Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors

Anupam Mittal: The Visionary Behind Shaadi.com and Angel Investing

Image Source: Social Media Account
Share this page

Table of Contents

Anupam Mittal is a name synonymous with entrepreneurial success in India. Known for founding Shaadi.com, one of the world’s largest matrimonial websites, Mittal has also made a significant impact as an angel investor and a judge on Shark Tank India. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a leading figure in India’s startup ecosystem is nothing short of inspiring. With ventures like Shaadi.com, Makaan.com, and Mauj Mobile under his belt, along with over 250 investments in startups, Anupam Mittal exemplifies resilience, innovation, and determination.


Key Information at a Glance

AttributeDetails
Full NameAnupam Mittal
NicknameOG Shark (from Shark Tank India)
Date of BirthDecember 23, 1971
Age (2024)52
Place of BirthMumbai, Maharashtra, India
ParentsGopal Krishna Mittal (Father), Bhagwati Devi Mittal (Mother)
SiblingsTwo sisters
SpouseAanchal Kumar (Model)
ChildrenAlyssa Mittal
EducationMBA in Operations and Strategic Management from Boston College, USA
Height5’7” (170 cm)
WeightApprox. 70 kg
Net Worth₹185 Crores (approx.)
Known ForFounder of Shaadi.com, Angel Investor, Judge on Shark Tank India
Current VenturesPeople Group (Shaadi.com, Makaan.com, Mauj Mobile)

Early Life & Childhood

Anupam Mittal was born on December 23, 1971, into a traditional Marwadi family in Mumbai. Raised with strong family values and a focus on education, he displayed an early interest in innovation and problem-solving. His parents, Gopal Krishna Mittal and Bhagwati Devi Mittal, provided him with a stable upbringing that laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset.

Growing up in Mumbai, Anupam was curious and ambitious. He completed his schooling at Jamnabai Narsee School and later attended Jai Hind College. His early years were marked by a keen interest in technology and business, which eventually led him to pursue higher education abroad.


Education: The Turning Point

Anupam’s journey took a significant turn when he moved to the United States to pursue an MBA at Boston College. Specializing in Operations and Strategic Management from 1994 to 1997, he gained valuable insights into global business practices. During this period, he also worked as a Product Manager at MicroStrategy, a business intelligence software company. This role exposed him to the rapidly growing tech industry and honed his skills in product development and management.

However, despite achieving early success in the U.S., Anupam felt a strong pull toward entrepreneurship. His experiences abroad inspired him to return to India and leverage the internet’s potential to address societal challenges.


Professional Journey & Achievements

The Birth of Shaadi.com

In 1997, Anupam founded Sagaai.com (later renamed Shaadi.com), envisioning it as an online platform to revolutionize traditional matchmaking processes. At the time, arranged marriages were deeply ingrained in Indian culture but lacked efficiency and accessibility. By creating an internet-based solution, he bridged the gap between tradition and technology.

Shaadi.com grew exponentially over the years. Today, it boasts over 35 million registered users worldwide and generates annual revenues exceeding $200 million. It remains one of the most trusted names in online matchmaking.

Other Ventures

Under the People Group banner, Anupam launched several other successful ventures:

  • Makaan.com: A real estate platform connecting buyers and sellers.
  • Mauj Mobile: India’s first mobile gaming and content company.
  • Fropper.com: A social networking site aimed at fostering connections.

Angel Investing

Anupam is also one of India’s most prolific angel investors. Since 2011, he has invested in over 250 startups across various sectors such as mobility (Ola Cabs), SaaS (Whatfix), healthcare (BigBasket), and space tech (Agnikul). His ability to identify high-potential startups early has made him a key player in the Indian startup ecosystem.

Shark Tank India

As one of the original judges on Shark Tank India, Anupam has mentored numerous entrepreneurs while investing in innovative ideas. His empathetic yet strategic approach has made him a favorite among viewers.


Awards & Recognition

  • Outstanding Serial Entrepreneur & Angel Investor by TiE.
  • Karmaveer Chakra Award for Entrepreneurs for Social Change.
  • Named among “50 Most Powerful People in India” by Business Weekly.
  • Recognized as one of India’s top angel investors by Forbes.

Chronological Timeline of Life Events

  • 1971: Born in Mumbai.
  • 1994–1997: Completed MBA from Boston College.
  • 1998–2002: Worked at MicroStrategy.
  • 1997: Founded Sagaai.com (later Shaadi.com).
  • 2001: Established People Group.
  • 2006: Launched Makaan.com and Mauj Mobile.
  • 2011: Began angel investing.
  • 2021: Joined Shark Tank India as a judge.

Cultural & Social Background

Anupam comes from a Marwadi Baniya family known for its entrepreneurial spirit. This cultural heritage instilled in him values like hard work, financial discipline, and resilience. Despite his modern outlook, he remains deeply rooted in Indian traditions.


Personal Life: Relationships & Family

Anupam married Aanchal Kumar, a model and actress, in 2013 after dating her for seven years. Their destination wedding in Jaipur was widely covered by the media. The couple has one daughter named Alyssa Mittal.

Anupam Mittal and aanchal kumar

Hobbies & Interests

In his free time, Anupam enjoys:

  • Reading books on business strategy.
  • Traveling with his family.
  • Exploring new technologies.
  • Mentoring young entrepreneurs.

Quotes & Anecdotes

  1. “Success isn’t about going along with popular opinion—it’s about walking against the crowd.”
  2. “I lost it all during the dot-com bubble but came back stronger with Shaadi.com.”
  3. “Entrepreneurship is not about money; it’s about solving problems.”
  4. “The decade of 2020–2030 belongs to Indian entrepreneurs.”
  5. “Keep backing yourself—the game isn’t over until you win.”

Did You Know?

  1. Anupam became a millionaire in his early 20s but lost it all during the dot-com bubble burst.
  2. He once bought a Ferrari during his time at MicroStrategy.
  3. Shaadi.com was initially called Sagaai.com.
  4. He has invested in over 250 startups globally.
  5. His net worth is approximately ₹185 crores.
  6. He played small roles in Bollywood films like Flavors (2003) and 99 (2009).
  7. He earns around ₹80 lakhs per month from various ventures.
  8. Makaan.com was sold to NewsCorp-backed REA Group.
  9. He is often referred to as the “OG Shark” on Shark Tank India.
  10. He is passionate about promoting entrepreneurship among Indian youth.

References

  1. Chegg India – Biography of Anupam Mittal
  2. IMDb – Anupam Mittal Biography
  3. Finowings – Success Story
  4. Financial Express – The Story of Anupam Mittal
  5. IndiaTimes – Journey Highlights
  6. Stars Unfolded – Personal Details
  7. Business Today – Shark Tank Investment Insights
  8. Wikipedia – Aanchal Kumar
  9. 5Paisa Blog – Success Story
  10. Financial Express – Who is Anupam Mittal?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *