By Startup Story Team
In the heart of Karnataka’s lush coffee belt, nestled in the scenic hills of Chikmagalur, was born a man who would one day reshape the skylines of South Indian cities-M.R. Jaishankar, the visionary founder of Brigade Group. Raised in a well-respected family of coffee planters, Jaishankar’s early life revolved around agriculture, discipline, and rooted values. But deep within, he harboured a passion for building something larger-something that would go beyond estates and fields.
The Agricultural Foundation and Early Ambitions:
Jaishankar’s educational path began in the very domain his family thrived in-Agricultural Sciences. He pursued this degree with sincerity, learning about nature, sustainability, and the importance of strong foundations-qualities that would later reflect in his real estate ventures. Determined to strengthen his business acumen, he went on to complete an MBA from Mysore University in 1977.
Armed with this dual knowledge-agriculture and business-Jaishankar ventured into entrepreneurship. In 1980, he established his first business, MLR Industries, a small-scale industrial unit focused on producing chicory, a key ingredient in South Indian filter coffee. It was a modest beginning, but it gave him the taste of business, and more importantly, the confidence to dream bigger.
The Birth of Brigade: Real Estate with a Vision:
By the mid-1980s, India’s real estate landscape was riddled with opacity, poor quality, and lack of professionalism. But Jaishankar, with his sharp business sense, saw an opportunity where others saw chaos. In 1986, he laid the foundation of Brigade Investments, a partnership firm that would later evolve into Brigade Group.
His goal was clear-to bring trust, transparency, and professionalism to Indian real estate. In a sector where credibility was scarce, Jaishankar stood tall with integrity and a customer-first approach. His debut project, Brigade Towers, became a bold statement of quality and ambition. Located in Bengaluru, it was among the earliest modern commercial buildings in the city and quickly became a landmark.
Scaling Heights with Innovation and Integrity:
What set Brigade apart under Jaishankar’s leadership was its commitment to quality construction, ethical business practices, and innovation. At a time when most builders were content with small-scale projects, Jaishankar dreamt of iconic developments. Brigade Group became the first builder in South India and second in India to receive the ISO 9001:1994 certification, a testament to its dedication to excellence and international standards.
His crowning achievement came with the development of the World Trade Center Bengaluru, the second such center in India after Mumbai. This project not only brought global recognition to Brigade Group but also transformed the city’s business ecosystem, attracting multinational corporations and putting Bengaluru firmly on the global commercial map.
A Multi-Sector Legacy Across South India:
Under Jaishankar’s leadership, Brigade expanded beyond residential buildings. The group ventured into commercial complexes, retail spaces, luxury hotels, and educational institutions, offering end-to-end urban solutions. The brand became synonymous with trust and quality across cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, GIFT City in Gujarat, and of course, its home ground Bengaluru.
Over the years, Brigade Group has delivered over 280 projects, employing more than 1,000 professionals, and proudly serving over 40,000 happy customers. From luxury homes to IT parks, from malls to five-star hotels-Jaishankar’s vision shaped it all.
Recognition, Growth, and Continuing Impact:
Today, Brigade Group commands a market capitalization of over ₹27,138 crore. But for Jaishankar, success was never just about numbers-it was about trust, transformation, and long-term value. His deep-rooted values from Chikmagalur stayed with him throughout the journey, guiding his decisions and leadership style.
Despite the challenges of a volatile sector, Jaishankar’s resilience, foresight, and ethical approach helped Brigade stand tall in all business cycles. His life journey-from a coffee estate in Karnataka to the helm of a real estate empire-is a powerful reminder of what focused vision and integrity can achieve in India’s fast-growing economy.
Final Word:
M.R. Jaishankar is more than a successful entrepreneur-he is a nation builder in the truest sense. Through Brigade Group, he has not only built structures but communities, trust, and a legacy. His story inspires thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams with courage, honesty, and purpose.
From the serene hills of Chikmagalur to the bustling urban landscapes of modern India, Jaishankar’s journey is a symbol of India’s potential-and a blueprint for building lasting impact.
