Deep Kalra’s story is an inspiring story. He founded MakeMyTrip in April 2000 in Gurugram, India. Valued at approximately $2.8 billion USD as of 2025, MakeMyTrip is India’s leading online travel company with millions of active users booking flights, hotels, holidays, and more every year. Starting as a niche platform for overseas Indian travelers, MakeMyTrip transformed into a household name offering convenient, transparent, and affordable travel solutions. The company solves the hassle of planning and booking trips in India’s complex travel market. Through trust and technology, MakeMyTrip has empowered countless journeys across the globe.
Basic Details
| Origin Country | India |
| Legal Name | MakeMyTrip Limited |
| Brand | MakeMyTrip |
| Founder | Deep Kalra |
| CEO | Rajesh Magow (as of 2025) |
| Industry | Tourism |
| Website | www.makemytrip.com |
| Year of Founding | April 2000 |
| Valuation | Approximately USD 2.8 billion (as of 2025) |
| Employees | 3,300+ (as of 2025) |
| Headquarters | Gurugram, Haryana, India |
| Status | Active |
FOUNDER OVERVIEW – DEEP KALRA
➤ Net Worth (2025)
Deep Kalra’s estimated net worth in 2025 is approximately USD 140 million. This wealth stems primarily from his equity in MakeMyTrip, alongside board roles and other business interests accumulated over more than two decades in India’s travel and startup ecosystem.
➤ Ownership in Company
Deep Kalra holds a significant minority stake in MakeMyTrip, though he stepped back from day-to-day CEO duties in 2013 to become Group Chairman and Chief Mentor. He is known for reinvesting in innovation and nurturing leadership rather than drawing extravagant salaries, reflecting a balanced, growth-oriented financial philosophy.
➤ Ventures Founded
Before MakeMyTrip, Deep Kalra attempted to launch AMF Bowling in India in the mid-90s — an early venture into organized leisure which didn’t succeed commercially but taught him critical entrepreneurial lessons.
➤ Investments
Deep Kalra is an active angel investor and mentor for Indian startups, focusing on travel-tech, consumer internet, and education ventures. He has supported early-stage companies aligned with his belief in scalable tech solutions for India’s young, aspirational population.
➤ Recognition & Awards
- Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (Business Transformation) — 2011
- Most Powerful Digital Influencer by KPMG — 2012
- Recognized by various startup forums for shaping India’s travel industry and for leadership in the digital economy.
PERSONAL STORY: DEEP KALRA
Deep Kalra was born in Hyderabad, India, in 1969 and spent his early years moving between cities like Delhi and Ahmedabad, adapting to new schools and environments. His upbringing was rooted in a middle-class family that valued education and resilience. From a young age, Deep was influenced by his parents’ emphasis on hard work, honesty, and curiosity about the world — seeds that later shaped his passion for travel and exploration.
Before his entrepreneurial leap, Deep followed a conventional path. He studied Economics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and then earned an MBA from the prestigious IIM Ahmedabad. His first corporate stint was at ABN AMRO Bank, where he built a reputation for diligence and team spirit. However, the desire to do something of his own constantly tugged at him.
In the mid-90s, Deep took his first big risk by trying to bring AMF Bowling to India — a bold move to introduce modern recreational activities to an evolving urban youth market. The venture didn’t survive the operational challenges of the time, but it gave Deep invaluable lessons about consumer habits, risk-taking, and business execution in India.
On the personal front, Deep has spoken openly about the self-doubt and financial uncertainty he faced while navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, especially in the pre-internet-boom era. With a young family to support, he balanced professional setbacks with the responsibilities of being a husband and father — often crediting his wife, Amrita, for being a pillar of strength during turbulent times.
These life lessons shaped Deep into a leader known for empathetic decision-making and a grounded approach to success. He believes in creating impact beyond profits, shown by his involvement in social causes like education and urban sustainability. His journey from a cautious banker to a pioneer in India’s online travel revolution is not just about building a business — it’s about trusting oneself, learning from failures, and staying curious enough to innovate for millions.
