Anupam Mittal, fondly known as the OG Shark of Shark Tank India, is also India’s OG tech start-up guru. Born to Marwari Baniya parents on December 23, 1975, the seeds of innovation & entrepreneurship were sown in Anupam Mittal’s mind from a tender age.
With a curious mind that knew no bounds, he sought to solve problems plaguing industries nationwide. Though just a boy, his vision would help pave the way for the innovative startups we know today.
Filled with an unrelenting drive to transform concepts into commercial successes, Mittal spent tireless hours researching gaps within markets. While many dismissed his youthful ideas, for Anupam, this was only the beginning of a journey destined for greatness.
Revolutionising Matchmaking Through the Introduction of Shaadi.com
After a real-life incident, Anupam Mittal conceived the idea of Shaadi.com in the early 2000s and was all set to transform India’s matchmaking landscape. The pioneering online matchmaking platform brought to the world the idea of finding a life partner online at a time when the internet was just starting to take hold in India.
While this radically new concept was met with a lot of resistance initially, Mittal’s belief in the opportunity and his ability to execute the idea flawlessly helped grow the business with limited capital. As the cupid of the digital world, Shaadi.com smashed long-held barriers in society, empowering individuals to have autonomy in choosing their better half.
Alongside he also built businesses like Makaan.com, one of India’s earliest property marketplaces which was sold to NewsCorp-backed REA, as well as Mauj Mobile, India’s first mobile gaming company.
The platform became a nationwide success and cemented Mittal’s status as one of India’s earliest tech disruptors while revolutionising the matchmaking industry forever.
From Founder to Funder: Mittal’s Mastery of Angel Investing
Anupam’s investor journey began almost a decade after his entrepreneurial journey took off. His ability to spot businesses with a large potential early made him one of India’s most successful angel investors.
Notably, one of his earliest investments was in Ola, the pioneering ride-hailing service that profoundly impacted the urban transportation infrastructure across India by transforming how people traveled within cities. As the years passed and his portfolio expanded, it grew to house over two hundred companies spreading across diverse industries. Some of the notable companies he has invested in are Ola, BigBasket, Chalo, Whatfix, Agnikul, and Rapido.
The OG Shark and Mentor
Besides establishing profitable ventures and making smart investments, Anupam Mittal is known for cultivating promising entrepreneurs. Through compassionate counsel and steadfast backing in the early stages, he has empowered countless founders to pursue their vision bravely.
Additionally, serving as an expert panelist on “Shark Tank India” has amplified his reputation as a preeminent thought leader, exposing audiences to his deep business knowledge and mentorship approach characterised by empathy and respect. Shark Tank India has offered viewers glimpses into how he advises startups seeking his wisdom and navigates complex responsibilities as CEO of Shaadi.com.
Building a Legacy: His Enduring Impact on India’s Business Ecosystem
Today, Anupam Mittal continues shaping India’s growing startup landscape through his multifaceted contributions. Widely recognised for establishing a culture of innovation across the nation, Mittal’s decades-long efforts have guided numerous ventures to multi-billion dollar businesses.
His work made him earn several awards and accolades over the years. Among them include the prestigious Outstanding Serial Entrepreneur & Angel Investor (TiE) and the Karmaveer Chakra Award in the Entrepreneurs for Social Change category.
At 48, it appears that Mittal is doing everything in his capacity to inspire founders and truly make India a global hub of innovation and entrepreneurship.
