Anupam Mittal Biography: Architect of Shaadi.com’s Success
-
- June 28, 2025
Anupam Mittal, born on December 23, 1971, in Mumbai, India, is a pioneering entrepreneur and angel investor who founded Shaadi.com, a leading global matrimonial platform. His innovative vision revolutionized matchmaking, connecting millions worldwide. This Anupam Mittal biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his transformative role in India’s startup ecosystem.
Anupam Mittal’s Early Life
Growing Up in Mumbai
Born into a Marwadi business family, Anupam Mittal grew up in Mumbai, where his father, Gopal Krishna Mittal, ran a handloom business, and his mother, Bhagwati Devi Mittal, supported the family ventures. From a young age, Anupam showed curiosity for technology and business, inspired by his family’s entrepreneurial spirit. He attended Jamnabai Narsee School, excelling in academics and laying the groundwork for his future.
Academic Journey
Anupam pursued higher education at Jai Hind College in Mumbai before moving to the United States. He earned an MBA in Operations and Strategic Management from Boston College, Massachusetts, graduating in 1997. His exposure to the internet boom in the U.S. sparked his entrepreneurial ideas, setting the stage for his groundbreaking ventures.
Anupam Mittal’s Career Growth
Early Career in Tech
After his MBA, Anupam Mittal worked as a product manager at MicroStrategy, a business intelligence software firm in Washington, D.C., from 1998 to 2002. This role honed his technical and strategic skills. A chance encounter with a traditional matchmaker in India inspired him to leverage the internet for matchmaking, leading to his first major venture.
Founding Shaadi.com
In 1997, Anupam launched Sagai.com, which he rebranded as Shaadi.com in 2000. The platform revolutionized matchmaking by offering a digital solution to traditional arranged marriages. With over 35 million users and 3.2 million success stories, Shaadi.com became a global leader. Anupam also founded Makaan.com, a real estate platform, and Mauj Mobile, India’s first mobile gaming company, under his People Group.
Struggles and Down Phases
Dot-Com Bubble Burst
In 2000, the dot-com crash hit hard, threatening Anupam’s early ventures. Many internet businesses collapsed, and Anupam faced the risk of losing his job at MicroStrategy. With limited internet access in India, Shaadi.com struggled to gain traction initially, requiring Anupam to invest heavily in building trust and infrastructure.
Building Trust in Matchmaking
Shaadi.com faced skepticism due to cultural resistance to online matchmaking. Anupam tackled this by implementing strict profile verification and prioritizing user experience. Financial constraints and competition from emerging platforms like BharatMatrimony added pressure, but his persistence kept Shaadi.com afloat.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Despite early challenges, Anupam’s vision propelled Shaadi.com to success. By 2011, Fast Company named it India’s most innovative company. His appearance on Shark Tank India in 2021 skyrocketed his fame, where he invested ₹5.338 crore in 24 startups across seasons 1, 2, and 3. His fair and witty demeanor earned him the title of a “fan-favorite shark.” Anupam’s strategic investments in over 250 startups, including Ola Cabs and BigBasket, solidified his reputation as a top angel investor.
Current Status and Influence
Shaping India’s Startup Ecosystem
As of June 2025, Anupam Mittal leads the People Group as CEO, with a net worth of approximately ₹185 crores. His investments in startups like Rapido, WhatFix, and Druva fuel India’s tech ecosystem. As a Shark Tank India judge, he mentors young entrepreneurs, advocating for innovation. His role as former chairperson of the Internet and Mobile Association of India (IAMAI) from 2006 to 2007 further amplifies his influence.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Anupam married model and actress Aanchal Kumar in 2013 after a seven-year relationship. They have a daughter, Alyssa. Living in Mumbai, Anupam balances family life with his passion for boxing and luxury cars like Lamborghini. He promotes entrepreneurship through public speaking, inspiring startups to scale via platforms like Shark Tank India.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Matchmaker Inspiration: A pushy traditional matchmaker sparked the idea for Shaadi.com.
- Bollywood Ventures: Anupam acted in and produced Flavors (2003) and 99 (2009).
- Early Investor: He began angel investing in 2007 with Interactive Avenues, becoming its largest shareholder.
- Car Enthusiast: Anupam owns an Audi, Mercedes, and Lamborghini Huracan.
- Karmaveer Chakra: He received this award for his contributions to social change.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Anupam Mittal |
| Born | December 23, 1971, Mumbai, India |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Angel Investor, Founder of Shaadi.com |
| Notable Work | Shaadi.com, Makaan.com, Mauj Mobile, Shark Tank India |
| Spouse | Aanchal Kumar (married 2013) |
| Net Worth | ~₹185 crores (2025) |
| Awards | Karmaveer Chakra, Outstanding Serial Entrepreneur (TiE, 2020) |
Conclusion
This Anupam Mittal biography highlights a journey of innovation and resilience. From founding Shaadi.com during the internet’s infancy to becoming a Shark Tank India star, Anupam Mittal overcame the dot-com crash and cultural barriers to build a global empire. His investments and mentorship continue to shape India’s startup landscape, inspiring millions to chase their entrepreneurial dreams.