FOUNDING STORY: MAKEMYTRIP
Inspiration Behind the Idea
The spark for MakeMyTrip came from Deep Kalra’s own frustrating experience trying to book international tickets for a holiday in the late 1990s. At the time, booking travel for Indians living abroad or returning home involved multiple agents, hidden fees, and poor transparency. Spotting this gap, Deep envisioned an online travel portal that could simplify the process, build trust, and offer competitive pricing to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). This vision planted the seed for MakeMyTrip, which he officially launched in April 2000 in Gurugram, India.
Founding Team
Deep started MakeMyTrip with a small but dedicated team of like-minded professionals. Many came from corporate backgrounds and shared his belief that the internet would change how Indians traveled. Trust, transparency, and a passion for solving real customer pain points bonded this initial group. Together, they focused on building a trustworthy brand in an era when online transactions were still new and customers were skeptical.
Starting Capital
The venture was originally funded through angel investments and small institutional backers from the U.S. travel market. Deep also took on personal financial risks, including dipping into savings and forgoing a stable corporate paycheck. In the early days, the team operated leanly, cutting back on office luxuries and personal comforts to stretch every dollar. When the dot-com bubble burst soon after launch, funding dried up overnight — forcing Deep to downsize operations drastically and rethink his market strategy.
Early Challenges
Surviving the dot-com crash was MakeMyTrip’s first big test. Many peers shut shop, but Deep pivoted the business by shifting focus from the U.S. NRI segment to India’s domestic travel market, which was then opening up with the rise of low-cost airlines and growing internet penetration. Building trust in online booking was another major hurdle — convincing Indians to pay upfront online required relentless customer support, honest policies, and constant education. Recruiting and retaining talent on a tight budget added to the challenges, but Deep’s transparent leadership kept the core team motivated through tough times.
Breakthrough
The turning point came in 2005 when India’s domestic airline industry liberalized, unleashing a surge in air travel demand. MakeMyTrip rode this wave by offering reliable, competitive flight bookings, which quickly gained traction among India’s emerging middle class. A successful funding round followed, providing stability and expansion power. Going public on NASDAQ in 2010 validated Deep’s vision on a global stage, making MakeMyTrip India’s first listed online travel player. Over the years, strategic acquisitions and product diversification — including hotel bookings, holiday packages, bus and train tickets, and travel fintech solutions — turned MakeMyTrip into a one-stop travel ecosystem. Deep’s resilience and ability to adapt to market shifts transformed what began as a small travel portal for NRIs into India’s largest and most trusted online travel company, inspiring millions of journeys at home and abroad.
COMPANY PROFILE: MAKEMYTRIP
MakeMyTrip is India’s largest and most trusted online travel company, known for transforming how Indians plan, book, and experience travel. Founded in April 2000 by Deep Kalra, the company started with a mission to help Non-Resident Indians easily book tickets back home — but soon grew into a complete travel platform for every Indian traveler. Over the years, MakeMyTrip has not only survived tough market phases like the dot-com crash but has also led India’s travel revolution with technology and trust at its core.
Area Served
Today, MakeMyTrip serves millions of customers not just in India, but across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and globally through its local offices and digital reach. Popular destinations include domestic Indian getaways, Thailand, Singapore, Dubai, Europe, and more.
Vision & Mission
Vision: To be the most trusted and innovative global travel platform, empowering every traveler with seamless, affordable, and delightful booking experiences, driven by technology, transparency, and customer trust.
Mission: To simplify and enrich travel planning by offering comprehensive, reliable, and personalized solutions for flights, stays, holidays, and travel finances — while upholding the highest standards of integrity, customer care, and sustainability.
