Pankaj Chaddah Biography: Zomato to Wellness Innovator
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- July 9, 2025
Pankaj Chaddah, born in 1986 in Delhi, India, is an entrepreneur known for co-founding Zomato, a global foodtech giant, and Shyft (formerly Mindhouse), a curative wellness platform. His journey from an IIT Delhi graduate to a startup visionary inspires many. This Pankaj Chaddah biography explores his early life, career growth, struggles, comeback, current influence, and lesser-known facts, highlighting his impact on India’s startup ecosystem.
Pankaj Chaddah’s Early Life
Delhi Upbringing
Born into a middle-class family in Delhi, Pankaj Chaddah grew up with a passion for problem-solving. His parents, both professionals, encouraged academic excellence. He excelled at Delhi Public School, R.K. Puram, showing early interest in mathematics and technology, which later shaped his entrepreneurial path.
IIT Delhi Education
In 2003, Pankaj joined IIT Delhi, earning a B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering in 2007. There, he met Deepinder Goyal, his future Zomato co-founder. His time at IIT honed his analytical skills, and participation in tech clubs sparked his interest in startups, setting the stage for his career.
Pankaj Chaddah’s Career Growth
Co-Founding Zomato
In 2007, Pankaj Chaddah joined Bain & Company as an analyst, where he met Deepinder Goyal. Together, they launched Foodiebay in 2008, rebranding it as Zomato in 2010. As marketing and sales lead, Pankaj helped Zomato expand to 24 countries, achieving unicorn status in 2018 with a $1 billion valuation.
Launching Shyft
After a decade at Zomato, Pankaj co-founded Shyft (Mindhouse) in 2019 with Pooja Khanna, focusing on mental and physical wellness. Shyft offers yoga, meditation, and nutrition solutions, reaching 10,000 users by 2020. By 2025, it serves thousands globally, backed by investors like Zomato’s Mohit Gupta.
Struggles and Down Phases
Early Zomato Challenges
Zomato’s early years were tough. Pankaj and Deepinder faced funding rejections, with investors doubting their vision. Additionally, the 2015–2016 period saw losses due to heavy discounts, straining operations. Pankaj worked weekends while at Bain, balancing corporate life and startup pressures, which tested his resilience.
COVID-19 Setback for Shyft
Shyft’s launch in November 2019 was hit by the 2020 lockdown, halting its Gurgaon meditation center. With physical operations paused, Pankaj faced financial losses and uncertainty. However, his Zomato experience taught him to stay calm during crises, helping him pivot quickly to digital solutions.
Comeback and Rise to Fame
Pankaj’s comeback was swift. During the 2020 lockdown, he launched Shyft’s app within a week, gaining 10,000 users in months. Zomato’s turnaround by 2018, with reduced losses and $200 million in funding from Alibaba, also boosted his reputation. His Forbes India feature in 2021 for Shyft’s wellness pivot cemented his fame as a serial entrepreneur.
Current Status and Influence
Wellness and Startup Leader
As of June 2025, Pankaj Chaddah’s net worth is estimated at ₹100–150 crore, driven by his Zomato stake and Shyft’s growth. Shyft, valued at ₹200 crore, plans global expansion. Pankaj mentors startups via eChai Ventures and invests in firms like Crib, shaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape.
Personal Life and Advocacy
Married to Pooja Khanna, a former Zomato employee, Pankaj lives in Gurugram. They share a passion for wellness, often practicing yoga together. He advocates for mental health awareness, supporting initiatives like India’s Mental Health Day. His disciplined approach inspires young entrepreneurs to balance innovation and well-being.
Lesser-Known Facts
- IIT Roots: Met Zomato co-founder Deepinder at IIT Delhi.
- First Job: Analyst at Bain & Company in 2007.
- Quick Pivot: Launched Shyft’s app in a week during lockdown.
- Investor: Backed startups like Crib and Deserv.
- Wellness Advocate: Promotes yoga and meditation daily.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Pankaj Chaddah |
| Born | 1986, Delhi, India |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of Zomato and Shyft |
| Notable Work | Zomato, Shyft (Mindhouse), Zomato Base |
| Marital Status | Married to Pooja Khanna |
| Net Worth | ~₹100–150 crore ($12–18 million, 2025) |
| Awards | Forbes India recognition for Shyft (2021) |
Conclusion
This Pankaj Chaddah biography traces a journey of grit and innovation. From co-founding Zomato to launching Shyft, Pankaj Chaddah overcame funding rejections and COVID-19 setbacks to build multi-crore ventures. His 2025 influence, mentoring startups and promoting wellness, inspires entrepreneurs to embrace change and create lasting impact.
