Biography of Sanjeev Bikhchandani: Founder of Info Edge and Naukri.com - Indian Entrepreneur
Biography of Sanjeev Bikhchandani:
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Early Life and Education
Sanjeev Bikhchandani, an Indian businessman renowned for
founding Info Edge, the parent company of Naukri.com, and co-founding Ashoka
University, has made significant contributions to India's business and
education sectors. He completed his schooling at St. Columba's School in Delhi
in 1981. Subsequently, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from
St. Stephen's College, Delhi, in 1984. Later, in 1989, he obtained an MBA from
the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, laying the
foundation for his entrepreneurial journey and leadership in the corporate
world.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani: Entrepreneurial Journey
Sanjeev Bikhchandani embarked on his entrepreneurial journey
after leaving his job marketing Horlicks at Hindustan Milkfood Manufacturers
(now GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare India) in 1990. Initially focusing on
pharmaceutical trademarks and salary surveys, he founded Info Edge in 1995. In
1997, he launched Naukri.com, India's pioneering web-based employment portal,
setting up its operations on a server based in India. This marked the beginning
of Info Edge's significant presence in the online job market.
Info Edge and Naukri.com
In 1997, Sanjeev co-founded Info Edge and launched
Naukri.com, which became India’s leading job portal. Starting modestly from a
servant quarter above a garage with a seed capital of two thousand rupees, Info
Edge transitioned into an Internet company and grew exponentially. It attracted
investments from prominent venture capitalists and became the first Indian
Internet company to list on the stock exchanges. Today, Info Edge boasts a
workforce of over 4000 employees and holds a market capitalization exceeding
USD 4 billion.
Expansion into Various Sectors
As Info Edge grew in the digital space, Bikhchandani
expanded its portfolio to include other classified sites. Notably, Info Edge
launched 99acres.com for real estate, Jeevansathi.com for matrimonial services,
and Shiksha.com for educational information. These platforms became integral
parts of Info Edge's diverse offerings in the digital classifieds sector.
Investments and Philanthropy
Beyond his ventures at Info Edge, Sanjeev Bikhchandani is
recognized for his astute investments. He has invested in unicorns such as
PolicyBazaar and Zomato, contributing to the growth of India's startup
ecosystem. Moreover, he plays a pivotal role in nurturing young talent as part
of the 'Vision Circle' at FYI (Foundation for Young Innovators), supporting
social initiatives by high school students through a dedicated shark tank
platform.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Career and Achievements
Sanjeev Bikhchandani's entrepreneurial career began with the founding of Info Edge, which revolutionized the Indian job market with Naukri.com, a pioneering online job portal. Under his leadership as the founder and executive vice chairman, Info Edge expanded its portfolio to include various digital businesses and became a prominent player in India's internet sector. His vision and strategic acumen propelled Naukri.com to become the leading job site in India, transforming how job seekers and employers connect.
Biography of Sanjeev Bikhchandani: Founder & CEO of Info Edge & Naukri.com /Entrepreneur/Angel Investor/99acres.com/real estate/biography of Sanjeev
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Contributions to Education
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Sanjeev Bikhchandani
co-founded Ashoka University, a leading liberal arts institution in India aimed
at fostering academic excellence and holistic education. His commitment to
education and philanthropy extends to various initiatives aimed at empowering
students and promoting educational access and quality in India.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Contributions and Leadership
Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Sanjeev is actively
involved in various industry forums and contributes significantly to the
entrepreneurship ecosystem in India. He has served as the President of the
Delhi chapter of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) and as a member of the Global
Board of Trustees of TiE. He also contributes to the All India Management
Association as a Member of the Council of Management. His leadership extends to
chairing the Internet Council of NASSCOM and serving on the Venture Capital
Investment Committee for the SIDBI Fund of Funds for startups. Additionally, he
plays a pivotal role as a board member of the CIIE Initiatives at IIM
Ahmedabad.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Recognition and Honors
Sanjeev Bikhchandani's contributions to entrepreneurship and
education have earned him widespread recognition, including the prestigious
Padma Shri award, India's fourth-highest civilian honor, bestowed upon him in
January 2020. He is also ranked #68 in the Forbes India Rich List 2020, with a
substantial net worth of $2.1 billion, underscoring his influence and success
in the business world.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani's journey epitomizes entrepreneurship
driven by innovation, foresight, and a commitment to societal impact, leaving
an indelible mark on India's corporate landscape and educational sphere alike.
His leadership continues to inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and educators across
the country.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Net Worth
Sanjeev Bikhchandani's net worth stands at over $2.4 billion
as of 2023. The majority of his wealth is attributed to his significant stake
in Info Edge, the company behind Naukri.com, and his successful investments in
various startups across India. His financial success underscores his strategic
acumen and foresight in identifying promising ventures within the entrepreneurial
landscape.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Investments
Sanjeev Bikhchandani is a prominent figure in the Indian
startup ecosystem, recognized for his active role as an investor. He has made
strategic investments in several successful startups, including PolicyBazaar,
Zomato, and FirstCry. His diverse investment portfolio reflects his confidence
in India's entrepreneurial potential and his dedication to supporting
innovative ventures that drive economic growth and transformation.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Family
Sanjeev Bikhchandani is married to Surabhi Bikhchandani, and
together they have two children. Known for his strong family values, Sanjeev
balances his entrepreneurial pursuits with a deep commitment to his family
life. His dedication to both his professional endeavors and personal
responsibilities exemplifies his holistic approach to success.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani - Social Responsibility
Beyond his business and investment activities, Sanjeev
Bikhchandani is actively involved in social responsibility initiatives. His
support for educational institutions like Ashoka University and non-profit
organizations such as Chintan and the 1947PartitionArchive underscores his
commitment to fostering social impact and community development. Through his
philanthropic efforts, Sanjeev aims to create a positive and lasting change in
society, reflecting his values of giving back and making a difference.
Recognition and Awards
Sanjeev Bikhchandani's entrepreneurial achievements have been widely acknowledged. In 2008, he was honored with the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, highlighting his leadership and contribution to the business landscape in India.
In subsequent years, Sanjeev continued to receive accolades for his exceptional contributions. He was awarded the Distinguished Alumnus award by IIM Ahmedabad in 2011 and the CF Andrews Distinguished Alumnus award by St. Stephen’s College in 2012, acknowledging his alma maters' pride in his accomplishments.
His leadership and impact were further acknowledged with the Lakshmipat Singhania – IIM Lucknow National Leadership Award in the Business Category in 2012, recognizing him as a young leader making significant strides in the business world.
In April 2017, Outlook Magazine recognized Sanjeev Bikhchandani as one of India’s fifty greatest CEOs ever, underscoring his strategic vision and enduring impact on the corporate sector. Most recently, in 2019, he was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in IT by the Financial Express, celebrating his sustained contributions to the information technology sector.
In February 2020, the Ministry of Home Affairs approved the conferment of the Padma Shri Award to Sanjeev Bikhchandani, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, recognizing his exemplary achievements and significant contributions to business, entrepreneurship, and society at large.
Sanjeev Bikhchandani's journey from an entrepreneur to a
prolific investor and philanthropist is a testament to his visionary
leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and unwavering commitment to creating value
both in business and society.
