Biography of Kavin Bharti Mittal: Founder & CEO of Hike Messenger- Entrepreneur
Journey of Kavin Bharti Mittal
Kavin Bharti Mittal is a prominent Indian internet
entrepreneur, renowned as the founder and CEO of Hike, the company responsible
for the popular messaging platform Hike Messenger, which achieved unicorn
status. Additionally, he spearheaded the Rush Gaming Universe (RGU), a mobile
gaming application.
Early Years and Education
Born on 30 August 1987 in Delhi, India, Kavin Bharti Mittal
pursued his education with a strong academic focus. He graduated in Electronics
and Electrical Engineering from the University of York, followed by a Master's
degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Management from Imperial
College London. During his academic journey, Mittal gained valuable experience
through internships at prestigious organizations such as McLaren Racing,
Google, and Goldman Sachs.
Founding Hike and the Rise of Hike Messenger
Kavin Mittal founded Hike in 2012, envisioning it as an
Indian internet company focused on developing social communication and
entertainment products. From 2012 to 2018, Hike successfully built the Hike
Messenger SuperApp, catering to India's mobile-first population and reaching
over 30 million monthly active users. The venture raised substantial capital
from notable investors including Tiger Global, Tencent, SoftBank, and Foxconn.
Evolution and Closure of Hike Messenger
By 2019, facing changing market dynamics with cheaper data
and affordable smartphones, Hike decided to shut down its flagship app. Kavin
Mittal observed that smartphones themselves had evolved into SuperApps,
reducing the demand for standalone platforms like Hike in the Indian market.
A Vision for Digital Connectivity
Upon his return to India, Kavin Mittal embarked on a mission
to revolutionize the digital landscape. In 2012, he founded Hike, an Indian
internet company dedicated to creating social communication and entertainment
products. Hike's primary goal was to connect India's mobile-first population to
the expanding digital world.
Scaling Success with Hike Messenger
Under Kavin Mittal's leadership, Hike experienced rapid
growth and acclaim. By 2018, Hike Messenger's SuperApp had amassed a
substantial user base, exceeding 30 million monthly active users. The venture
also secured significant investments totaling over $250 million from leading
investors such as Tiger Global, Tencent, SoftBank, and Foxconn.
Strategic Pivot in 2019
In response to evolving market dynamics in India,
particularly the advent of affordable data plans and economical smartphones,
Kavin Mittal navigated Hike through a pivotal transition. In 2019, recognizing
that smartphones themselves were increasingly becoming SuperApps, Hike made the
strategic decision to sunset its flagship Hike Messenger app. This decision
aligned with Mittal's vision to adapt to changing consumer behaviors and
technological advancements in the digital space.
Transition to Mobile Gaming with Rush Gaming Universe
Following Hike's closure, Kavin Mittal redirected the
company's focus towards mobile gaming, launching the Rush Gaming Universe. In
August 2021, the venture secured funding led by Tinder co-founder Justin
Mateen, marking a strategic shift towards gaming innovation.
Embracing Blockchain Technology
In February 2022, Mittal announced Polygon's involvement
with Hike, signaling the Rush Gaming Universe's entry into blockchain gaming.
This move underscored Mittal's commitment to exploring new technological
frontiers and expanding Hike's footprint in the gaming industry.
Recognition and Industry Impact
Kavin Mittal's entrepreneurial achievements were recognized
on global platforms, including Forbes' 30 Under 30 list in 2017 and
Entrepreneur magazine's 35 under 35 list in 2016. His innovative approach
continues to shape the tech landscape, positioning him as a prominent figure in
the intersection of technology, gaming, and digital innovation.
Founding AppSpark and Innovating with Movies Now
In 2008, while finishing his studies at Imperial College
London, Kavin Mittal launched AppSpark, a company dedicated to creating mobile
applications. The next year, in 2009, AppSpark collaborated with
movietickets.com to introduce 'Movies Now', an iPhone app for booking movie
tickets. Apple recognized it as one of the top 10 essential apps for moviegoers
on the iPhone, boosting its popularity.
Venturing into Messaging with Ilike Messenger
In 2012, Mittal entered the messaging app market in India
with 'Ilike Messenger', aiming to cater specifically to the local user base.
