Ankit Bhati (Ola)

Overview

Ankit Bhati is an Indian entrepreneur and one of the co-founders of Ola Cabs, a pioneering ride-hailing service in India. Along with his IIT Bombay batchmate Bhavish Aggarwal, Bhati launched Ola in 2010, transforming urban transportation with a platform that connects drivers with commuters. Known as one of the youngest billionaires in India, Bhati has significantly contributed to Ola's success, which has established a strong foothold both in India and internationally. Under his leadership, Ola expanded rapidly, offering diverse services across multiple countries, and continues to influence the global ride-hailing market.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Ankit Bhati has been involved in various ventures and activities:

2024: Ola's valuation is estimated at $7.5 billion. The company is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) which could further bolster its market presence.
October 2024: Bhati invested in an AI no-code startup, Tablesprint, indicating his interest in the tech startup ecosystem.
June 2024: With a continued focus on technology, Bhati's new SaaS venture, Amnic, was unveiled, aiming to innovate within the DevOps toolchain space. This move follows his decision to step back from active duties at Ola, diversifying his entrepreneurial efforts.
2023: Ola maintained its industry position despite challenges from the pandemic, with Bhati addressing technical and operational issues. The company countered rumors of his distancing from operational roles.
2019: Speculation about his reduced involvement in Ola surfaced, but these were firmly denied by the company, reaffirming his integral role in Ola’s strategic planning.

Personal Information

Attribute	Information
Full Name	Ankit Bhati
Born	1987, Jodhpur, India
Nationality	Indian
Occupation	Entrepreneur, Investor
Known For	Co-founder of Ola Cabs
Net Worth	~INR 2500 crores
Education	Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Early Life and Education

Ankit Bhati was born in 1987 in Jodhpur, India, into a family where owning a computer was considered a luxury. His passion for technology led him to pursue a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a master's in CAD and Automation at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. It was here he met Bhavish Aggarwal, his future business partner. Bhati's interest in coding and software development paved the way for his professional journey. He worked on freelance projects and contributed to various startups, which honed his technical skills and entrepreneurial instincts, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors with Ola.

Career and Notable Achievements

Ankit Bhati's career is marked by notable successes:

2010: Co-founded Ola Cabs, which quickly grew into a major player in the ride-hailing industry.
2011: Raised initial angel funding from prominent investors, establishing Ola as a significant startup.
2017: Honored with the Economic Times 'Entrepreneur of the Year' award and CNBC-TV18's 'Disruptor of the Year'.
2019: Guided Ola through technological expansions and strategic adjustments amid competition with global giants like Uber.
2023: Led technological advancements at Ola, ensuring continued market dominance.

Current Work and Impact

Ankit Bhati continues to exert influence through his technological ventures and strategic investments. His new SaaS startup, Amnic, focuses on improving software development and IT operations, reflecting his deeper engagement with enterprise solutions rather than consumer-centric models. Though distanced from day-to-day operations at Ola, Bhati's legacy in the ride-hailing market endures through Ola's sustained growth and adaptability in diverse global markets.

Conclusion

Ankit Bhati's impact on technology and entrepreneurship is marked by pioneering efforts in the ride-hailing industry with Ola. As he explores new ventures in the tech startup ecosystem, Bhati's innovative spirit remains focused on enhancing technological efficiencies and fostering entrepreneurial growth. His journey from a budding engineer to a prominent entrepreneur underscores his significant role in shaping modern urban transportation solutions, leaving a lasting legacy in strategic technological innovation.