Biography of Suraj Saharan: Co-founder & CPO at Delhivery- Entrepreneur
Biography of Suraj Saharan:
Suraj Saharan hails from a farming family in Sri Ganganagar,
Rajasthan. His journey into the world of logistics began with a solid
educational foundation in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT) Bombay. His early career included working at Bain and Company,
where he gained valuable experience as a management consultant. During his
tenure across the Boston and New Delhi offices, he consulted for notable
clients in the private equity, healthcare, and logistics sectors, including
Fortis, NTPC, Modi Group, and Actis.
Educational Background and Early Life
Saharan’s educational journey began at the Indian Institute
of Technology, Bombay, where he completed his B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering
from 2001 to 2005. His academic background in engineering laid the groundwork
for his technical and problem-solving skills, which have been instrumental in
his entrepreneurial ventures. Prior to IIT Bombay, he attended Modern Vidya Niketan
in Faridabad and Wynberg Allen School in Mussoorie, where he laid the
foundations for his future academic and professional pursuits.
Extensive Expertise in Business Consulting
Before establishing Delhivery, Saharan gained valuable
experience as a Consultant at Bain & Company, where he worked from August
2006 to August 2011. His role involved collaborating with various offices in
India and the United States, providing insights across diverse sectors such as
Consumer Goods, Healthcare, Telecom, Power, and Industrials. This broad
consulting background equipped Saharan with the strategic and operational
expertise necessary to navigate complex business challenges and drive Delhivery’s
growth.Delhivery offers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to
facilitate seamless online business operations, including channel integration,
inventory management, and multi-city fulfillment. The company’s innovative
approach aims to enhance consumer experiences by providing fast, reliable, and
flexible logistics and e-commerce technologies.
Contributions to UIDAI and ICICI Lombard
Saharan’s career also includes a stint as a Project Manager
with the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) from October 2010 to
April 2011. During this period, he contributed to the implementation of the
Aadhaar project, a significant initiative aimed at providing a unique
identification number to Indian residents. Additionally, Saharan began his
career as a Customer Service Manager at ICICI Lombard, where he developed a
foundational understanding of customer service and operational management.
The Birth of Delhivery
In 2011, Suraj Saharan, driven by a desire to address the
inefficiencies in last-mile delivery, co-founded Delhivery. Initially focused
on Gurgaon, the company rapidly expanded to Delhi and eventually covered the
entire National Capital Region (NCR). Saharan and his team emphasized creating
their own processes and systems, avoiding reliance on traditional logistics
backgrounds for decision-making. This approach was instrumental in shaping
Delhivery’s distinctive operational model.
Biography of Suraj Saharan: Co-founder & CPO at Delhivery- Entrepreneur /Invetsor/Success story of Suraj Saharan/Life story of Delhivery &Suraj Saharan
The Expansion and Early Success
Delhivery’s initial success was marked by strategic customer
acquisition. Saharan and his co-founders pitched their services to e-commerce
companies, promising to handle 50 shipments with the assurance of increased
business if they performed well. This strategy paid off, leading to Delhivery’s
expansion into 20 cities, including Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Their focus
on technology development set them apart from competitors, allowing them to
build robust and scalable solutions.
Embracing Technology and Innovation
A key aspect of Delhivery's growth was its emphasis on
technology. Saharan noted that while manpower could be replicated quickly,
developing a strong technological foundation took time. This strategic focus on
technology enabled Delhivery to innovate and adapt quickly, providing efficient
solutions tailored to their clients' needs. The company’s flexibility and lack
of legacy burdens allowed it to create cutting-edge processes and systems.
Navigating Early Challenges
Suraj Saharan and his team faced significant challenges in
the early days of Delhivery. The Indian market was skeptical about online
shopping, and logistics companies were hesitant to adopt digital business
models. Established players like Blue Dart, FedEx, and BlackBuck dominated the
logistics landscape, making it difficult for newcomers to gain traction.
Despite these hurdles, Delhivery persevered and carved out its niche in the
competitive market.
Scaling Up and Achieving Success
Overcoming initial skepticism and competition, Delhivery
expanded its services to include warehousing, transportation, and delivery for
both B2B and B2C sectors. The company’s innovative approach and commitment to
efficiency helped it establish a strong presence in the logistics industry.
Delhivery’s growth trajectory has been impressive, evolving from a small
startup with a five-member team to one of India’s largest logistics providers
with a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
Building a Robust Team and Culture
As Chief People Officer at Delhivery, Suraj Saharan oversees
a wide range of responsibilities, including recruitment, compensation,
benefits, performance management, employee engagement, and development.
Managing a workforce of over 25,000 employees, Saharan plays a crucial role in
shaping Delhivery’s organizational culture and ensuring that the company
remains a leading player in the logistics sector.
The Genesis of Delhivery’s Expansion
The idea for Delhivery originated from a chance encounter
with a delivery boy who highlighted the severe unemployment issues facing the
local community. Saharan and his co-founder, Sahil Barua, took immediate action
to support the affected workers by hiring them, which led to the establishment
of Delhivery. This pragmatic approach to addressing real-world problems became
a cornerstone of the company's philosophy.
Transitioning to a Comprehensive Logistics Provider
Initially, Delhivery focused on delivering food within an
hour but gradually shifted towards a broader logistics model. The company
expanded its services to include comprehensive warehousing, transportation, and
delivery solutions. The addition of co-founders Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani,
and Kapil Bharati further strengthened Delhivery’s capabilities and contributed
to its growth.
Overcoming Market Skepticism
In the early days, Indian consumers were not fully ready to
embrace online shopping, and logistics companies faced significant resistance
to adopting digital solutions. Delhivery’s challenge was to build trust in a
market where traditional methods were preferred. The founders’ perseverance and
strategic approach helped overcome these barriers, paving the way for
Delhivery’s success.
Establishing Market Leadership
Despite the competitive landscape, Delhivery distinguished
itself by expanding its delivery network and offering cost-effective services.
The company’s rapid growth and expansion have positioned it as a leader in the
logistics industry. With a significant supply chain infrastructure and a strong
focus on technology, Delhivery has become one of India’s largest logistics
providers.
Reflections on Entrepreneurship
Suraj Saharan advises aspiring entrepreneurs to remain
adaptable and focus on execution. He believes that an idea’s value is directly
proportional to the effort invested in its execution. Saharan emphasizes the
importance of building a resilient organization capable of adapting to market
demands and learning from failures to achieve long-term success.
Celebrating Milestones
Delhivery’s journey from a small startup to a major player
in the logistics industry is a testament to the hard work and dedication of its
founders. The company’s growth is marked by significant milestones, including
its valuation of over $1 billion and its status as one of India’s leading
logistics providers. This success story highlights the impact of innovative thinking
and strategic execution.
Looking Forward
As Delhivery continues to grow and evolve, Suraj Saharan
remains focused on driving the company’s success. With a commitment to
innovation, technology, and efficient logistics solutions, Delhivery is
well-positioned to maintain its leadership in the industry. The company's
journey reflects the potential of visionary entrepreneurship and the ability to
overcome challenges to achieve remarkable growth.
A timeline for Suraj Saharan’s career and achievements:
2001-2005: Completed B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering at IIT
Bombay.
2006-2011: Worked as a Consultant at Bain & Company,
with stints in Boston and New Delhi, providing insights across various sectors
including healthcare and logistics.
2010-2011: Contributed to the UIDAI project as a Project
Manager, focusing on the Aadhaar initiative.
2010: Began his career as a Customer Service Manager at
ICICI Lombard.
2011: Co-founded Delhivery, initially focusing on last-mile
delivery in Gurgaon, expanding to Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR).
2011-2013: Expanded Delhivery’s services to 20 cities,
including Chennai, Mumbai, and Bangalore, with a focus on technology
development.
2013: Delhivery began shifting from food delivery to a
broader logistics model, including warehousing and transportation.
2014: Added co-founders Mohit Tandon, Bhavesh Manglani, and
Kapil Bharati, further strengthening the company's capabilities.
2019: Delhivery's valuation exceeded $1 billion,
establishing it as a major player in India’s logistics sector.
2024: Continues as Chief People Officer at Delhivery,
overseeing a workforce of over 25,000 employees and shaping the company's
organizational culture.
