Bhavish Aggarwal story is a tale of transformation—from being a young entrepreneur with a laptop and an idea to disrupting mobility in India and now shaping the future of sustainable transport through Ola Electric. What began in 2010 as a cab-hailing startup has grown into one of India’s biggest mobility platforms, touching millions of lives every day. With a mission to make urban transport more accessible, affordable, and eco-friendly, Bhavish’s journey from Ola Cabs to Ola Electric reflects bold decisions, deep conviction, and the power of reimagining what’s possible. His story continues to inspire India’s next generation of innovators.
Basic Details
| Legal Name | ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. |
| Brand | Ola |
| Founder | Bhavish Aggarwal |
| Co-Founder | Ankit Bhati |
| CEO | Bhavish Aggarwal |
| Industry | Mobility |
| Website | www.olacabs.com |
| Year of Founding | 2010, Bengaluru, India |
| Founder Education | Dropped out of Stanford University |
| Valuation | Approx. $5 Billion (as of 2025) |
| Employees | 1,500+ |
| Headquarter | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
PERSONAL STORY: BHAVISH AGGARWAL
Bhavish Aggarwal story is one of persistence, overcoming odds, and creating something that has transformed millions of lives. Born and raised in India, Bhavish’s interest in technology and innovation was clear from an early age. He graduated from IIT Bombay with a degree in Computer Science and soon started his career at Microsoft.
However, Bhavish’s entrepreneurial spark was ignited during a trip when he had a bad experience with a local taxi service. This made him realize the challenges people faced in urban transportation and set him on a mission to make commuting easier and more affordable. With a vision to solve this problem, Bhavish co-founded OLA in 2011 with his college friend, Ankit Bhati.
The initial days were difficult. They faced numerous hurdles, from skepticism about the viability of the idea to securing the right funding. However, Bhavish’s belief in his idea never wavered. He pushed forward, and despite personal and financial challenges, he continued to innovate and refine OLA’s offerings.
Bhavish’s personal story is marked by resilience—learning from mistakes, adapting to market demands, and never losing sight of his goal to improve transportation in India. His personal struggles and eventual triumphs make his entrepreneurial journey all the more inspiring.
FOUNDING STORY: OLA
The idea behind OLA was born out of Bhavish’s frustration with the traditional taxi service. After a difficult experience with a cab service, he and Ankit saw a gap in the market for a reliable, affordable, and convenient ride-hailing solution. In 2011, Bhavish and Ankit launched OLA, a platform that would allow people to book rides at the touch of a button.
The early days were challenging. Bhavish and Ankit had limited funds and struggled to attract drivers and users. The market for ride-hailing services in India was not mature, and many people were skeptical about using a mobile app to book a ride. But Bhavish believed that technology could solve this problem, so he stayed persistent.
In 2014, OLA received its first major breakthrough when it raised $20 million in funding from investors like Tiger Global and Matrix Partners. This allowed the company to expand its services across major cities in India. By 2015, OLA was providing over a million rides a day, and its success continued to grow.
A key turning point came in 2017 when OLA launched its “OLA Auto” and “OLA Share” services, expanding beyond cars into two-wheelers and carpooling. This innovation further cemented OLA’s position as the leader in India’s ride-hailing space. Despite fierce competition from global players like Uber, Bhavish and his team were able to adapt quickly, keep innovating, and ultimately outpace the competition in India.
The OLA story is also marked by several lessons in resilience. Bhavish and his team learned from their early failures, particularly around operations and customer satisfaction, which they continuously improved upon. Today, OLA has not only transformed urban transportation in India but is also expanding its reach globally.
COMPANY PROFILE: OLA
OLA is a leading mobility platform that provides ride-hailing services across India and internationally. Founded in 2011, OLA has become a household name in the Indian transportation sector, offering services that range from standard rides to premium experiences. The company leverages cutting-edge technology, including AI and machine learning, to enhance the user experience.
Services / Products Offered
- Ride-Hailing: OLA’s core offering, with options ranging from auto-rickshaws to luxury cars.
- OLA Electric: An electric vehicle division aiming to promote sustainable transportation.
- OLA Auto: A service offering auto-rickshaws for short trips.
- OLA Share: A carpooling service that connects multiple passengers traveling in the same direction.
- OLA Rentals: Rent cars by the hour for greater flexibility.
- OLA Corporate: A service tailored for businesses that need to manage employee transportation.
Business Model
OLA operates primarily on a B2C (Business to Consumer) model, where it connects users with drivers through its app. The company makes money by charging a commission on each ride booked through the platform.
Revenue Model
OLA generates revenue through:
- Ride Fares: A portion of the fare collected from riders.
