Anupam Mittal has revealed the unexpected origins of Shaadi.com, the global matchmaking platform in a post on Linkedin. The journey began with a jarring layoff during the dot-com crash of 2001 in the United States, a moment that initially plunged him into uncertainty and a sense of lost identity.
The entrepreneur, recounted the difficult period following the job loss. “I had no backup plan,” he wrote, vividly describing the walk back from the office as feeling like a “free fall.” He admitted that while the financial losses from the crash were significant, the deeper impact was the sudden absence of a clear future.
Anupam mentioned that the initial weeks after job loss were spent in a cycle of blame and fruitless job searching. However, a pivotal moment arrived in the form of a simple question scribbled in his diary: “What would I build if I had nothing left to lose?”
This introspection marked a turning point. Instead of continuing the conventional job hunt, the entrepreneur decided to embark on building something new, despite the lack of clarity or confidence. The first step was a “rough website,” followed by incremental progress.
“So I stopped applying and started building. One rough website. One tiny step at a time,” he shared.
This nascent project, fueled by sheer determination and the commitment of his cousins, operating with limited resources including a dial-up connection, eventually blossomed into Shaadi.com. The platform went on to revolutionise how India and the world approached arranged marriages, becoming a household name and a testament to the power of perseverance.
The entrepreneur emphasised that this journey was far from romantic. “It was brutal > No savings, No fancy network. Just me, my cousins & their commitment and a dial-up connection.”
However, the experience yielded a crucial life lesson that continues to resonate: “Action is the lead domino.” He stressed the importance of taking that initial step in a direction that excites, even amidst fear and uncertainty.
The reflection concluded with a powerful message about the relationship between action and clarity. “People overestimate strategy and underestimate momentum. We wait for clarity or for funding or for the perfect timing. But what I’ve learned over the years is that clarity doesn’t come before action. It comes from action 👊”
This personal account serves as an inspiring reminder that even in the face of unexpected setbacks and economic turmoil, taking initiative and focusing on building can lead to unforeseen and transformative outcomes. The story of Shaadi.com’s origin is a powerful illustration of how a moment of crisis can be the catalyst for remarkable innovation and success.