Entrepreneurship is a gift not many possess. Being a successful entrepreneur requires vision, planning, and foresight. It also needs an unbreakable determination to build an empire that would carry your legacy forward.
India has given several pioneers to the world who have carved a niche for themselves in the world of business and entrepreneurship with their sheer determination, innovation, and talent. Let us not forget that Odisha also has a huge role to play in it.
Today we celebrate Odisha’s shining, young, and bright business unicorns who have shaped our nation’s economy to a great extent and taken it to unparalleled heights.
Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Odisha, here are some remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the business landscape:
Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms):
When your belly burns with fire to do something innovative and pinoneering, nothing can stop you and Ritesh Agarwal is a great example of this. He achieved soaring success from a very young age, becoming one of the youngest entrepreneurs of Odisha.
Born into a Marwari family in Bissam, Odisha Ritesh Agarwal’s journey exemplifies determination and innovation. As the founder and CEO of OYO Hotels and Homes, he has transformed the hospitality industry, making affordable accommodation accessible to millions worldwide.
Ritesh was featured in the Forbes 30 in the under 30 list for Asia and was also the youngest to feature in the third season of Shark Tank!
Subroto Bagchi (Mindtree):
Subroto Bagchi has been an integral part of shaping Odisha’s identity. A native of Patnagarh, he started his career as a clerk in the Industries Department of the Government of Odisha. He also served in several computer companies and gained proficiency in marketing and sales. He served for a long period in Wipro as the Chief Executive of the company’s Global R&D.
A visionary leader, Subroto Bagchi co-founded Mindtree, a multinational IT and consulting company in 1999, and played a pivotal role in its success. His contributions extend beyond business, as he has also served in governmental capacities and authored influential books on entrepreneurship.
Biraja Prasad Rout (Biggies Burger):
Biraja Prasad Rout’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the fusion of passion and innovation. By founding Biggies Burger, he has redefined India’s fast-food culture, offering delicious and nutritious burgers with a desi twist.
For Rout, it was in Bengaluru while working with Infosys when he tasted a Burger for the first time. His fascination for burgers grew and he began acquiring knowledge about making burgers from YouTube. He also opened up a small kiosk near Infosys, where he started selling burgers. This initiative gradually gained attention, motivating him to leave his job and start his own business of burgers packed with Desi flavor. He started his own quick-service Restaurant Chain, ‘Biggies Burger’ in 2012 in Bengaluru.
There are now over 130 stores in 28 cities, selling over 50 lakh burgers to date, offering interesting and tasty varieties!
The best thing about his burgers is that they have the authentic aroma and essence of India!
Santosh Panda (Explara.Com):
Santosh Panda’s venture, Explara.com, has revolutionized event management, providing comprehensive solutions for ticketing, registration, and community engagement. His innovative platform has empowered entrepreneurs to host successful events seamlessly.
This venture of Santosh Panda helps conduct an event smoothly with impeccable promotion, sales management, payment collection, and even attendee management.
Before starting his venture, Panda had worked with several overseas companies such as BBC, iPlayer, eBay UK, and Cyclone Commerce.
Another shining jewel from Odisha, Panda proves that dedication coupled with innovation can do wonders.
Srikumar Misra (Milk Mantra):
Adding to the list, we have our young and dynamic entrepreneur Srikumar Misra, the co-founder of Milk Mantra. To redefine and revolutionize the agri-farm industry in the country, Misra left his cushy job in London and came to Odisha to set up one of the biggest Dairy companies in the state in 2009.
Srikumar Misra’s entrepreneurial vision led to the establishment of Milk Mantra, a pioneering dairy company focused on quality and sustainability. His dedication to technological innovation and ethical farming practices has had a profound impact on the agricultural sector in Odisha.
Milk Mantra became operational in 2011 when the factory was set up in Gop in Odisha.
Also his company launched the Ethical Milk Outsourcing Program in two villages in Puri district during that year. In 2016 the company released one of its ready-to-drink healthy milk beverages ‘MooShake’ which achieved great sales in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Presently, the company has a processing capacity of 2,40,000 liters of milk per day and has been successfully selling a wide range of products such as milkshakes, cheesecakes, diary-based desserts, etc.
Apart from being a driven entrepreneur, Misra has also been part of the highest policy-formulating body. An inspiration for all, his hardwork combined with his skill has made him a sought-after personality in the world of business!