Services / Products Offered
- MakeMyTrip’s strength lies in being a true one-stop travel shop. Here’s what it offers in detail:
- Flight Bookings:
Domestic and international flight tickets with real-time fare comparisons, easy rescheduling, and special discounts. MakeMyTrip partners with major airlines globally and offers best-price guarantees on many routes. - Hotel Reservations:
Access to over 60,000 domestic hotels and thousands of international properties, with honest guest reviews, flexible cancellation, and verified photos. It offers everything from budget stays to luxury resorts. - Holiday Packages:
Ready-made and customisable packages for families, solo travellers, honeymooners, and adventure seekers. Customers get itineraries, local guides, sightseeing, meals, and visa help — all planned under one roof. - Bus and Train Tickets:
Book bus tickets across 2,000+ routes with seat selection and live tracking. For trains, MakeMyTrip provides an easy IRCTC-linked booking experience, making rail travel smoother for millions. - Visa, Insurance, and Forex:
Assistance with visa documentation for various countries, travel insurance policies for safety, and foreign currency exchange via BookMyForex — all accessible online. - Fintech Solutions (TripMoney):
Travel loans for instant ticket bookings without burdening personal finances. This helps customers plan big trips even if they don’t have cash upfront. - Corporate and Agent Platforms:
myBizis a solution for corporate clients to manage employee travel efficiently.myPartnerhelps small travel agents and tour operators grow by using MakeMyTrip’s inventory and technology.
Business Model
MakeMyTrip operates on a robust online travel agency (OTA) model. It aggregates and partners with thousands of airlines, hotels, bus operators, and tour service providers worldwide, offering customers a single digital platform to compare, choose, and book their travel needs. Revenue is generated through booking commissions, service and convenience fees, curated holiday packages, advertising placements for partner brands, and value-added services like travel insurance and visa assistance. In recent years, MakeMyTrip has also expanded into travel-focused financial products — such as easy travel loans and foreign exchange services — further diversifying its income streams. By combining supplier partnerships, scalable technology, and deep customer trust, MakeMyTrip maintains healthy margins and steady growth in India’s fast-evolving travel market.
Revenue Model
MakeMyTrip earns revenue through multiple well-diversified streams:
- Commissions:
It earns a percentage commission from airlines, hotels, bus operators, and other travel service providers for every successful booking made through its platform. - Service Fees:
Some bookings include convenience fees or processing charges for value-added services like easy cancellations, instant refunds, and premium customer support. - Advertising Revenue:
Travel and hospitality brands pay to showcase their deals and properties on MakeMyTrip’s high-traffic platform, reaching millions of potential customers. - Holiday Packages and Add-Ons:
Curated holiday packages generate direct revenue, including mark-ups on hotel stays, transport, and local experiences. Add-on services like visa help and travel insurance also contribute. - Fintech Products:
Through TripMoney, MakeMyTrip earns interest and processing fees on travel loans, and commissions on forex transactions via BookMyForex.
This mix of booking commissions, service charges, advertising partnerships, and financial services creates a stable and scalable income model, ensuring steady growth even when parts of the travel market fluctuate.
Market Landscape & Competitors
MakeMyTrip has maintained leadership by continuously innovating — whether it was pioneering flight booking in early 2000s, merging with Ibibo to dominate bus ticketing via redBus, or launching fintech products to help Indians afford dream trips.
It competes with players like Cleartrip, Yatra, EaseMyTrip, and big global OTAs — but its early trust factor, wide inventory, and customer-first policies keep it ahead.
The company employs over 3,300 people as of 2025 and fosters a work culture that promotes speed, openness, and innovation.
Looking ahead, MakeMyTrip aims to reach deeper into smaller Indian towns, launch eco-friendly travel options, and use AI to personalise trip planning for every user.
USP (Unique Selling Proposition)
MakeMyTrip’s biggest strength is the trust it has built over two decades with millions of Indian travelers. It combines a vast inventory of flights, hotels, buses, and holiday packages under one easy-to-use platform. Real-time comparisons, transparent pricing, genuine reviews, flexible booking policies, and responsive customer care make it stand out in a crowded market. Exclusive app deals, loyalty rewards, and a secure payment ecosystem give travelers confidence at every step — whether booking a quick weekend getaway or a complex international holiday. This strong reputation, combined with constant tech innovation, keeps MakeMyTrip ahead of its competition.
