Nirmit Parikh (Apna.co)
Overview
Nirmit Parikh is a prominent Indian entrepreneur known for founding Apna.co, a professional networking platform designed to facilitate employment opportunities for blue- and grey-collar workers in India. Originating as a mobile-first platform, Apna.co connects millions of job seekers with potential employers, aiming to resolve employment challenges in India’s vast job market. Under Parikh's leadership, Apna achieved unicorn status within just 21 months, valued at over $1 billion. Parikh's illustrious career also includes previous roles at Apple and Intel, and he is recognized for his innovative approach to leveraging technology in solving social issues.
Recent Developments
Recent developments around Nirmit Parikh and Apna.co reflect a continued focus on enhancing employment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship:
- September 2025: Apna.co launched 'Campus Tank,' a nationwide startup launchpad in collaboration with Chandigarh University and Venture Catalysts, with a $6 million funding pool. The initiative aims to nurture young entrepreneurs under 30 with capital, mentorship, and training.
- Early 2025: Apna.co collaborated with Advantage Vidarbha in a ₹60 crore initiative to strengthen employment in the Vidarbha region. The partnership seeks to enhance workforce development and hiring practices for MSMEs and startups.
- May 2025: Apna announced findings from its Interview Readiness Index 2025, highlighting confidence gaps among Indian job seekers. The report urges investment in tech-driven solutions to improve job-seeker preparedness.
- August 2024: Apna became the official partner of AICTE to assist engineering and management graduates in job placement and career development.
- March 2024: Apna joined hands with IIM Sambalpur to promote innovation and entrepreneurship through collaborative projects.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nirmit Parikh |
| Born | Mumbai, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, CEO of Apna.co |
| Known For | Founding Apna.co, aiding blue-collar employment |
| Net Worth | Estimated through stake in Apna (valuation $1.1 billion) |
| Education | B.Tech from Nirma Institute of Technology, MBA from Stanford University |
Early Life and Education
Nirmit Parikh was born and raised in Mumbai, India, in a family of engineers. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in technology. By the age of seven, he built a digital clock circuit, and by 13, he was delving into robotics programming. This early passion for technology charted his career path. Parikh pursued a Bachelor of Technology degree in Instrumentation & Control from Nirma Institute of Technology, discovering his entrepreneurial spirit while still in college through multiple projects.
Career and Notable Achievements
Nirmit Parikh's career is marked by entrepreneurial risk-taking and strategic innovation:
- 2009: Founded Incone Technologies, focusing on hydropower automation. The venture earned him the honor of Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum.
- 2012: Established Cruxbot, a web summarization startup, which was acquired by Kno, and subsequently by Intel. At Intel, Parikh rose to Director of Data Analytics.
- 2019: Founded Apna.co, a platform to connect blue-collar workers with employers, achieving rapid growth to unicorn status in just over a year.
Current Work and Impact
Nirmit Parikh continues to drive Apna.co towards its mission of transforming India's workforce landscape by connecting job seekers and employers, fostering skill development, and supporting economic growth. The platform has facilitated millions of job interviews, connecting over 30 million users across various industries. Apna's model focuses on utilizing community-building and technology to empower individuals in the job market.
Conclusion
Nirmit Parikh stands as a significant figure in the entrepreneurial ecosystem with his work centered around economic empowerment and employment solutions in India. His journey from start-up founder to CEO of a billion-dollar company reflects a commitment to innovation that benefits society. Through Apna.co, Parikh has created a powerful tool to democratize access to jobs and foster an environment where talent can thrive. His work continues to impact millions and holds the promise of reshaping India's professional landscape.