Bhavish Aggarwal, born on August 28, 1985, is an Indian entrepreneur renowned for co-founding Ola Cabs and founding Ola Electric and Krutrim, India’s first AI unicorn.
Early Life and Education
Aggarwal hails from Ludhiana, Punjab, and pursued a degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, graduating in 2008. Post-graduation, he joined Microsoft Research, where he worked on machine learning and computer vision projects. However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to leave Microsoft and venture into the startup ecosystem.
Founding of Ola Cabs
In 2010, recognizing the fragmented nature of India’s transportation sector, Aggarwal co-founded Ola Cabs with Ankit Bhati. The platform aimed to provide a seamless ride-hailing experience, leveraging technology to connect drivers and passengers. Over the years, Ola expanded its services across India and ventured into international markets like the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. However, in 2024, the company decided to cease its international operations to focus on the Indian market.
Diversification into Electric Mobility
In 2017, Aggarwal founded Ola Electric, aiming to revolutionize India’s electric vehicle (EV) landscape. The company introduced electric scooters, including models like the S1 Pro and Roadster X, and established the Ola Futurefactory in Tamil Nadu, touted as the world’s largest two-wheeler factory. Despite initial plans to launch electric cars, Ola Electric suspended these plans in 2024 to concentrate on its two-wheeler segment.
Venturing into Artificial Intelligence
In 2024, Aggarwal launched Krutrim, an AI company that became India’s first AI unicorn with a valuation of $1 billion. Krutrim focuses on developing large language models tailored for Indian languages, aiming to bridge the digital divide and enhance AI accessibility in the country.
Leadership Style and Controversies
Aggarwal’s leadership is characterized by ambition and a hands-on approach. He has expressed skepticism towards the concept of work-life balance, emphasizing dedication to one’s mission. In 2025, he criticized Ola employees for poor office attendance, highlighting the importance of self-respect and responsibility.
Ola Electric has faced challenges, including safety concerns over its scooter designs and customer service issues. In 2024, the company addressed front fork design defects by offering free replacements. Additionally, a public dispute with comedian Kunal Kamra over service quality led to a 9% drop in Ola Electric’s shares.
Financial Milestones
Ola Electric’s IPO in August 2024 raised ₹5,500 crore, marking one of India’s significant market debuts. Aggarwal’s stake in the company contributed to his entry into the billionaire club. Simultaneously, Ola Cabs prepared for a $500 million IPO, aiming to rejuvenate its financial standing after a valuation dip from $7.3 billion in 2021 to under $2 billion in 2024.
Vision for the Future
Aggarwal envisions a future where India leads in sustainable transportation and AI innovation. Through Ola Electric, he aims to accelerate EV adoption, while Krutrim seeks to make AI tools accessible in regional languages. His commitment to building in the present with a 15-year future perspective underscores his strategic approach to entrepreneurship.
Bhavish Aggarwal’s journey from a tech enthusiast to a visionary entrepreneur reflects his dedication to transforming India’s mobility and technological landscape. Despite challenges, his ventures continue to shape the future of transportation and AI in the country.