Biography of Kavin B Mittal:Founder & CEO of Hike Messenger-Entrepreneur/Rush Gaming Universe/mobile gaming application/Investor/internet/success story
Expanding with Zip Phone and Industry Recognition
By 2015, Mittal expanded his business by acquiring Zip
Phone, a Voice over IP company based in the United States. In 2016, Mittal was
honored with the Trendsetting CEO Award at the ET Panache Trendsetter Awards,
recognizing his innovative leadership in the tech industry.
Challenges and Achievements
In 2016, Mittal faced a security breach when his Twitter
account was hacked, leading to unauthorized posts about weight-loss tips. That
same year, he was listed in Entrepreneur magazine's prestigious '35 under 35'
list, celebrating his entrepreneurial accomplishments at a young age.
Personal Insights and Rumors
Beyond his professional life, Mittal follows Zen Buddhism
and is known for his strong work ethic, often described as a workaholic. In
February 2018, rumors circulated about Mittal dating Bollywood actress Alia
Bhatt, reportedly meeting at the World Economic Forum in October 2017.
These events and aspects provide a glimpse into Kavin
Mittal's entrepreneurial journey, personal interests, and notable achievements
in the tech industry.
Sunil Bharti Mittal and Family
Sunil Bharti Mittal, a prominent figure in business, married
Nyna Mittal, a dedicated philanthropist focused on education. Together, they
have a family consisting of one daughter and twin sons. Their daughter, Eiesha
Bharti Pasricha, is actively involved as a lifestyle investor and resides in
London with her husband, businessman Sharan Pasricha, and their two children.
Shravin Bharti Mittal, one of the twins, serves as the founder and CEO of
Unbound and holds a directorial role at Bharti Global Ltd.
Kavin Mittal's Achievements
Kavin Mittal, the other twin, has made significant strides
in the tech industry. He gained recognition by being featured in Forbes'
prestigious 30 Under 30 list in 2017. Additionally, in 2016, he was honored as
part of Entrepreneur magazine's 35 under 35 list, highlighting his
entrepreneurial prowess and contributions to the industry.
A timeline summarizing the key events and milestones in
Kavin Bharti Mittal's entrepreneurial journey and professional achievements:
1987:
Kavin Bharti Mittal is born on August 30 in Delhi,
India.
2008:
Launches AppSpark while completing his studies at Imperial
College London.
AppSpark collaborates with movietickets.com to introduce
'Movies Now', an iPhone app for booking movie tickets, recognized by Apple as a
top 10 essential app for moviegoers.
2009:
Continues to develop and expand AppSpark's portfolio of
mobile applications.
2012:
Enters the messaging app market in India with 'Ilike Messenger',
focusing on the local user base.
2012-2018:
Founding of Hike: Establishes Hike, aiming to create social
communication and entertainment products for India's mobile-first population.
Rise of Hike Messenger: Builds Hike Messenger SuperApp,
achieving over 30 million monthly active users.
Investment and Growth: Secures substantial investments
exceeding $250 million from investors like Tiger Global, Tencent, SoftBank, and
Foxconn.
2015:
Expands business by acquiring Zip Phone, a Voice over IP
company based in the United States.
2016:
Recognition: Listed in Entrepreneur magazine's '35 under 35'
list, acknowledging his entrepreneurial achievements.
Security Breach: Faces a security incident with his Twitter
account hacked, leading to unauthorized posts.
2017:
Forbes 30 Under 30: Recognized in Forbes' prestigious 30
Under 30 list for his contributions to the tech industry.
2018:
Strategic Shift: Announces the closure of Hike Messenger due
to evolving market dynamics favoring SuperApps.
2019:
Pivot to Mobile Gaming: Redirects focus to mobile gaming,
launching Rush Gaming Universe (RGU).
Blockchain Integration: Announces Polygon's involvement with
RGU, marking entry into blockchain gaming.
2021:
Funding for RGU: Secures funding led by Tinder co-founder
Justin Mateen, emphasizing innovation in gaming.
This timeline encapsulates Kavin Bharti Mittal's journey
from launching mobile apps to pioneering messaging platforms and subsequently
transitioning into mobile gaming, showcasing his adaptability and
entrepreneurial spirit in the tech industry.
