Rahul Yadav, a name that has become synonymous with the Indian startup ecosystem, has had a life that could easily be the plot of a Bollywood film. From co-founding Housing.com to being embroiled in controversies, Yadav’s entrepreneurial journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. While many people are familiar with his professional struggles and headline-grabbing actions, his background and early life provide valuable insights into the man behind the headlines.
Born into a middle-class family in 1989 in Khairtal, Rajasthan, Rahul Yadav’s story is one of humble beginnings. In 2007, he joined the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, specializing in metallurgy. During his time at the institute, Yadav actively participated in the student association, serving as both a representative and secretary. These early experiences shaped his leadership skills and laid the foundation for his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Rahul Yadav’s foray into entrepreneurship
Yadav’s foray into entrepreneurship began with the creation of Exambaba.com, an online question bank for old exam papers. The website gained immense popularity among students, but it wasn’t without its challenges.
Despite its success, IIT Bombay administration repeatedly requested Yadav to shut down the website. The reasons behind these requests remain a mystery, but what is known is that Yadav’s determination and acquired programming skills during this time paved the way for his future successes.
In 2012, Yadav and eleven of his classmates faced housing difficulties while studying in Mumbai. Struggling to find suitable properties that matched their preferences and budget, the young entrepreneurs decided to take matters into their own hands. Inspired by the age-old adage, ‘Necessity is the mother of invention,’ they founded Housing.com. In a remarkably short period, the startup became one of the biggest players in the Indian real estate sector.
Housing.com quickly gained recognition as one of India’s most promising tech startups. It secured significant funding from renowned investors, including SoftBank, and established partnerships with Tata Housing and Tata Value Homes. Forbes India reported that the company sold around eight million dollars worth of real estate within its first week, showcasing the immense potential and impact of Housing.com in the industry.
When Rahul Yadav was fired from Housing.com, the same company which he co-founded in 2012
However, Yadav’s rollercoaster ride as an entrepreneur took a dramatic turn in June 2015 when he was ousted from Housing.com, the very company he had co-founded. The news sent shockwaves throughout the industry, especially for those who had hailed him as the next ‘Steve Jobs of India.’ Digging deeper into the reasons behind this move revealed a rather embarrassing truth about Yadav’s behavior.
Reports emerged that Yadav had been rude and disrespectful to his co-founders, investors, and the media. Despite receiving numerous warnings, he continued to display inappropriate conduct towards his team, leading to the harsh but necessary decision to remove him from the company. It was a humbling experience for Yadav and a lesson in the importance of interpersonal skills and maintaining professional relationships.
Rahul Yadav distributed his shares worth Rs. 200 crores to the employees
Interestingly, in a surprising twist, Yadav responded to his dismissal by distributing his personal shares, valued at around Rs. 150-200 crores at the time, to Housing.com’s 2,251 employees. This unexpected gesture demonstrated his willingness to make amends and support the team he had once led. It showcased a different side of Yadav, one that was willing to acknowledge his mistakes and make a positive impact, even in the face of adversity.
Rahul Yadav’s wife, Karishma Khokar, is an investment banker.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Rahul Yadav’s personal life has also made headlines. In March 2016, he exchanged engagement vows with Karishma Khokhar, an investment banker with an engineering background from Delhi Technical University and an MBA in finance from the Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad. While details about their wedding date remain undisclosed, their engagement marked the beginning of a new chapter in their lives.
From being hailed as the next ‘Steve Jobs of India’ to earning the moniker of the ‘bad boy of Indian startups,’ Rahul Yadav’s journey has been nothing short of captivating. His story serves as a reminder that success and fame come with their fair share of challenges and responsibilities. Yadav’s experiences underscore the significance of maintaining professionalism, fostering healthy relationships, and learning from one’s mistakes.
As an entrepreneur, Rahul Yadav has left an indelible mark on the Indian startup landscape. Love him or hate him, his boldness, resilience, and willingness to take risks have made him a compelling figure in the world of business. Whether his future holds more controversies or redemption, one thing is for certain: Rahul Yadav will continue to captivate and provoke discussions for years to come.
