Abhiraj Singh Bhal (Urban Company)
Overview
Abhiraj Singh Bhal is a prominent Indian entrepreneur, recognized as the co-founder and CEO of Urban Company, formerly known as UrbanClap. Urban Company has cemented itself as Asia’s leading home services marketplace, connecting consumers with a variety of domestic service providers, including beauticians, electricians, and technicians. The company, founded in 2014 by Bhal alongside Varun Khaitan and Raghav Chandra, has revolutionized the home services sector in India by integrating technology, standardization, and quality assurance. Bhal and his team have successfully expanded Urban Company to serve millions of customers in India as well as international markets such as the UAE, Australia, and Singapore.
Recent Developments
- September 17, 2025: Urban Company, under the leadership of Abhiraj Singh Bhal, was listed on the Indian stock markets, achieving a remarkable trading debut with a 74% increase over the IPO price, culminating in a $3 billion market valuation. The IPO was a significant milestone, reinforcing investor confidence in the company’s extensive reach and robust business model.
- October 31, 2025: Speaking at the ET Startup Awards 2025, Bhal emphasized the importance of execution over valuation, revealing Urban Company's strategic direction post-IPO. The company was awarded "Startup of the Year" in recognition of its substantial market impact.
- November 2025: As of the latest quarterly results, Urban Company reported increased revenues alongside strategic investments in its "Insta Help" service, focusing on rapid service delivery, which highlighted the company’s shift towards long-term growth over immediate profitability.
- May 2025: Bhal articulated plans for integrating AI and robotics into Urban Company’s service offerings, aiming to increase the availability and affordability of home services, marking a future-facing approach to service delivery.
- March 2025: Amidst controversies over labor conditions, Urban Company launched "Insta Maids," which faced criticism for potentially undermining domestic work dignity. Despite these challenges, Bhal defended company policies, underscoring strong partner ratings.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abhiraj Singh Bhal |
| Born | Mumbai, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | CEO, Urban Company |
| Known For | Co-founder of Urban Company |
| Net Worth | Undisclosed but significant post-IPO |
| Education | IIT Kanpur, IIM Ahmedabad |
Early Life and Education
Abhiraj Singh Bhal was born in Mumbai, India, into a family of high achievers. His father, Commodore Ashok Bhal, served as an electrical engineer in the Indian Navy. Bhal completed his schooling at the Navy Children’s School and thereafter pursued a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur. Motivated to delve deeper into the business realm, he later attended the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad to earn an MBA. It was during his time at IIM Ahmedabad where Bhal formed meaningful connections, notably with his future business partner, Varun Khaitan.
Career and Notable Achievements
- 2009-2011: Worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), advising on projects across India, Southeast Asia, and Germany. His role at BCG honed his analytical and strategic thinking skills.
- 2014: Co-founded UrbanClap (now Urban Company) with Varun Khaitan and Raghav Chandra. The founders identified a significant gap in organized home services in India.
- 2020: Led the rebranding of UrbanClap to Urban Company, reflecting global ambitions and a broader service range. Under Bhal’s leadership, the company expanded into multiple international markets.
- 2021: Urban Company achieved Unicorn status, signaling a valuation exceeding $1 billion.
- 2025: Successfully navigated Urban Company to a public listing, marking a new chapter in its growth journey.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Abhiraj Singh Bhal is focused on scaling Urban Company across new geographies, enhancing service categories, and integrating advanced technologies to streamline operations. As a thought leader in the gig economy space, he has maintained a staunch commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction, which has been the cornerstone of Urban Company’s model. His strategic foresight continues to propel Urban Company toward sustainable and inclusive growth.
Conclusion
Abhiraj Singh Bhal has profoundly impacted the startup ecosystem in India, notably through his leadership at Urban Company. By transforming how home services are delivered in India and expanding globally, Bhal has set new benchmarks in service excellence and business growth. As Urban Company continues to innovate and grow under his leadership, Bhal’s legacy as a visionary entrepreneur remains influential both within and beyond the Indian business landscape.