accommodations.
The young entrepreneur and a golden name in the business world, Sandeep Maheshwari, is indeed a personality that people can look up to. His perseverance and hope for the future have helped him fight and win all the battles that came his way.
From being a B.Com dropout, today, he is one of the most successful businessmen, motivational speakers, and writers in India. Throughout his life, he faced a lot of failures and difficulties. But he did not falter a bit from his unwillingness to settle for anything less than the best. He continued to get out of his comfort zone despite the failure that he faced continuously.
Sandeep Maheshwari was born in a middle-class family on 28 September 1980. He had a knack for doing business from a very young age. It can be understood from an incident that he shared from his life, where he started renting his scooter to his friend for Rs 50 per hour at a very young age. In school, he was quiet and shy, not having many friends until the tenth grade. His self-esteem was low, and good ideas often got lost in negative thoughts. Meeting Ruchi in 11th grade changed everything. They became friends, and over time, their confidence in each other grew.
He was always a person who planned ahead and organized his thoughts. This quality of his significantly helped the business family that he was born into. He tried various ways to support his family business throughout his young age.
Sandeep Maheshwari – Professional Life
His family had an aluminum business which was shut down soon after he joined to help. Without waiting for another sign, he started thinking of various ways in which he could improve their financial situation and revive the business.
He started a marketing agency that marketed various kinds of domestic products. All these sudden changes cost so much to young Maheshwari, and he had to drop out of his B.Com program in his third year. This was the beginning of learning firsthand life experiences as far as he was concerned. His new marketing agency did not fare well in the market.
He soon started to try his luck in modeling when he was 19 years old. However, the industry welcomed him with humiliation, harassment, and disregard for the work that he loved to do. He soon had to give up but was not ready to put an end to his dream.
As he looked for newer avenues to develop, he continued to help aspiring models in getting a better place in the industry. He was adamant that even though he had to face many difficulties, he wanted to do his part to make the industry that treated him badly better for the others at least.
He became a freelance photographer who clicked the pictures of aspiring models. After he had a good portfolio to his name, he started a new company named Mash Audio Visuals Pvt. Ltd.
Around 2002, Sandeep Maheshwari, along with his friends, set up another company, which had to close down in six months. Despite facing setbacks, Sandeep persevered. In 2003, he authored a marketing book and ventured into a consultancy firm, but encountered challenges leading him back to photography. Yet, he remained undeterred in his journey. Now, when we look back, it is the confidence that he had in himself and the sheer willpower to not give up that made him what he is today. He could have easily accepted his failure after a series of disappointments in his career, but he didn’t stop, and his hard work paid off.
With a lot of fire and hope left in him, he set out to make the best out of the circumstances. As a freelance photographer, he already has a camera and good experience working with models. With his dreams burning, he pulled out a Guinness world record of clicking 10,000 pictures of 122 models in just 10 hours and 45 minutes.
This was a stepping stone for Sandeep Maheshwari. But instead of getting lured and distracted by the glamour of the modeling industry, he continued on the path of self-improvement and business development. He had a vision for revamping the modeling industry for the better.
Sandeep Maheshwari – ImagesBazaar
Sandeep Maheshwari – ImagesBazaar
The turning point of his life was when he was 26 years old. Just like any other common person who had to face a lot of failures in the field of business, he started low by taking up the roles of photographer, marketer, tele counselor and whatnot.
From a one-man army today, Sandeep Maheshwari’s business, ImagesBazaar, is the world’s largest platform for Indian images, serving 45 countries with over 7,000 clients. It won’t be too much to say that he bought this sea change single-handedly. He had been successful in ruling out harassment and exploitation in the lives of many aspiring models through the Sandeep Maheshwari business. There is no doubt that countless models who were launched through Sandeep Maheshwari will be thankful to him for that.
The success of ImagesBazaar made him one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the field. Apart from his business strategies, his insights on life and a positive attitude in the face of uncertainties also became popular.
He became a mentor, a writer, and a motivational speaker over time. He also earned massive respect from millions of people around the globe for the empathy that he has towards the people and for his constant effort to make the world a better place to live. Right now, Sandeep has two YouTube channels named ‘Sandeep Maheshwari’ and ‘Sandeep Maheshwari Spirituality.’ He made a cool saying for young people, ‘Asaan hai,’ which means “it’s really easy.” He started giving talks and sessions to encourage and inspire young people in different parts of life. Now, he’s one of India’s most famous motivational speakers, with over a million people who like to listen to him.
Despite all the challenges he faced, he refused to succumb to the idea that life is tough. He believed that if you believe in yourself, then there is nothing that will make things tough for you. You will be successful if you start giving your hundred percent in everything that you do.
Sandeep Maheshwari – YouTube Channel (Interview of Carry Minati)
Creative Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 by Entrepreneur India Summit
Star Youth Achiever Award instituted by the Global Youth Marketing Forum
One of India’s Most Promising Entrepreneurs by “Business World” magazine.
Recipient of the “ET Now” television channel’s Pioneer of Tomorrow Award.
Young Creative Entrepreneur Award by the British Council, a division of the British High Commission.
Sandeep Maheshwari – Quotes
“If you have more than you need, simply share it with those who need it the most.”
“If you are searching for that person who will change your life, take a look in the Mirror.”
“Your Desire To Change Must Be Greater Than Your Desire to Be Same”
“Any work you put in 100%, then you’ll be successful.”
“Action Without thinking and thinking without action will give you a 100% failure.”
“Success always hugs you in private..! But failure always slaps you in the public..! That’s Life.”
“No hill is tough to climb; see you at the top.”
“Learn From Everyone, Follow No One.”
Sandeep Maheshwari – Controversy
In December 2022, Sandeep Maheshwari accused Vivek Bindra of running a fraudulent business coaching program in a video. Bindra denied the allegations, threatened legal action, and accused Maheshwari of intimidation. Maheshwari released documents that showed high fees with false promises, but Bindra dismissed them as fake. The online community is divided over this public feud, which has damaged the reputation of both motivational speakers. Bindra is planning to sue Maheshwari for defamation, and Maheshwari is prepared to fight the case in court. Both speakers have exchanged provocative videos, creating a hostile atmosphere. As a result, both motivational icons have come under scrutiny and caused controversy.
Conclusion
In sum, Sandeep Maheshwari is like a guide who never gives up. The article shows how he faced tough times but kept going. He teaches us to turn problems into chances and grow from them. Maheshwari’s simple and practical advice has helped many people. The article talks about how he makes life’s lessons easy to understand. He is not just about success; he shares a way of living that brings positivity and change. With his relatable style, he becomes a friend guiding us through life. Sandeep Maheshwari’s story is proof that if we keep trying, even when things are hard, we can make our lives better. He’s like a living example, telling us to learn from tough times and move towards a happy and meaningful life.
FAQs
Who is Sandeep Maheshwari?
Sandeep Maheshwari is a photographer, entrepreneur, and public speaker. He is the founder and CEO of ImagesBazaar.
What is the qualification of Sandeep Maheshwari?
Sandeep Maheshwari studied at Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India; he dropped out of the B.com program in his third year.
Who is the real wife of Sandeep Maheshwari?
Ruchi Maheshwari is Sandeep Maheshwari’s wife.
What is Sandeep Maheshwari’s net worth?
The net worth of Sandeep Maheshwari is approximately $4-5 Million (2023).
Tripti Agarwal
