Before startups became popular in India, Anupam Mittal was already leading the way in digital innovation. Born on December 23, 1975, Mittal started the online matchmaking service Shaadi.com, blending tradition with modern technology.
Mittal's journey shows how a bold vision, smart business sense, and hard work can build brands that become essential to people's lives. His methods offer important lessons for new entrepreneurs on finding market opportunities, prioritizing customers, and growing ideas into successful businesses.
Now, Mittal runs a group of diverse companies, each focused on meeting consumer needs. He has a unique talent for spotting good ideas and promising founders, even in the early stages.
Pioneering Shaadi.com and Transforming Arranged Marriages
Anupam Mittal started his first business in 1997 while he was still studying at Boston University. In the same year, he launched Shaadi.com, which combined the old tradition of arranged marriages with modern technology. Seeing the difficulties and social issues Indians faced in finding partners, Mittal created a platform that helped people find suitable life partners in a new and progressive way. Shaadi.com brought significant change to the way arranged marriages were done in India.
With Mittal's innovative leadership, Shaadi.com became a well-known and respected name in Indian culture. His determination and focus on providing real value to customers were key to making Shaadi.com a successful and profitable business and one of the first successful tech startups in the country. Mittal's active involvement in managing the product design ensured that the platform kept improving to meet users' needs.
Focus on User Experience as Core Philosophy
Attention to user experience and journey has been a core aspect of Mittal’s brand-building
philosophy. Creating solutions that tap into people’s real problems and pain points is key. Whether it’s connecting prospective brides and grooms or enabling urban travel, Mittal recognizes that brands must put users at the center.
Unparalleled Ability to Spot Potential in Early Stage Startups
Mittal has also led some of India’s most influential startups by spotting potential early on. As an angel investor, he has funded brands like Ola Cabs, MediBuddy, Sapience, and Bigbasket even before others realized their promise. His ability to identify gaps in the market and bet on talented founders, even at an early stage, has been unmatched.
Continued Success and Recognition
In his role as founder and CEO of People Group, Anupam Mittal continues to lead with the same vision. Today, the company's diversified portfolio includes technology brands, digital media platforms, health services, and education.
Mittal has also played an influential role in industry associations. He is a former Chairman and founding member of the Internet & Mobile Association of India (IAMAI). Additionally, Mittal serves as the founding Co-Chairman of H2, an advocacy forum for the online gaming industry in India.
Mittal's business knowledge and leadership have been recognized through numerous awards. Business Week honored him as one of the ‘50 Most Powerful People in India’. The Week Magazine named him on the list of 25 people to watch out for most in the business world. He also received the ‘Outstanding Serial Entrepreneur and Angel Investor’ award in 2020.
Guiding Aspiring Entrepreneurs through Shark Tank India
However, Mittal doesn't limit himself to just growing his business empire. As an original "shark" on Shark Tank India, he has guided countless aspiring entrepreneurs. His investments through the show have provided young startups with capital, expert mentorship, and unmatched visibility. Mittal's business insights on Shark Tank India have struck a chord with millions of viewers.
Giving Back to Society
Beyond his profile as an investor and entrepreneur, Mittal is passionate about public speaking, education, and giving back to society. He actively supports various initiatives in healthcare, women’s empowerment, and social transformation.
As we approach his 48th birthday, we celebrate Anupam Mittal’s visionary leadership and phenomenal success story. His strategic thinking and customer-focused approach provide invaluable lessons for aspiring founders. Mittal’s journey continues to inspire and open new possibilities for Indian business.
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