From Green Card Security to ₹24,079 Crore Empire: The Audacious Bet of an Indian Entrepreneur

In a story that perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the modern Indian entrepreneur, one man’s decision to walk away from the ultimate symbol of American stability—the US Green Card—became the foundation for a staggering business empire now valued at approximately ₹24,079 crore (nearly $3 billion). This is the journey of Anupam Mittal, founder of People Group, which owns the ubiquitous marriage portal, Shaadi.com, and an investor whose story resonates deeply with the global Indian diaspora.

The Silicon Valley Dilemma: Comfort vs. Chaos

Like countless ambitious Indian professionals, Anupam Mittal moved to the US for a job, initially working as a product manager for a software company. His career path followed the classic immigrant trajectory, leading to the coveted Green Card, or permanent residency—a safety net guaranteeing a stable, comfortable life in America.

However, for Mittal, this stability began to feel like a constraint. He sensed a growing restlessness, a feeling that a corporate leadership role in Silicon Valley would make him “respectable, but replaceable.” He yearned for the freedom to build something entirely his own, a desire that could only be fulfilled by returning to the chaotic, yet opportunity-rich, environment of India.

Burning the Boat: The Moment of No Return

In a move that stunned many around him, Mittal made the audacious decision to surrender his Green Card and return to India. This was not merely an emotional choice; it was a profound, strategic action often likened to ‘burning the boats’—eliminating the option of retreat.

The choice came with significant, immediate consequences. He faced emotional and legal hurdles, including an “exit tax” on his global wealth, a price he was willing to pay to eliminate his Plan B. Mittal himself has often recalled the confusion of the embassy officials, who questioned why anyone his age would willingly give up such an asset.

The Rise of a Digital Pioneer

Returning to India, Mittal embraced the uncertainty. He had already laid the groundwork for his venture, founding Shaadi.com (originally Sagai.com) in 1997. At a time when the internet was still nascent in India, his vision was to digitise the traditional process of arranged marriage, transforming a cultural institution into a tech-driven platform.

This early bet on the Indian consumer internet space proved to be prescient. The company grew rapidly, becoming one of the world’s largest matrimonial services and a defining success story of India’s early digital ecosystem. The People Group, under his leadership, expanded its portfolio to include other digital ventures, establishing Mittal as a pioneering figure in the country’s technology landscape.

A Multi-Faceted Empire and Current Status

Today, Anupam Mittal is not only the founder and CEO of the People Group but also a highly influential figure in India’s startup ecosystem. His current status is defined by his role as a prominent “Shark” or investor on the popular business reality show, Shark Tank India.

His net worth is estimated to place the value of his ventures and investments in the range of billions of dollars, confirming the success of his bold choice. The figure of ₹24,079 crore (approx. $3 billion) reflects the enterprise value of the companies and the significant returns generated by his investments in over 300 startups. His story serves as a powerful testament to the idea that the greatest opportunities often lie not in the pursuit of comfort, but in the embrace of risk and the conviction to build a dream on one’s own terms, right in one’s homeland.