Growth Highlights
- Successfully pivoted from a niche site for NRIs to India’s largest online travel booking platform.
- Survived the dot-com crash by shifting focus to India’s booming domestic air travel market in the mid-2000s.
- First Indian online travel company to list on NASDAQ in 2010 — a landmark moment for India’s tech ecosystem.
- Expanded portfolio through strategic acquisitions: MyGola, and the high-impact merger with Ibibo Group (Goibibo and redBus).
- Launched myBiz (for corporates), myPartner (for small travel agents), and TripMoney (fintech arm) — diversifying revenue and customer base.
- Recognised consistently as India’s most trusted travel brand by multiple independent industry reports.
- Continues to expand into Tier 2 and Tier 3 towns, tapping into India’s next 200 million first-time travelers.
- Emphasises sustainability and eco-friendly travel solutions in its future roadmap.
Funding & Investment History
MakeMyTrip’s growth story has been supported by strategic funding at crucial stages. In its early years, the company raised capital from angel investors and small institutional backers, primarily targeting the U.S. NRI market. This initial backing helped it survive the turbulent dot-com bust in the early 2000s.
As MakeMyTrip pivoted to India’s domestic market and began to scale, it attracted venture capital from reputed firms, giving it the financial muscle to expand its services and build a strong brand presence.
A landmark moment came in 2010 when MakeMyTrip became the first Indian online travel company to list on the NASDAQ, raising significant capital from global public markets. This move not only validated Deep Kalra’s vision but also boosted investor confidence in India’s consumer internet space.
Over the years, MakeMyTrip has strengthened its financial foundation through smart strategic partnerships and investments. In 2016, Chinese travel giant Ctrip (now Trip.com Group) invested $180 million, providing access to advanced travel tech and global market reach. The merger with Ibibo Group (which owned Goibibo and redBus) further consolidated its leadership position in India’s online travel and bus ticketing segments.
Today, MakeMyTrip maintains a healthy balance sheet with diversified revenue streams, strong investor backing, and the financial stability to continue innovating and expanding into new markets and services.
Awards & Recognition (Company)
- CNBC Travel Awards: Multiple-time winner for Best Online Travel Agency in India, recognising excellence in service and customer satisfaction.
- Brand Trust Report: Frequently ranked as India’s Most Trusted Online Travel Brand in independent consumer surveys.
- Economic Times Best Brands: Featured among India’s most influential consumer internet brands for consistent quality and innovation.
- Great Place to Work Certification: Regularly certified as one of India’s best workplaces in the digital commerce sector.
- IAMAI India Digital Awards: Honoured for leadership in mobile app innovation and user experience.
- Global Business Press: Recognised internationally for strategic mergers and expansion, cited as a case study for market consolidation in the online travel space.
Team Size & Culture
MakeMyTrip employs over 3,300 people across its corporate offices, technology hubs, and customer support centers. The company culture values innovation, customer-first thinking, and a collaborative environment that encourages ownership and rapid problem-solving. Employees enjoy a transparent, inclusive workplace that supports growth, learning, and work-life balance.
Future Plans
Expand deeper into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, reaching new first-time travelers across India.
Strengthen fintech services like TripMoney and BookMyForex to make travel more affordable and hassle-free.
Invest in AI-driven personalized travel experiences to better match customer needs and preferences.
Focus on sustainable and eco-friendly stays, promoting responsible tourism practices.
Continue to innovate and improve technology to keep travel booking simple, secure, and cost-effective for all users.
CONCLUSION
“The best is yet to come.” — Deep Kalra, Founder & Chairman, MakeMyTrip
Deep Kalra’s journey proves that resilience and honest leadership can transform an entire industry. From facing early failures to building India’s most trusted online travel brand, he showed that real success is built on learning from mistakes and staying true to a clear vision. Today, MakeMyTrip continues to empower millions to travel easily and confidently. As Deep Kalra says, “I think that failure in my case helped me a lot to egg me on.” His story inspires countless entrepreneurs to dream big, stay determined, and turn challenges into opportunities.
