Success Editor Team
Ankit Mehrotra, CFA and Co-Founder & CEO of Dineout, is a name synonymous with innovation in India’s food and dining tech industry. From humble beginnings to transforming how millions of Indians discover, reserve, and enjoy dining experiences, Mehrotra’s entrepreneurial journey is nothing short of inspiring.
From Finance to Foodtech: A Bold Career Leap
Based in Delhi, India, Ankit Mehrotra’s career began in the world of finance. A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) by qualification, Mehrotra worked as an investment banker in London before deciding to pursue his passion for entrepreneurship. Along with three friends — Sahil Jain, Nikhil Bakshi, and Vivek Kapoor — he co-founded Dineout in 2012.
The idea was simple yet powerful: make dining out more rewarding for both customers and restaurants through tech-driven solutions. What started as a basic table reservation platform soon evolved into a full-stack solution for the restaurant ecosystem.
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Building Dineout: A Game-Changer in India’s F&B Industry
Under Ankit’s leadership, Dineout quickly scaled across major Indian cities. The platform not only allowed users to discover restaurants and book tables, but also offered deals, loyalty programs, and seamless digital payments via its integration with Dineout Pay.
But Mehrotra didn’t stop there. Recognizing the operational challenges restaurants face, Dineout launched Dineout POS, a cloud-based restaurant management system. This B2B solution helped streamline operations, manage orders, and boost efficiency, cementing Dineout’s position as a comprehensive restaurant tech provider.
Acquisition by Times Internet and Swiggy
Dineout’s exponential growth caught the attention of major players. In 2014, Times Internet acquired a majority stake in Dineout, helping the startup scale further with access to capital, media, and strategic resources.
In 2022, Dineout hit another milestone when it was acquired by Swiggy, one of India’s largest food delivery platforms. This acquisition marked a significant chapter in Mehrotra’s journey, positioning Dineout to expand its dining-out services to Swiggy’s vast user base.
Awards and Recognition
Ankit Mehrotra’s success has not gone unnoticed. He has been featured in various business publications and recognized among India’s leading young entrepreneurs. His ability to anticipate market needs and build tech-first solutions has made him a respected voice in India’s startup ecosystem.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Beyond Dineout, Ankit is passionate about mentoring young founders and contributing to India’s digital economy. He regularly shares insights on entrepreneurship, startup growth, and the future of the F&B industry.
Conclusion
Ankit Mehrotra’s journey from the trading floors of London to leading one of India’s most successful food tech platforms is a testament to vision, grit, and innovation. His work with Dineout has not only transformed how India dines out but has also set a benchmark for startups aiming to blend technology with traditional industries.
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