Amit Jain, the co-founder and CEO of CarDekho, stands as a beacon of innovation in India’s automotive technology sector. Born on November 12, 1976, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Amit’s journey from a tech enthusiast to a pioneering entrepreneur reflects a story of vision, resilience, and the power of leveraging technology to solve real-world problems. As of May 2025, Amit continues to lead CarDekho Group, a unicorn company valued at over $1.2 billion, while also gaining recognition as a judge on Shark Tank India.
Amit Jain grew up in a middle-class family in Jaipur, where his father, Prashant Jain, served as an RBI officer and gemstone businessman, and his mother, Nilima Jain, managed the household as a homemaker. His grandfather, the late Dr. Dharam Singh Jain, was a renowned astrologer, adding a unique cultural dimension to Amit’s upbringing. From an early age, Amit displayed a knack for academics, which paved the way for his admission to St. Xavier’s Senior Secondary School in Jaipur.
His academic journey culminated in a bachelor’s degree in technology from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. At IIT, Amit developed a deep passion for coding, a skill that would define his career. His time at one of India’s top institutions equipped him with technical expertise and instilled a problem-solving mindset that would later fuel his entrepreneurial ventures.
Career Journey: From Software Engineer to Entrepreneur
Amit’s professional career began in 1999 when he joined Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) as a software engineer. Eager to expand his horizons, he moved to Trilogy, a US-based multinational firm, where he worked as a Product Manager for nearly seven years. During his time at Trilogy, Amit honed his skills in software development and product management, gaining valuable experience in the tech industry.
In 2006, a personal tragedy—the illness and subsequent passing of his father—prompted Amit and his younger brother, Anurag Jain, to return to their hometown of Jaipur. Initially, they worked in their father’s gemstone business, but their passion for technology soon took over. In 2007, the brothers co-founded GirnarSoft, an IT outsourcing company, operating from a makeshift office in their home garage. The early years were not without challenges; GirnarSoft faced significant financial setbacks, including a loss of approximately ₹1 crore during the 2009 stock market crash. Despite these hurdles, Amit’s determination kept the venture alive.
The pivotal moment came in 2008 when Amit and Anurag attended the Auto Expo in Delhi. Frustrated by the lack of comprehensive information available for car buyers, Amit envisioned a platform that would simplify the car-buying process. This insight led to the launch of CarDekho in 2008 under the GirnarSoft umbrella. Starting with a small team of 20, CarDekho quickly gained traction by offering detailed car reviews, comparisons, and buying/selling services, addressing a critical gap in the Indian automotive market.
Building CarDekho: A Vision Realized
Under Amit’s leadership, CarDekho transformed from a fledgling startup into one of India’s leading autotech companies. The platform provides users with expert reviews, detailed specifications, images, and videos of all car models available in India, making it a one-stop solution for car buyers and sellers. By 2013, CarDekho achieved profitability and secured $15 million in Series A funding, marking a significant milestone.
Today, the CarDekho Group serves over 60 million monthly active users and has expanded into multiple verticals, including insurance (InsuranceDekho), fintech (Rupyy), and other automotive content platforms like BikeDekho, ZigWheels, and Powerdrift. With a workforce of 6,000 employees, the company has become a powerhouse in the autotech and finance sectors. Amit’s hands-on approach and love for coding have kept him deeply involved in the company’s technological advancements, even as its valuation soared to $1.2 billion (approximately ₹9,960 crore) by 2024.
Achievements and Recognitions
Amit Jain’s contributions to India’s startup ecosystem have earned him widespread recognition. In 2021, CarDekho Group achieved unicorn status, cementing its position as a leader in the autotech industry. Amit has been featured in prestigious publications like Entrepreneur India (Entrepreneur 2023) and Mint (Amit Jain of CarDekho: Mobility dreams), where he is celebrated as one of India’s leading entrepreneurs.
In 2022, Amit Jain joined Shark Tank India Season 2 as a judge, replacing Ashneer Grover. His net worth, estimated at $360 million, makes him the richest “shark” on the show, surpassing even some American counterparts like Barbara Corcoran and Lori Greiner (Who is Amit Jain?). His presence on the show has inspired countless aspiring entrepreneurs, showcasing his expertise in building scalable tech businesses.
Recent Developments and Future Outlook
As of May 2025, Amit Jain continues to steer CarDekho Group toward new milestones. The company is poised for a 50% revenue growth in FY 2025, following a 54% profit increase in FY 2024 (CarDekho Poised for 50% Growth). CarDekho is also preparing for a ₹4,000 crore IPO, a significant step in its growth journey.
In January 2025, CarDekho showcased transformative AI innovations at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology. Amit’s statement on the Union Budget 2025-26 further highlights his engagement with national economic policies. His recent X post about Auto Expo 2025 underscores CarDekho’s evolution from simplifying car buying to pioneering AI-driven mobility.
Amit Jain’s journey from a garage-based startup to a billion-dollar autotech empire is a testament to his vision and perseverance. By addressing the needs of car buyers with CarDekho, he has transformed how Indians interact with the automotive market. His leadership, coupled with a passion for coding, has positioned CarDekho as a leader in innovation, with ambitious plans for growth and an upcoming IPO.
As a Shark Tank India judge and a celebrated entrepreneur, Amit inspires the next generation to dream big and leverage technology for impact. His story proves that with determination and a clear vision, even the most ambitious goals are within reach.
