Nirmit Parikh, the founder and CEO of Apna, stands as a beacon of innovation in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. At 37, he has built Apna into the country’s largest jobs and professional networking platform, achieving unicorn status with a valuation of over $1.1 billion in just 21 months. His journey from a small-town engineer to a global tech leader reflects his determination, foresight, and commitment to empowering India’s workforce.
Nirmit Parikh, born in Mumbai and raised in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, displayed an early talent for solving complex problems, a trait that defined his entrepreneurial career. From 2005 to 2009, he pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Instrumentation and Control Engineering at Nirma Institute of Technology, building a strong technical foundation that enabled innovation in technology-driven fields. To expand his strategic perspective, Parikh earned an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business between 2014 and 2016, where he gained insights into global business strategies and developed a vision for impactful solutions. This blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking laid the groundwork for his successful ventures, including founding Apna, India’s largest jobs and professional networking platform.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings
Nirmit Parikh’s entrepreneurial journey began early. At 21, while still a student, he founded Incone Technologies in 2006, a company focused on control systems for hydropower automation and IT solutions. This venture earned him recognition as a Global Shaper by the World Economic Forum, highlighting his potential as a change-maker.
In 2012, Parikh co-founded Cruxbot, an AI-powered platform for data processing and summarization. The company’s innovative approach led to its acquisition by Kno Inc., which was later acquired by Intel Corporation. This success marked Parikh as a rising star in the tech world, showcasing his ability to build scalable solutions.
A Global Career
Following Cruxbot’s acquisition, Nirmit Parikh joined Intel as Director of New Products. He led research and development for personalized education solutions and established Intel’s first office in Ahmedabad, India. His work at Intel demonstrated his ability to drive innovation on a global scale.
In 2016, Parikh moved to Apple, where he worked on the product and strategy team for software platforms, focusing on capital expenditure (Capex). His two years at Apple’s Cupertino headquarters provided him with deep insights into product management and operations at one of the world’s leading tech companies. Despite securing a US Green Card in 2016, Parikh felt a strong pull to return to India, seeing immense potential in its untapped market.
The Birth of Apna
In 2019, Nirmit Parikh left his high-paying job at Apple and returned to India, driven by a vision to address a critical gap in the job market. He noticed that while platforms like LinkedIn served white-collar professionals, there was no equivalent for India’s blue- and grey-collar workers. To understand their challenges, Parikh went undercover as a factory worker, gaining firsthand insight into their lives.
In February 2020, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, Parikh launched Apna, a digital platform designed to connect blue- and grey-collar workers with employers. Apna offers tools like digital visiting cards, skill assessments, and interview preparation, making it a one-stop solution for job seekers. Parikh’s mission was clear: to empower India’s workforce with equitable professional opportunities.
Apna’s Meteoric Rise
Apna’s launch came at a challenging time, as the pandemic caused widespread job losses. Yet, this adversity fueled its growth. By 2022, Apna had over 40 million users and 545,000 employers across 74 Indian cities. The platform facilitated over 100 million job interviews and saw more than 10 million Android app downloads. Its revenue surged by 283% to INR 65.7 crore in FY22 from INR 17 crore in FY21, though expenses also rose significantly.
Apna’s partnerships with major companies like Zomato, Burger King, Delhivery, Amazon, BigBasket, and HDFC Bank have solidified its position as a leading job platform. It has also collaborated with organizations like UNICEF Yuwaah, Generation India Foundation, and the National Skill Development Corporation to promote inclusive growth. Apna’s AWS re/Start program provides free cloud computing training, equipping workers with future-ready skills.
Leadership and Vision
Nirmit Parikh’s leadership is defined by his passion for social impact and innovation. He envisions Apna as a catalyst for “radical cultural and social change” through technology. His ability to identify market needs and deliver solutions has driven Apna’s rapid ascent. Parikh has also engaged with government initiatives, such as the Ministry of Minority Affairs, to promote inclusive opportunities for marginalized communities.
Despite his achievements, Parikh remains grounded. He acknowledges the challenges of adapting to India’s market nuances after years in the US, stating, “Initially it was not very easy for us. I felt that market nuances necessary to build startups did not come to me as naturally.” His resilience and adaptability have been key to overcoming these hurdles.
Nirmit Parikh’s journey is a story of vision, resilience, and impact. From founding his first company at 21 to building India’s youngest unicorn, he has consistently turned challenges into opportunities. Apna has transformed the job market for millions of workers and set a new standard for tech-driven social change. As Parikh continues to lead Apna, his commitment to empowering India’s workforce ensures a brighter, more inclusive future for the country’s rising working class.
