Bhavish Aggarwal is a visionary entrepreneur who revolutionized urban transportation in India and is now leading the shift towards sustainable mobility through his ventures Ola Consumer and Ola Electric. His inspiring journey from a curious student in Ludhiana to the founder and CEO of one of India’s most valuable startups symbolizes innovation, resilience, and futuristic thinking.

Early Life and Education

Bhavish Aggarwal was born on August 28, 1985, in Ludhiana, Punjab, into a family that emphasized education. His early years were shaped by a natural curiosity for technology and problem-solving.

He pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) and graduated in 2008. During college, Bhavish was passionate about using technology for real-world solutions, a passion that later fueled his entrepreneurial ambitions.

Early Career at Microsoft

Post-graduation, Bhavish joined Microsoft Research India as a research intern and later as an assistant researcher. In this role from 2007 to 2010, he filed two patents and published research papers. This exposure to cutting-edge technology helped sharpen his analytical skills and understanding of scalable software systems.

Founding Ola Cabs: The Beginning of a Mobility Revolution

Bhavish’s entrepreneurial journey was sparked by a frustrating cab ride experience in Bangalore in 2010. This led him to co-found Ola Cabs with his college friend Ankit Bhati in September 2010. They aimed to build an innovative, technology-driven platform to make commuting easier, safer, and more affordable for Indian cities that faced chaotic transport options.

Despite significant challenges, including fierce competition from global player Uber and regulatory hurdles, Ola quickly grew to dominate the ride-hailing market in India. It expanded services to include auto-rickshaws, two-wheelers, and car rentals, reflecting Bhavish’s vision of a comprehensive urban mobility ecosystem.

Transition to Ola Consumer and Ola Electric

Recognizing the growing consumer demand beyond ride-sharing, in August 2024, Ola Cabs was rebranded as Ola Consumer, reflecting its broader offerings in transport, quick-commerce, and more consumer services.

Bhavish also spearheaded the creation of Ola Electric in 2017, aiming to lead India’s transition to sustainable transport. With its massive Futurefactory for electric scooters and plans for electric cars and battery tech, Ola Electric stands as a trailblazer in India’s electric vehicle revolution. It holds numerous patents and became India’s first AI unicorn in 2024 with an estimated valuation of $1 billion.

Achievements and Recognitions

• Included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2018
• One of the youngest self-made billionaires globally with a net worth surpassing ₹11,700 crore (~$1.4 billion) as of 2025
• Recognized in Forbes India’s 30 Under 30 Asia and Fortune’s 40 Under 40
• Under his leadership, Ola became India’s largest ride-hailing platform with over 60% market share in many cities.

Overcoming Challenges

Bhavish Aggarwal’s path was neither smooth nor easy. Ola faced tough regulatory battles, operational challenges in managing a vast driver network, and competition from international and local companies. The COVID-19 pandemic hit Ola hard, causing a 95% drop in revenue in 2020, forcing layoffs and strategic pivots. Yet, Bhavish’s leadership focused on innovation and adaptation, pushing Ola to diversify services and accelerate electric mobility, turning crisis into opportunity.

Vision for the Future

Bhavish Aggarwal envisions a future where mobility is seamless, sustainable, and accessible to all. He is betting on technology—AI, battery innovation, and connected vehicles—to transform how India moves. His latest venture, Ola Krutrim, an AI company, is India’s first AI unicorn, illustrating his constant drive towards frontier technologies.

His leadership extends beyond business as he promotes local manufacturing, clean energy, and digital ecosystems empowering millions of drivers and consumers.

Personal Life

Bhavish is known for maintaining a low profile outside of work but is admired for his humility and focus. He often credits his success to his IIT education, his team’s dedication, and the challenges that shaped his resilience. Details about his personal life remain private, focusing public attention on his entrepreneurial and technological contributions.

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Bhavish Aggarwal’s inspiring story is a testament to how innovative thinking and relentless pursuit can transform everyday problems into billion-dollar solutions, making him one of the most influential entrepreneurs shaping India’s future mobility landscape.