Rohit
Anupam Mittal’s journey is a story of courage, innovation, and belief in the power of technology. From launching India’s first matchmaking website to becoming one of the most admired investors on Shark Tank India, his story proves that success comes to those who think ahead and never stop believing.
Over the years, he has inspired countless entrepreneurs with his vision, turning simple ideas into impactful ventures. His story reminds us that with persistence, creativity, and the right mindset, even the boldest dreams can become reality.
Quick Facts about Anupam Mittal
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anupam Mittal |
| Date of Birth | December 23, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Education | MBA in Operations and Strategic Management from Boston College, USA |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Television Personality |
| Famous For | Founder of Shaadi.com, Judge on Shark Tank India |
| Other Ventures | Makaan.com, Mauj Mobile, People Group |
| Notable Investments | Ola, BigBasket, Rapido, Druva, Porter |
| Net Worth (Approx.) | ₹185–200 Crores (as of 2025) |
| Key Quote | “Success is not about luck. It’s about persistence, timing, and the courage to keep going when no one else believes.” |
Early Life and Education
Born into a middle-class Marwadi family in Mumbai, Anupam grew up watching his father run a small business. This early exposure to entrepreneurship planted a seed that would later grow into a passion for building and investing in businesses.
He completed his schooling in Mumbai and pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce. But it was his move to the United States for higher studies that changed his life forever. At Boston College, he completed his MBA in Operations and Strategic Management in 1994 — right when the internet was beginning to change the world.
The Spark Behind Shaadi.com
In the mid-90s, when the internet was still new, Anupam came across a traditional Indian astrologer arranging marriages using word of mouth. He immediately realized that the matchmaking process could be revolutionized using technology.
That’s when, in 1997, he started Sagaai.com, one of the very first online matchmaking platforms in India. Later, it was rebranded to Shaadi.com, a name that instantly resonated with people.
The platform’s goal was simple: make matchmaking faster, easier, and more transparent — all while respecting Indian culture and traditions.
Struggles and Early Roadblocks
In the beginning, it wasn’t easy. Most Indians didn’t even have internet access, and those who did were unsure about finding a life partner online.
Anupam had to deal with slow growth, funding challenges, and cultural resistance. But he stayed patient. He worked hard to build trust, introduced verified profiles, and added community features that encouraged meaningful connections.
His vision was clear — to make Shaadi.com the most reliable platform for serious relationships, not just casual dating.
The Turning Point
By the early 2000s, internet access in India began to rise rapidly. More families were starting to see the convenience of finding matches online.
Shaadi.com became especially popular among NRIs (Non-Resident Indians) who wanted to find partners who shared their cultural roots. The website soon went global, connecting millions of users across countries like the USA, UK, and Canada.
From being a small online experiment, Shaadi.com transformed into the world’s largest matchmaking platform, trusted by millions.
Building People Group – The Bigger Vision
After Shaadi.com’s success, Anupam founded People Group, a parent company that launched several ventures aimed at empowering people through technology.
Some of the key businesses under this group include:
- Mauj Mobile – A platform offering entertainment and mobile content.
- Makaan.com – A real estate marketplace that simplified property buying and renting.
Through People Group, Anupam showcased his ability to identify opportunities and diversify successfully across industries.
Shaadi.com’s Impact and Growth
Today, Shaadi.com boasts over 35 million users and has facilitated 7 million+ successful marriages.
Its success goes beyond numbers — it changed how India looks at relationships and marriage. Anupam managed to balance cultural sensitivity with modern technology, creating a platform that felt personal, safe, and trustworthy.
Becoming an Angel Investor
As his success grew, Anupam decided to give back to the startup ecosystem that had once helped him. He began investing in promising startups and soon became one of India’s top angel investors.
His investment portfolio includes:
- Ola Cabs – One of India’s biggest mobility platforms.
- BigBasket – India’s leading online grocery store.
- Rapido – A fast-growing bike taxi service.
- Druva – A global cloud data protection company.
- Porter – A logistics startup simplifying intra-city deliveries.
He has backed over 200 startups, helping many young founders turn their dreams into reality.
Shark Tank India – The Mentor We All Needed
When Shark Tank India premiered in 2021, Anupam Mittal became one of the show’s most loved judges. His honest yet encouraging feedback, calm personality, and witty remarks made him stand out.
But more importantly, his presence on the show introduced millions of Indians to the world of startups and investing. He helped young entrepreneurs refine their ideas and understand what real business growth looks like.
Anupam Mittal’s Leadership Style
Anupam is known for his humble and grounded nature. Despite his immense success, he values teamwork and creative thinking above all.
He often says that success is not about being the smartest person in the room — it’s about surrounding yourself with passionate people who share your vision.
He believes in building companies that make life better for people, not just profitable for shareholders.
Awards and Achievements
Over the years, Anupam Mittal’s contribution to India’s digital and startup space has been recognized widely.
Some of his notable achievements include:
- Featured in BusinessWeek’s 50 Most Powerful People in India
- Listed among The Week’s Top 25 People to Watch Out For
- Honored by TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs) for supporting Indian startups
- Recognized among India’s top angel investors multiple times
His awards are not just a mark of personal success, but a reflection of his lasting impact on India’s digital economy.
Lessons from Anupam Mittal’s Success
There are many takeaways from Anupam Mittal’s inspiring journey. Here are a few key lessons entrepreneurs can learn from him:
- Be early, be bold: He spotted the digital opportunity in matchmaking when no one else did.
- Stay consistent: Even when people doubted him, he stayed focused on improving Shaadi.com.
- Keep learning: From tech to real estate to investing, Anupam never stopped exploring new domains.
- Empower others: True success is when you help others succeed too.
These values are what turned him from a startup founder into a respected industry leader.
FAQ – (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. Who is Anupam Mittal?
He’s the founder of Shaadi.com, an angel investor, and one of the sharks on Shark Tank India.
2. When was Anupam Mittal born?
He was born on December 23, 1971, in Mumbai, India.
3. What is Anupam Mittal’s educational background?
He holds an MBA in Operations and Strategic Management from Boston College, USA.
4. Which startups has he invested in?
Some of his major investments include Ola, BigBasket, Rapido, and Druva.
5. What is Anupam Mittal’s net worth?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is between ₹185–200 crores.
6. What are his main business ventures?
Shaadi.com, Makaan.com, and Mauj Mobile under the People Group banner.
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Conclusion: The Legacy of Anupam Mittal
Anupam Mittal’s story is about believing in ideas when no one else does. He turned skepticism into success and used innovation to make a real difference.
From transforming India’s matchmaking industry to empowering young entrepreneurs, his influence reaches far beyond business.
Even today, Anupam continues to inspire millions — not just as a successful entrepreneur, but as a mentor who believes that India’s next big idea can come from anyone, anywhere.
His journey proves that real success isn’t just about making money — it’s about making meaning.
