Bhavish Aggarwal : 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Bhavish Aggarwal is a prominent Indian entrepreneur and the co-founder of Ola, one of India’s largest ride-sharing platforms. Born on August 28, 1985, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Aggarwal has significantly impacted India's transportation landscape with his tech-driven innovations. As of 2024, he is also the founder of Ola Electric and OlaKrutrim, an AI company. Combining his technological expertise with entrepreneurial zeal, Aggarwal has positioned himself as a leading figure in shaping the future of transport and mobility in India. Recently, Ola CEO Bhavish Aggarwal and comedian Kunal Kamra engaged in a bitter exchange on social media after Kamra shared a post highlighting issues with Ola Electric scooters. This started a verbal spat between the two where Aggarwal asked Kamra to “help” with the situation, offering to pay him “more than his failed comedy career”.

In this article, we explore ten fascinating insights about Bhavish Aggarwal, based on his journey and related queries.

1. Early Life and Education

Bhavish Aggarwal hails from a family of doctors but ventured into technology. He pursued a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, graduating in 2008. His time at IIT Bombay was pivotal, laying the foundation for his future entrepreneurial ventures.

2. The Genesis of Ola

Aggarwal co-founded Ola in December 2010, initially focusing on inter-city car rentals. The idea stemmed from a personal bad experience with a taxi service, which motivated him to create a more reliable and efficient solution for transport issues. Ola quickly evolved into a major ride-sharing platform across India.

3. Expansion into Electric Vehicles

Ola Electric was founded to meet the demand for sustainable transportation solutions in India. Under Aggarwal's leadership, the company has become a major player in the electric vehicle sector, with plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities and product offerings globally.

4. Net Worth Milestones

As of 2024, Bhavish Aggarwal's net worth is estimated at $2.6 billion, making him one of the youngest billionaires in India. This financial success is largely attributed to the growth and public listing of Ola Electric.

5. Ola's Innovative Offerings

Ola is much more than a ride-hailing service. The company offers various services including auto-rickshaws and e-bikes demonstrating Aggarwal's vision to cater to diverse consumer needs through innovation.

6. Work Philosophy and Controversies

Aggarwal is known for his intense work ethic, having been involved in controversies regarding his views on work-life balance. He supports a 70-hour work week, which he believes is essential for success. This stance has sparked debates about workplace culture and employee well-being. In 2022, Aggarwal was criticized for creating a ‘toxic work environment’, with reports of him tearing up presentations and making an employee run laps for a mistake. It was allegedly due to his 'aggressive' behavior that the company saw high profile exits. Later, he also termed the use of preferred gender pronouns as a "western illness", which caused an online backlash.

7. Personal Life

Bhavish Aggarwal is married to Rajalakshmi Aggarwal, a doctor by profession. The couple has two children. Rajalakshmi maintains a low public profile, focusing on their family while supporting Bhavish's business endeavors.

8. Influence and Recognition

Through his endeavors with Ola, Aggarwal has gained international recognition, including being featured in Time magazine's 100 Most Influential People in 2018. His contributions to entrepreneurship and sustainable development have been widely acknowledged.

9. IIT Rank and Early Challenges

Aggarwal faced challenges early in his career, including initially failing the IIT entrance exams. However, his persistence led him to later secure an impressive all-India rank of 23, a testament to his dedication and resilience.

10. Social Media Presence

Bhavish Aggarwal is active on social media platforms like Twitter, where he shares updates on his ventures and engages with public opinion. His outspoken comments on business and social issues often attract significant attention and sometimes controversy.

Conclusion

Bhavish Aggarwal's journey from a small-town boy in Punjab to a leading entrepreneur is inspiring. His relentless pursuit of innovation in technology and transportation continues to reshape India's mobility landscape. As Ola and related businesses expand globally, Aggarwal's influence and vision promise to leave a lasting legacy in the tech and business world.