Anupam Mittal: Pioneering Entrepreneurship, Angel Investing,
and Cultural Impact in India
Biography of Anupam Mittal:
Anupam Mittal, born on December 23, 1974, is a notable
Indian figure in the realms of entrepreneurship, business leadership, and angel
investing. He holds the positions of founder and CEO of People Group and
Shaadi.com, a prominent Indian online matrimonial service. Beyond his ventures
in matchmaking, Mittal has gained recognition as a significant investor in the
early seasons of Shark Tank, backing over 250 companies. Anupam Mittal boasts a
significant net worth of 187 crores INR, highlighting his financial success and
accomplishments as an entrepreneur and investor.
In addition to his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mittal has
contributed to shaping India's digital landscape. He served as the co-founder
and chairperson of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) from
2006 to 2007, playing a pivotal role in its governance. Currently, he remains
an influential member of its Governing Council, furthering his impact on
India's tech ecosystem.
Acknowledged for his contributions, Mittal has been honored
with the Karmaveer Chakra Award, recognizing his commitment to societal welfare
and innovation. Beyond his business acumen, Mittal has delved into the realm of
entertainment, dabbling in acting and film production. Noteworthy Bollywood
productions in which he has participated include "99" and
"Flavors."
Anupam Mittal: Roots and Education
Anupam Mittal's journey begins in Mumbai, India, where he
was born and raised. His formative years were spent at Jai Hind College, where
he completed his schooling. Following his early education, Mittal embarked on
an academic journey that took him across the globe.
His pursuit of higher education led him to Boston College in
Massachusetts, where he pursued his undergraduate studies. There, Mittal
immersed himself in academia, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors.
Building upon his undergraduate education, he further honed his skills and
knowledge by earning an MBA in Operations and Strategic Management. This
educational background equipped Mittal with the tools and insights necessary to
navigate the complexities of the business world and embark on his
entrepreneurial journey.
Anupam Mittal: Entrepreneurial Ventures and Investment
Portfolio
Early Career at MicroStrategy
Anupam Mittal's career trajectory is marked by innovation
and foresight, beginning with his early days at MicroStrategy, where he served
as a product manager. However, it was a personal experience with a matrimonial
consultant that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit.
An Idea Sparks Innovation
In 1997, Mittal ventured into uncharted territory by
founding Sagai.com, a pioneering online matrimonial portal that would later
evolve into the widely recognized Shaadi.com. This groundbreaking endeavor
revolutionized the way people approach matchmaking in India and beyond.
Founding Sagai.com and Shaadi.com
Building on the success of Shaadi.com, Mittal continued to
explore new frontiers in the digital landscape. He ventured into the realm of
mobile gaming with the establishment of Mauj Mobile, India's first mobile
gaming company. Additionally, he made strides in the real estate sector with
the launch of Makaan.com, further diversifying his portfolio of ventures.
Diversifying Ventures
Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Mittal has made
significant contributions to India's tech ecosystem. He served as the
Chairperson of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) from 2006
to 2007, playing a pivotal role in shaping policies and fostering innovation within
the industry.
Ventures into Mobile Gaming and Real Estate
Anupam Mittal's influence extends beyond his ventures as an
entrepreneur. He has emerged as a prominent angel investor, with a portfolio
spanning over 250 startups across various sectors including clean technology,
consumer internet, mobile, healthcare, and SaaS.
Angel Investing and Startup Portfolio
Notable investments in Mittal's portfolio include Ola Cabs,
one of India's leading mobility startups, as well as Rupeek, Agnikul, Animall,
Interactive Avenues, BigBasket, Rapido, and WhatFix. Through his investments,
Mittal continues to champion innovation and drive growth in India's startup
ecosystem.
Anupam Mittal's Ventures and Entertainment
Anupam Mittal, known for his role as a "Shark" on
Shark Tank India, has participated in the reality program's first three
seasons. In Season 1, he invested around ₹54,000,000 (US$680,000) across 25
businesses. Similarly, in Season 2, he made investments of the same amount
across 25 businesses. However, in Season 3, his investment rose to nearly
₹80,500,000 (US$1.0 million) in various companies.
Dabbling in Bollywood
Apart from his ventures in business and investment, Mittal
has also explored the entertainment industry. He acted in and produced
Bollywood films like 99 and Flavors, directed by his friends Raj & DK. This
diversification into the film industry showcases Mittal's versatility beyond
the realm of entrepreneurship.
Television Appearances
Mittal's presence extends to television beyond his role in
Shark Tank India. He has appeared on other popular shows such as Amitabh
Bachchan’s Kaun Banega Crorepati and The Kapil Sharma Show. These appearances,
often tied to promotions for Shark Tank India, further highlight Mittal's
public presence and engagement beyond his core business activities.
