In life, sometimes following your heart’s true calling leads to the best decisions you’ll ever make. Rishi Das, the visionary founder of CareerNet and IndiQube, exemplifies this belief, as his journey from a small town in Uttar Pradesh to becoming a successful entrepreneur has been nothing short of inspiring.
Hailing from Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rishi’s story is rooted in the resilience and courage of his father, who instilled in him the determination to pursue his dreams. His father’s unwavering support became a driving force for Rishi as he navigated his path to success. After completing his higher education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rishi was surrounded by driven individuals who motivated him to push his limits.
However, it wasn’t until his second year at IIT that Rishi’s entrepreneurial spark ignited. While assisting his uncle in launching a floriculture business, he discovered a passion for creating something of his own. It was during this time that Rishi realized that he was not suited for a traditional 9-to-5 job and made the bold decision to venture into entrepreneurship.
Despite the challenges, Das made a life-changing decision without informing his parents about his shift in career goals. He quit his job as a software engineer at Tata Infotech. While his parents were initially surprised, they didn’t discourage him or push him back into a conventional job. Instead, his father offered the vital support he needed. As Das navigated the uncertain world of entrepreneurship, he watched his classmates secure lucrative jobs, but remained focused on his own path.
Founding CareerNet and Early Success
In 1999, at just 24 years old, Rishi founded CareerNet, a recruitment agency based in Bengaluru, with his brother. The company quickly grew to become one of India’s largest talent solutions providers, offering services across various sectors. By 2023, CareerNet reported an impressive revenue of Rs 258 crore, solidifying Rishi’s place in the business world.
Rishi’s entrepreneurial spirit didn’t stop there. In 2013, he co-founded IndiQube, a technology-driven flexible workspace provider, alongside Meghna Agarwal. IndiQube caters to startups, enterprises, and individual entrepreneurs by offering flexible office spaces equipped with modern amenities like high-speed Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and parking facilities. The company’s innovative approach helped it secure a spot as a leader in India’s rapidly growing flexible workspace sector, with a revenue of Rs 867.6 crore in the financial year 2024.