- Subscription Services: Corporate and rental services.
- Advertising & Partnerships: Collaborations with brands for in-app promotions.
- Electric Vehicle Sales: OLA Electric generates revenue through the sale of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Market Landscape
The ride-hailing market in India is highly competitive, with OLA facing direct competition from international players like Uber. However, OLA stands out due to its deep understanding of the Indian market, its localized approach, and its diverse service offerings, such as OLA Auto and OLA Electric.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP)
- Wide Range of Services: From budget-friendly rides to premium experiences, OLA caters to all segments.
- Sustainability: OLA Electric is leading the way in electric mobility in India.
- Localized Approach: Understanding local needs and offering services tailored to the Indian market.
Funding and Investment
- 2014: Raised $20M from Tiger Global, Matrix Partners.
- 2015: Raised $210M in Series E funding, bringing total funding to $400M+.
- 2021: Valuation of over $7.5 Billion.
- 2024: Expansion into international markets like Australia, UK, and New Zealand.
Growth Highlights
- 2011: OLA officially launched in Bengaluru.
- 2014: Expanded to 100+ cities across India.
- 2017: Launched OLA Electric.
- 2021: OLA reached 10 million+ rides per day.
- 2025: Entered international markets, focusing on electric vehicle infrastructure.
Team Size & Culture
With over 10,000 employees, OLA’s culture emphasizes innovation, agility, and social impact. The company fosters a collaborative environment where employees are encouraged to think outside the box and bring bold ideas to the table.
Mission & Vision
- Mission: To make transportation accessible, affordable, and sustainable for everyone.
- Vision: To be the world’s most innovative and trusted mobility platform.
Awards and Achievements
- 2017: Won “Best Ride-Hailing Service” at the Global Mobility Awards.
- 2021: Recognized for leadership in electric mobility.
- 2023: Featured as a top unicorn in the Asian Business Awards.
Future Plans
AI & Automation: Enhance driver and rider experience through AI-powered features.cture, and explore international markets to further its mission of revolutionizing grocery delivery.
Global Expansion: Further penetrate international markets, particularly in Europe and the Middle East.
Sustainability: Ramp up the production and deployment of electric vehicles.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHT: BHAVISH AGGARWAL
Financial Overview: As of 2025, Bhavish Aggarwal’s net worth is estimated at $7.5 billion, with OLA’s expansion into electric mobility and international markets.
Subsidiary Companies Founded:
- OLA Electric: Focuses on the production of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
Investments: As of 2025, Bhavish Aggarwal has made several notable investments, primarily focused on the mobility, technology, clean energy, and artificial intelligence sectors. Below are the key companies he has invested in:
Investments Company List:
- Ather Energy – An electric scooter company that focuses on sustainable urban mobility.
- Zypp Electric – An electric delivery vehicle platform aiming to replace traditional delivery methods with sustainable, electric solutions.
- Yulu – An electric bike-sharing platform that is changing urban mobility with electric two-wheelers.
- Rivigo – A logistics startup that uses technology to improve supply chain efficiency, focusing on long-distance trucking.
- Vahan – A technology platform that enables blue-collar workers to access gig economy jobs, specifically in the mobility sector.
- Ola Electric – His own electric vehicle subsidiary, focused on creating a sustainable future for transportation.
- Greenko Energy – A clean energy company that focuses on renewable energy and storage solutions.
- Altigreen – A company specializing in the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles for commercial use.
- Pure EV – A startup focused on producing electric two-wheelers, part of the clean energy push for sustainable mobility.
- Log9 Materials – A battery tech company focused on innovating and improving electric vehicle battery performance and energy density.
Media and Industry Recognition: Bhavish has been featured in Forbes, Bloomberg, and other major publications. He’s also a frequent speaker at global tech and mobility conferences, sharing his insights on sustainable transportation and the future of urban mobility.
FOUNDER GUIDE
“Success is not just about building a business; it’s about making a real difference in people’s lives.”
— Bhavish Aggarwal, Founder & CEO, OLA
Founder’s Advice for Entrepreneurs
- Focus on solving real-world problems that matter to people.
- Build products that improve lives and make everyday tasks easier.
- Never give up—persistence is key to overcoming challenges.
WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE STORY
Bhavish Aggarwal Story with OLA teaches us that vision and persistence can turn even the most daunting challenges into opportunities. By staying focused on solving real-world problems like urban mobility and sustainability, Bhavish transformed an idea into a global brand. His story reminds us that the key to entrepreneurial success lies in identifying unmet needs, continuously innovating, and adapting to change—while never losing sight of the bigger picture. If you believe in your vision, no matter how tough the journey gets, success will follow.
