How Shark Tank's Anupam Mittal became a millionaire and got laid off before founding Shaadi.com

Anupam Mittal started his career in the US with MicroStrategy as a sales consultant, rapidly rising up the ranks to become director of strategic partnerships

Published on: Dec 25, 2024, 11:34:48 IST

By HT News Desk | Edited by Abhyjith K. Ashokan

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Anupam Mittal, the millionaire Shark Tank India judge and founder of Shaadi.com, revealed how he was laid off early in his career, calling it “the best thing” that could have happened to him.

Anupam Mittal said he continues to take large risks, even turning down offers as big as ₹800 crore

This was when he was working in the US with business intelligence company MicroStrategy as a sales consultant, rapidly rising up the ranks to become the director of strategic partnerships.

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He was given stock options which skyrocketed in value due to the dot com boom. The company's valuation had gone from $100 million to a staggering $40 billion.

“My career was on steroids. I was a multi-millionaire in my early 20s," he said in an interview with motivational speaker and life coach Himesh Madaan on his YouTube channel, ahead of Shark Tank's fourth season.

“It was crazy, I’d never imagined it,” he also said in the Barbershop podcast. "I’d ordered a sports car, we used to party in stadiums, our corporate parties would be on cruise ships. It was next level.”

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However, when he was laid off, he said he was “gutted,” but added that "it was the best thing that could’ve happened to me.”

This is because it was one of the factors that pushed him to launch the highly successful matrimonial site Shaadi.com.

Mittal said he continues to take large risks, even turning down offers as big as ₹800 crore.

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“I have received so many offers, I could’ve walked away with a $100 million. ₹800 crore is not a small amount. I turned those offers down. I’ve sold a couple of companies for smaller amounts, but I’m still taking risks. There will come a time when I look back and say that I made the right choice,” he said.

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HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

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