Biography of Yashish Dahiya: Founder and CEO of Policybazaar.com- Entrepreneur
Biography of Yashish Dahiya: Journey of Policybazaar
Yashish Dahiya was born on September 16, 1972, and is
currently 49 years old. He is the Founder and CEO of Policybazaar.com and is
married to Shikha Dahiya. They have two children: Adit Dahiya (son) and Diya
Dahiya (daughter). Dahiya's father is Jogiram Dahiya. The story of Policybazaar
is widely celebrated for its resilience and success as a unique Indian brand.
Founded by Yashish Dahiya, the company has become a symbol of triumph over
challenges. An interview by Jivraj Singh Sachar on the Indian Silicon Valley
podcast offers a fresh perspective on this narrative, shedding light on the
personal journey of its founder.
Overcoming Childhood Challenges
Yashish Dahiya's journey began with a struggle to find his
identity as a child. Despite feeling like an outsider among his peers, he
discovered his strength in running, which helped him gain confidence. This
early experience shaped his approach to life and business, fostering a sense of
determination that would later define his entrepreneurial success.
Educational Qualifications
Yashish Dahiya received his schooling at Lawrence School
Sanawar and St. Columba. He pursued a B.Tech from the Indian Institute of
Technology (IIT), Delhi, and later completed a Post Graduate Diploma in
Management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad. He
furthered his education with an MBA from INSEAD.
Professional Background
Yashish Dahiya began his career in 1996 as a Business Unit
Head at Illinois Tool Works. In 2001, he worked as a Management Consultant at
Bain & Co. From 2003 to 2005, he served as the Managing Director at
Ebookers Plc. In 2005, he founded First Europa, an insurance aggregator, and
served as its CEO. In 2008, he co-founded Policybazaar, marking a significant
milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.
Policybazaar
Before founding Policybazaar in 2008, Yashish Dahiya gained
experience working with firms like Bain & Co and Ebookers. Under his
leadership, Policybazaar has become a leading online insurance aggregator in
India. The company has attracted significant investment from notable venture
capital firms, including Tiger Global Management and Temasek.
Transparency and Impact in Business
Dahiya’s quest for transparency and clarity in his ventures
is rooted in his childhood experiences. He views Policybazaar not just as a
business but as an impact-driven enterprise. Dahiya emphasizes the importance
of transparency and the noble nature of the work Policybazaar does, aiming to
provide clear and accessible financial security solutions.
Vision for India's Growth
Dahiya is optimistic about India's future, highlighting the
country as a major growth opportunity on a global scale. He envisions a
significant expansion of India’s GDP and sees the rise of new-age firms as a
driving force behind this transformation. Dahiya believes that India's
potential for growth is unparalleled, with a substantial portion of the world's
GDP set to be created there in the coming years.
Expertise in Consumer Financial Market
With a profound understanding of the consumer financial
market in India, Yashish Dahiya's strategic vision and commitment have
established Policybazaar as a leading financial services brand in just five
years. His ability to navigate and address complex market needs has positioned
Policybazaar as a prominent player in the industry, demonstrating his expertise
and effective leadership.
Innovative Technology and Services
At the heart of PolicyBazaar’s success is its strong focus
on technology. Its subsidiary, Paisabazaar.com, leads the market in digital
unsecured credit. The company’s AI-driven platform, Docprime, represents a
significant advancement in healthcare, aiming to transform how patients and
doctors interact. Yashish Dahiya, a strong proponent of data ownership,
emphasizes ethical standards in managing personal data amid growing concerns
about data control.
Impressive Growth and Impact
PolicyBazaar has consistently outperformed other insurance
aggregators. In the fiscal year 2018-19, the company’s revenues surged by 85%.
It attracts over 100 million visitors annually and processes more than 500,000
transactions each month. This remarkable growth underscores Yashish Dahiya’s
visionary approach and the advantages of seizing opportunities early.
Personal Achievements
Yashish Dahiya is also recognized for his extraordinary
athletic accomplishments. As one of India’s top triathletes, he has completed
seven Ironman races and represented the country at the Masters swimming world
championship in Kazan. His dedication to running and swimming reflects his
exceptional personal discipline. Despite leading a high-profile enterprise,
Dahiya embraces a frugal lifestyle to maintain simplicity and reduce clutter in
his life.
