By Startup Story Team
Anupam Mittal is more than just a Shark Tank India judge. He is one of India’s earliest digital entrepreneurs, a sharp investor, and the man behind Shaadi.com. Starting his journey in the 1990s with a bold idea and little support, today he stands tall as one of the most recognized faces in India’s startup ecosystem with a personal net worth of over ₹185 crore.
Solving a Personal Problem with a Digital Idea
In the late 1990s, while working in the US, Anupam Mittal noticed how painful and outdated the arranged marriage process was. He saw his family go through endless newspaper ads and matchmaker meetings. That’s when he had a thought – what if technology could simplify this?
He took $25,000 of his own savings and launched Sagai.com in 1997. Later, he rebranded it to Shaadi.com. People laughed at the idea of online matrimony, but he believed the internet could make finding a life partner more transparent and efficient.
From Millionaire to Rock Bottom – And Back Up Again
Anupam was already successful at a tech company called MicroStrategy. On paper, he became a millionaire during the dot-com boom. But when the market crashed, he lost nearly everything. Most would have given up. Instead, he moved back to India and went all in on Shaadi.com.
He built the platform slowly, user by user, and over time it became India’s most trusted name in online matrimony.
More Than Just Shaadi.com
After the success of Shaadi.com, Anupam founded Mauj Mobile, one of India’s first mobile content companies. He also launched Makaan.com to help people search for homes more easily.
These ventures made him one of the few Indian entrepreneurs who built multiple businesses across different industries before the word ‘startup’ became a trend.
A Trusted Investor in Over 250 Startups
Anupam Mittal didn’t just stop at building his own companies. He became one of India’s most active angel investors. His portfolio includes Ola, BigBasket, Rupeek, Rapido, WhatFix and over 250 others.
He has been a guiding hand for hundreds of first-time founders and is known for backing bold ideas early on.
The Shark Tank India Factor
When Shark Tank India launched in 2021, Anupam became a household name. His calm, thoughtful feedback and sharp investments made him a fan favorite. In Season 1 alone, he invested over ₹5 crore across 24 startups. Since then, he has continued to mentor young entrepreneurs across multiple seasons.
Net Worth and Focus in 2025
As of 2025, Anupam Mittal’s estimated net worth is around ₹185 crore. While others chase vanity metrics, he focuses on meaningful impact. His holding company, People Group, owns Shaadi.com and other ventures, giving him long-term value across different sectors.
Vision for the Future
Anupam wants to help build India’s next generation of entrepreneurs. His goals include supporting 500+ startups, expanding Shaadi.com’s presence globally, and promoting digital innovation in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
He also advocates for better startup policies, access to capital, and financial education for India’s youth.
“Success Isn’t About Luck – It’s About Showing Up Every Day”
In interviews, Anupam often says that success is not about luck, but about consistency and belief. He believes true entrepreneurs don’t wait for perfect moments – they create them by taking action again and again.
From nearly going broke to building India’s biggest matchmaking platform and becoming a respected investor, Anupam Mittal’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible with vision and grit.
