Biography of Raghav Chandra: Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Urban Company
Biography of Raghav Chandra:
Raghav Chandra is the Co-founder and Chief Technology
Officer (CTO) of Urban Company, India's largest home services platform. He
oversees technology and product development, playing a crucial role in the
company's expansion and innovation. Urban Company, with its significant
presence in over 30 cities across four countries, has raised more than $300
million in funding under his leadership.
Educational Background and Early Career
Raghav Chandra graduated from the University of California,
Berkeley in 2012 with a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering.
After his graduation, he worked as a software engineer at prominent tech
companies such as Twitter and Yelp. His early career provided him with valuable
experience and insights into the tech industry, which later fueled his
entrepreneurial ambitions.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2013, Raghav founded Buggi, a peer-to-peer car rental
platform, marking the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. The following
year, he met his future co-founders, Abhiraj Bhal and Varun Khaitan, at The
Boston Consulting Group. Together, they identified the need to transform the
unorganized and fragmented services sector in India, leading to the inception
of Urban Company (originally Urban Clap) in 2014.
Founding UrbanClap
Raghav Chandra’s entrepreneurial journey took a significant
turn when he met Abhiraj Bhal and Varun Khaitan in late 2013. Both Bhal and
Khaitan had recently returned to India after working abroad and had previously
co-founded Cinema Box, a service aimed at providing movie streaming to
travelers. Chandra, a computer science graduate from UC Berkeley, had just
returned from a stint at Twitter and a prior startup, Buggi, which focused on
carpooling and ride-sharing. The three founders, united by their vision for an
online hyperlocal marketplace, decided to embark on a new venture together.
Biography of Raghav Chandra: Co-founder & CTO of Urban Company-Entrepreneur/Investor/Success story of Raghav Chandra/Urban story/Life story Raghav Ch
The Birth of UrbanClap
In August-September 2014, Chandra, Bhal, and Khaitan
launched UrbanClap, a platform designed to connect users with a diverse range
of service professionals. The initial aim was to offer services such as
plumbing, electrical work, wedding photography, and more, addressing the
fragmented service sector in India. UrbanClap started its operations in eight
Indian cities and rapidly expanded its network, featuring over 60,000
professionals on its platform. The service quickly gained traction, handling approximately
5,500 customer requests daily.
Vision for Urban Company
Urban Company was established with the vision of
revolutionizing the home services sector in India. The platform offers a wide
array of services, including beauty, wellness, cleaning, repairs, and personal
care, directly to customers' doorsteps. By providing training, tools, and a steady
income, Urban Company also empowers millions of service professionals, helping
them achieve financial stability and professional growth.
Building a Robust Technology Infrastructure
Raghav Chandra's passion for building products that address
real-world problems is evident in the robust tech infrastructure he has
developed for Urban Company. The platform facilitates seamless booking,
tracking, and payment of services, enhancing user experience. Additionally,
Raghav and his team have designed a proprietary quality control system that
maintains high standards of service delivery and ensures customer satisfaction.
Global Expansion and Innovation
Raghav Chandra has played a pivotal role in Urban Company's
growth by leading its expansion into international markets such as Dubai,
Singapore, and Australia. His strategic vision has facilitated the company's
entry into these new territories, broadening its global footprint and
diversifying its service offerings. Raghav has also been instrumental in
launching new services like salon at home, home painting, and pest control,
addressing the evolving needs of Urban Company's diverse customer base.
Personal Interests and Hobbies
Outside of his professional achievements, Raghav Chandra is
an avid dancer with a passion for West Coast Swing and Rock-n-Roll. His
enthusiasm for dancing reflects his dynamic personality and love for creative
expression. Additionally, Raghav enjoys outdoor activities such as slacklining
and bouldering, which complement his active lifestyle and adventurous spirit.
Lifelong Learning and Curiosity
Raghav is a voracious reader and a lifelong learner,
constantly exploring new technologies and trends. His curiosity drives his
continuous pursuit of knowledge and innovation, keeping him at the forefront of
technological advancements and industry developments. This commitment to
learning and growth is a testament to his dedication to both personal and
professional excellence.
Impact and Influence
Raghav Chandra is widely recognized as one of India's most
influential and inspiring entrepreneurs. His journey from founding Urban
Company to building it into a successful and impactful company showcases his
entrepreneurial spirit and leadership. Raghav’s contributions to the tech and
home services industries have made a significant impact, establishing him as a
role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators.
Philosophy and Impact
Raghav Chandra believes in keeping things simple and
focusing on the core value proposition. His approach has been instrumental in
Urban Company's success, enabling the platform to address the needs of millions
of customers and service professionals effectively. Through his leadership and
vision, Raghav continues to drive Urban Company's mission of transforming the
home services industry and making a positive impact on the lives of both
customers and service providers.
Timeline for Raghav Chandra story
2012: Graduated with a Bachelor's in Computer Science and
Engineering from UC Berkeley.
2013: Founded Buggi, a peer-to-peer car rental platform.
2014: Co-founded UrbanClap (now Urban Company) with Abhiraj
Bhal and Varun Khaitan.
2014: Launched UrbanClap, expanding rapidly across India.
Present: Oversees global expansion and innovation at Urban
Company.