Entrepreneurship, Angel Investing, and Cultural Impact in India / Biography of Anupam Mittal:
Anupam Mittal: Personal Journey
Anupam Mittal's personal life adds depth to his professional
achievements, showcasing the man behind the business ventures.
Family Roots
Born on December 23, 1971, in Mumbai, Mittal's upbringing
was shaped by the love and support of his parents, Bhagwati Devi Mittal and
Gopal Krishna Mittal. Their influence likely played a significant role in shaping
his values and aspirations.
Love and Commitment
In 2013, Mittal took a significant step in his personal life
by marrying his long-term partner, model Anchal Kumar, in Jaipur. This union
marked a milestone in Mittal's journey, highlighting the importance of love and
companionship amidst his professional endeavors.
Building a Family
Together, Mittal and Kumar welcomed their daughter, Alyssa
Mittal, into the world. Parenthood added a new dimension to Mittal's life,
emphasizing the importance of family and nurturing relationships beyond the
boardroom.
Anupam Mittal: Social Media Presence
Anupam Mittal maintains an active presence on Facebook and
Instagram, engaging with his audience and sharing updates on his endeavors.
With a following of over 42k people on Instagram, Mittal's social media
presence reflects his influence and reach in the digital sphere.
Anupam Mittal: Wealth and Success
Anupam Mittal's financial standing underscores his
achievements in entrepreneurship and investment, with an estimated net worth of
approximately $25 million.
Diverse Income Streams
Mittal's income is derived from a variety of sources,
reflecting his diverse portfolio of businesses and investments. From his
entrepreneurial ventures to returns on investment, Mittal's income streams are
multifaceted, contributing to his overall financial success.
Anupam Mittal: Recognitions and Accolades
Anupam Mittal's contributions to innovation and
entrepreneurship have garnered widespread recognition, earning him several
prestigious awards and accolades over the years.
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Celebrating Innovation
In 2011, Mittal's visionary leadership led his company to
receive the prestigious award for the most innovative company in India, as
recognized by Fast Company, a renowned US Business Publication. This acknowledgment
underscored Mittal's commitment to driving innovation and pushing boundaries
within the Indian business landscape.
Honoring Social Impact
Mittal's dedication to social change and entrepreneurship
was further highlighted when he was honored with the Karmaveer Chakra Award in
the category of Entrepreneurs for Social Change. This esteemed award celebrated
Mittal's efforts in leveraging business as a force for positive social
transformation, reflecting his ethos of impactful leadership.
Trailblazing in Investment
Anupam Mittal's prowess as an angel investor earned him notable acclaim within the investment community. He was recognized by Business Standard as the top angel investor in both 2014 and 2015, having invested in 25 and 34 start-ups respectively. His keen eye for promising ventures and strategic investments solidified his reputation as a trailblazer in the startup ecosystem.
A Presence Amongst Prominent Figures
In 2016, Mittal's contributions to the Indian startup
landscape earned him a place among The 8 Most Prominent Angel Investors in
India, as listed by Forbes. This acknowledgment not only underscored Mittal's
influence within the investment sphere but also highlighted his role in
fostering entrepreneurship and innovation in India.
Continued Recognition
Anupam Mittal's remarkable achievements continued to be celebrated in 2020 when he was honored with the award for Outstanding Serial Entrepreneur and Angel Investor by TiE, a testament to his enduring impact and success in the entrepreneurial realm. Additionally, Mittal's influence was acknowledged on a broader scale, as he ranked among the 50 Most Powerful People in India according to a prestigious business weekly, The Week. These accolades serve as a testament to Mittal's lasting legacy and influence within the Indian business landscape.
Some companies where he invested
- Ola Cabs - Ola Cabs is an Indian transportation company
- BharatX - BharatX is a Bengaluru-based fintech startup
- Reevoy - Reevoy offers an inventive invoice financing solution for Indian SME exporters
- ASQI Advisors - ASQI Advisors is an Investment management firm
- BizzTM - BizzTM. Gurgaon-based BizzTM is an App-based reselling platform
- Druva - Druva is a data management software for endpoints, cloud applications, governance, and intelligence.
- FabHotels - Fabhotels is a coordinated network of budget hotels across India.
- NxtWave - NxtWave is an Ed-tech platform
- One Impression - Online platform for influencer marketing
- Shaadisaga Logo -ShaadiSaga ShaadiSaga is an online wedding planning platform
- Bigbasket -Online retailer offering multi-category grocery products
- Medibuddy -Online platform offering multiple healthcare services
- Trueil - Online P2P marketplace for used cars
- myHQ - Provider of an online marketplace to book shared office membership pass
- Mauj Mobile - Mobile Media company with focus on mobile gaming and content marketplaces
- Karban -Consumer Goods sector
- Canvaloop -High Tech sector
- P-TAL - Retail Sector
- Allter – Retail Sector
