Divyank Turakhia (Gupshup)

Overview

Divyank Turakhia, born on January 29, 1982, is a prominent Indian-born computer programmer, businessman, and billionaire. He is renowned for his entrepreneurial ventures in the technology sector, notably co-founding the ad-tech company Media.net. Turakhia's claim to fame includes selling Media.net to a Chinese consortium for $900 million in 2016, marking one of the largest ad-tech deals globally. Besides Media.net, he has been instrumental in establishing other tech ventures, such as Directi, with his brother Bhavin Turakhia. His achievements in the business world have earned him recognition as one of India's richest tech billionaires and a self-made serial entrepreneur.

Recent Developments

  • 2025: As of July 2025, Divyank Turakhia continues to be actively involved in technological innovation and investment. He splits his time between homes in diverse locations such as Dubai, Los Angeles, and London, contributing to various tech and entrepreneurial ventures.
  • 2024: Turakhia remained a significant figure in entrepreneurial circles, engaging in multiple speaking events and panels, sharing insights on entrepreneurship and business strategy.
  • 2023: In this period, Turakhia has been noted for his interest in new technology startups, investing in several budding tech companies with a focus on expanding the digital landscape.
  • 2022: The year saw Turakhia emphasizing philanthropic efforts, particularly in education and technology training programs for underprivileged youth, aligning with his belief in skill enhancement for economic growth.
  • 2021: Divyank topped the Hurun India Rich List as the wealthiest individual under 40, with a net worth significantly appreciating due to his various tech ventures.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameDivyank Turakhia
BornJanuary 29, 1982, Mumbai, India
NationalityIndian
OccupationEntrepreneur, Investor
Known ForCo-founding Media.net, Directi
Net WorthEstimated at over INR 12,500 crores (2021)
EducationBachelor of Commerce, Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics

Early Life and Education

Divyank Turakhia was born in Mumbai, India, into a middle-class family with a chartered accountant father and a homemaker mother. His early interest in technology was encouraged by his parents, who motivated him and his brother to pursue their passion for technology. Divyank began coding at the age of eight, often staying late at school to learn programming due to the lack of a computer at home. This early exposure deeply influenced his career path. Turakhia attended Arya Vidya Mandir in Mumbai for his schooling and later graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident from a young age as he started his first tech venture at the age of 16 with an initial investment loan taken from his father.

Career and Notable Achievements

  • 1998: Co-founded Directi with his brother Bhavin Turakhia, initially focusing on web services and technology domains, which laid the foundation for their future endeavors.
  • 2010: Founded Media.net, which rapidly grew to become one of the largest ad-tech companies globally, employing advanced technology to enhance digital advertising.
  • 2016: Achieved a significant milestone by selling Media.net for $900 million to a consortium of Chinese investors, marking one of the biggest ad-tech deals in history.
  • Awards and Honors: Consistently listed in the IIFL Wealth and Hurun India 40 & Under Self-Made Billionaire List and acknowledged in India's richest tech billionaires lists.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Divyank Turakhia is engaged in expanding his investment portfolio, focusing on innovative technology startups across various global markets. He is an advocate for leveraging technology to solve real-world problems, often participating in discussions related to tech advancements and entrepreneurial strategies. Through his ventures, Turakhia has significantly contributed to the tech industry's growth and continues to impact aspiring entrepreneurs through mentorship and investment.

Conclusion

Divyank Turakhia's journey from a curious young coder to a globally recognized tech entrepreneur exemplifies the power of vision and perseverance. His successful ventures, such as Media.net, and his strategic insight into the tech industry have cemented his role as a key contributor to global digital transformation. As he continues to support innovative projects and initiatives, Turakhia's influence and legacy in tech entrepreneurship are expected to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs, fostering growth and innovation in the digital age.

References

  1. Wikipedia on Divyank Turakhia
  2. Global Indian on Turakhia Directi Story
  3. Forbes Profile on Divyank Turakhia
  4. Economic Times Article on Media.net Sale
  5. CrunchBase Profile on Divyank Turakhia
  6. DNA India on Divyank's Net Worth
  7. Entrepreneur.com's Profile on Divyank Turakhia
  8. MoneyControl on Divyank Turakhia and Media.net
  9. MOET on Divyank Turakhia
  10. Economic Times on Turakhia Brothers