Biography of Yashish Dahiya:Founder & CEO of Policybazaar.com- Entrepreneur/ Startup/Success story of Yashish Dahiya/Life story of Yashish/Policybazaar
Current Role and Leadership
Yashish Dahiya currently serves as the Chairman and CEO of
PB Fintech, the parent company of Policybazaar, Paisabazaar, and
Policybazaar.ae. Under his leadership, PB Fintech continues to thrive in the
financial services sector, expanding its reach and influence. Dahiya's role as
a visionary leader is central to the company's ongoing success and growth.
Building a Solid Business
Dahiya’s approach to building Policybazaar has been grounded
in daily progress and resilience. He views his role not through the lens of
leadership but through a commitment to creating a reliable and trustworthy
business. His goal is to instill confidence in customers, ensuring smooth
issuance and claims processes.
Fitness Enthusiast and Education
Based in Gurgaon, Yashish Dahiya is recognized among Indian
startup circles for his impressive fitness regime. He is often seen preparing
for the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii, one of the most grueling sports events
globally. His educational background includes degrees from prestigious
institutions: the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and the Indian
Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad.
Commitment to Financial Security
Policybazaar’s new tagline, “Har Family Hogi Insured,”
reflects its mission to make financial security accessible to every household
in India. This tagline reinforces the company’s dedication to providing
comprehensive insurance solutions and underscores its role in enhancing
financial well-being.
Leadership and Company Culture
Yashish Dahiya is revered for his leadership style, which
prioritizes empathy and selflessness. At Policybazaar, managers are given more
equity than founders, highlighting the company’s culture of inclusivity and
shared responsibility. Dahiya’s focus is on fostering a collaborative
environment where selflessness and mutual support are valued.
Personal Sacrifices and Family
Dahiya’s journey with Policybazaar is not just a personal
achievement but a shared victory with his family. Despite living apart from his
family in the UK, his commitment to the business has involved sacrifices from
all sides. Dahiya acknowledges the emotional toll on his children and recognizes
that their support and understanding have been integral to his success.
Outdoor Enthusiast and Fitness Enthusiast
Yashish Dahiya is an avid outdoor person and economic
traveler. He showcased his endurance and fitness by swimming 3.86 km, cycling
180 km, and running 42 km consecutively in the Ironman Triathlon held in
Kalmar, Sweden. He holds the fifth-fastest Ironman and third-fastest half
Ironman triathlon timings across all Indian age groups, underscoring his dedication
to fitness.
Skiing and Travel Preferences
Yashish enjoys skiing vacations in the French Alps with his
family, combining his love for adventure with quality family time. He also has
a deep appreciation for Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting his fondness
for scenic and tranquil destinations.
Conclusion
Yashish Dahiya embarked on his entrepreneurial journey by
founding Policybazaar.com in 2008, alongside Alok Bansal and Avaneesh Nirjar
(who left in 2011). Known as the "Ironman" for completing the Ironman
Triathlon, which involves swimming, cycling, and running for over 12 hours,
Dahiya's resilience and dedication have been key to his success. His passion
for tackling challenges head-on and his commitment to excellence have
significantly contributed to his accomplishments.The story of Yashish Dahiya
and Policybazaar is a testament to perseverance, vision, and the collective
effort of both personal and professional spheres.
Timeline for Yashish Dahiya’s story
September 16, 1972
Birth: Yashish Dahiya is born.
Early Education
Lawrence School Sanawar and St. Columba: Completes
schooling.
1990-1994
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi: Earns B.Tech.
1994-1996
Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad: Completes
Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGP).
1996-1997
Illinois Tool Works: Begins career as Business Unit Head.
2001
Bain & Co.: Works as a Management Consultant.
2003-2005
Ebookers Plc: Serves as Managing Director.
2005
First Europa: Founds and becomes CEO of the insurance
aggregator.
2008
Policybazaar: Co-founds Policybazaar.
2018-2019
Growth: Policybazaar's revenues surge by 85%, attracting
over 100 million visitors annually.
Current Role
Chairman and CEO of PB Fintech: Leads Policybazaar and its
subsidiaries.
Early 2022
Certification: Completes Climate Change for VCs
certification from Terra.do.
