Biography of Gajendra Jangid: Co-founder and CMO of CARS24- Entrepreneur
The Rise of Gajendra Jangid and CARS24:
From Engineering to Entrepreneurship
Gajendra Jangid’s path to becoming a successful entrepreneur
began with a solid educational foundation in metallurgical engineering from the
prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. This rigorous academic
environment equipped him with the technical skills and problem-solving
abilities that would later prove crucial in his entrepreneurial journey. After
graduating, Gajendra embarked on a career that included a significant stint at
SLB, where he honed his skills in a corporate setting before venturing into the
startup world.
Engineering Roots and Educational Foundation
Gajendra’s journey began with a strong academic background
in engineering. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Metallurgical Engineering
and Material Science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, one of
India's premier engineering institutions. This rigorous education provided him
with a solid technical foundation, which he later applied to both his
engineering career and entrepreneurial ventures. His educational experience at
IIT Bombay helped shape his analytical skills and problem-solving abilities,
which have been crucial in his success as an entrepreneur.
From Oil Fields to Entrepreneurship
Before diving into the world of startups, Gajendra built a
solid foundation in the oil and gas industry with Schlumberger. His career at
Schlumberger spanned over nine years, during which he held various roles in
cementing operations across South Asia. Starting as a Field Engineer in 2006,
he gained hands-on experience in cementing operations. Over the years, he
progressed to roles such as Deepwater Cementing Engineer and Field Service
Manager, eventually becoming the Cementing Operations Manager for the India,
Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh region. His work involved managing well integrity
technologies and overseeing complex operations, showcasing his ability to
handle high-pressure environments and intricate projects.
The Birth of CARS24
In 2015, Gajendra co-founded CARS24, a revolutionary
platform aimed at transforming the way pre-owned cars are bought and sold. The
company was established with a vision to make the automobile trading process
more transparent and efficient. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, including a
Smart AI Pricing Engine and rigorous quality checks, CARS24 aimed to provide a
seamless experience for both buyers and sellers of used cars.
Gajendra Jangid is a dynamic entrepreneur known for
co-founding CARS24, a groundbreaking platform in the used car market. Since
launching CARS24 in May 2015, Gajendra has been instrumental in shaping the
company’s growth and success. CARS24 is revolutionizing the car-buying and
selling process with its innovative approach, making it easier and more
transparent for consumers. Gajendra's role as a co-founder has involved driving
the company's strategic vision and expanding its market reach, contributing to
its impressive growth over the years.
Biography of Gajendra Jangid: Co-founder and CMO of CARS24- Entrepreneur /Age/Net worth/Investor/Success story of Gajendra Jangid/Story of CARS24/
Expanding Horizons
Under Gajendra’s leadership as Chief Marketing Officer,
CARS24 expanded its reach beyond India to international markets, including
Australia, Thailand, and the UAE. This global expansion was part of the
company’s strategy to tap into new markets and offer its innovative services to
a broader audience. The company's approach was to streamline the entire process
of buying and selling used cars, making it more transparent and user-friendly.
Navigating the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges for
businesses worldwide, including CARS24. With public transportation coming to a
halt, many people turned to personal vehicles as a safer and more hygienic
option. This shift led to a surge in demand for pre-owned cars, and CARS24 saw
a fourfold increase in customer interest. Despite the difficulties, the company
adapted quickly, implementing safety measures like home inspections and remote
work for employees.
Achieving Unicorn Status
In November 2020, CARS24 achieved a significant milestone by
joining the unicorn club, a term used for startups valued at over $1 billion.
This achievement was marked by securing $200 million in a Series E funding
round led by DST Global, with contributions from other investors. The funding
not only validated CARS24’s business model but also provided the resources
needed for further expansion and innovation.
Reflections on a Challenging Year
Reflecting on 2020, Gajendra Jangid acknowledged the year’s
difficulties and the lessons learned. The pandemic forced the company to
reassess its strategies and adapt to new realities. Despite the challenges,
Gajendra saw the year as an opportunity for growth and reflection, emphasizing
the importance of having flexible opinions and being open to change.
Personal Insights and Growth
On a personal level, Gajendra’s experiences during the
pandemic led to significant reflections and growth. He began to view buying
books as an investment rather than an expense, illustrating a shift in his
mindset. This period also led him to explore new hobbies and habits, such as
developing a regular reading routine and considering a new interest in tennis.
Investments and Venture Partnerships
In addition to his role at CARS24, Gajendra Jangid is an
active investor and venture partner. He has made several investments in
early-stage startups, including Ninecamp, EquityList, Store My Goods, and
Humit. These investments reflect his commitment to supporting innovation and
nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Challenges and Triumphs
The journey to establishing CARS24 and achieving unicorn
status was not without its challenges. Gajendra faced numerous obstacles,
including navigating the impacts of the pandemic and managing rapid growth.
Despite these hurdles, his leadership and strategic vision played a crucial
role in the company’s success and resilience.
Looking Ahead
As CARS24 continues to grow and innovate, Gajendra Jangid
remains focused on the future. The company’s success in revolutionizing the
pre-owned car market is just the beginning. With ongoing investments and a
commitment to excellence, CARS24 is poised to further solidify its position as
a leader in the AutoTech industry.
A Diverse Career Path
Gajendra's career has been marked by a diverse range of
experiences. His time at Schlumberger, where he worked in various capacities
from Field Engineer to Cementing Operations Manager, equipped him with a deep
understanding of complex operational and management challenges. This
background, combined with his technical expertise and entrepreneurial spirit,
has enabled him to transition successfully from engineering to leading a
thriving startup. Through his work at CARS24, Gajendra continues to make a
significant impact on the automotive industry, driving innovation and improving
the car buying and selling experience for consumers.
Conclusion
Gajendra Jangid’s journey from a metallurgical engineer to a
successful entrepreneur and investor is a testament to his vision, resilience,
and adaptability. His story highlights the impact of leveraging technology to
solve real-world problems and the importance of remaining flexible in the face
of challenges. As CARS24 continues to evolve, Gajendra’s leadership and
innovative spirit will undoubtedly drive the company’s future successes.
Timeline for Gajendra’s story
2006 - 2015: Worked at Schlumberger, advancing from Field
Engineer to Cementing Operations Manager across South Asia.
May 2015: Co-founded CARS24, a platform revolutionizing the
pre-owned car market with advanced technology.
2015-2020: Expanded CARS24 internationally to markets
including Australia, Thailand, and the UAE.
November 2020: CARS24 achieved unicorn status by raising
$200 million in Series E funding led by DST Global.
2020: Navigated challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, seeing
a surge in demand for pre-owned cars and adapting to new business conditions.
2021-Present: Continued to lead CARS24 in expanding its
market presence and innovating within the AutoTech industry.
2021-Present: Actively invested in early-stage startups such
as Ninecamp, EquityList, Store My Goods, and Humit.