Sitakanta Ray (MySmart Price):
Sitakanta Ray’s MySmartPrice has simplified online shopping by offering price comparison services, empowering consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. His platform reflects the power of innovation in enhancing the retail experience.
Ashish Mohapatra (CEO of OfBusiness):
For every young and aspiring entrepreneur out there, Ashish Mohapatra proves how hard work and dedication can help you achieve monumental success in a short period.
His journey toward being one of the most sought-after business personalities started in 2015 with his venture OfBusiness. This raw material procurement platform gained a mammoth success with a value of Rs.44,000 Cr.
Ashish Mohapatra’s OfBusiness has revolutionized raw material procurement, providing essential support to businesses and entrepreneurs. His commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through strategic guidance and financial assistance is commendable.
These entrepreneurs embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and excellence, driving economic growth and inspiring future generations. Odia Samaj extends its heartfelt congratulations to these trailblazers and wishes them continued success in their endeavors.
Entrepreneurship is a gift not many possess. Being a successful entrepreneur requires vision, planning, and foresight. It also needs an unbreakable determination to build an empire that would carry your legacy forward.
India has given several pioneers to the world who have carved a niche for themselves in the world of business and entrepreneurship with their sheer determination, innovation, and talent. Let us not forget that Odisha also has a huge role to play in it.
Today we celebrate Odisha’s shining, young, and bright business unicorns who have shaped our nation’s economy to a great extent and taken it to unparalleled heights.
Celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit of Odisha, here are some remarkable individuals who have left an indelible mark on the business landscape:
Ritesh Agarwal (OYO Rooms):
When your belly burns with fire to do something innovative and pinoneering, nothing can stop you and Ritesh Agarwal is a great example of this. He achieved soaring success from a very young age, becoming one of the youngest entrepreneurs of Odisha.
Born into a Marwari family in Bissam, Odisha Ritesh Agarwal’s journey exemplifies determination and innovation. As the founder and CEO of OYO Hotels and Homes, he has transformed the hospitality industry, making affordable accommodation accessible to millions worldwide.
Ritesh was featured in the Forbes 30 in the under 30 list for Asia and was also the youngest to feature in the third season of Shark Tank!
Subroto Bagchi (Mindtree):
Subroto Bagchi has been an integral part of shaping Odisha’s identity. A native of Patnagarh, he started his career as a clerk in the Industries Department of the Government of Odisha. He also served in several computer companies and gained proficiency in marketing and sales. He served for a long period in Wipro as the Chief Executive of the company’s Global R&D.
A visionary leader, Subroto Bagchi co-founded Mindtree, a multinational IT and consulting company in 1999, and played a pivotal role in its success. His contributions extend beyond business, as he has also served in governmental capacities and authored influential books on entrepreneurship.
Biraja Prasad Rout (Biggies Burger):
Biraja Prasad Rout’s entrepreneurial journey underscores the fusion of passion and innovation. By founding Biggies Burger, he has redefined India’s fast-food culture, offering delicious and nutritious burgers with a desi twist.
For Rout, it was in Bengaluru while working with Infosys when he tasted a Burger for the first time. His fascination for burgers grew and he began acquiring knowledge about making burgers from YouTube. He also opened up a small kiosk near Infosys, where he started selling burgers. This initiative gradually gained attention, motivating him to leave his job and start his own business of burgers packed with Desi flavor. He started his own quick-service Restaurant Chain, ‘Biggies Burger’ in 2012 in Bengaluru.
There are now over 130 stores in 28 cities, selling over 50 lakh burgers to date, offering interesting and tasty varieties!
The best thing about his burgers is that they have the authentic aroma and essence of India!
Santosh Panda (Explara.Com):
Santosh Panda’s venture, Explara.com, has revolutionized event management, providing comprehensive solutions for ticketing, registration, and community engagement. His innovative platform has empowered entrepreneurs to host successful events seamlessly.
This venture of Santosh Panda helps conduct an event smoothly with impeccable promotion, sales management, payment collection, and even attendee management.
Before starting his venture, Panda had worked with several overseas companies such as BBC, iPlayer, eBay UK, and Cyclone Commerce.
Another shining jewel from Odisha, Panda proves that dedication coupled with innovation can do wonders.
Srikumar Misra (Milk Mantra):
Adding to the list, we have our young and dynamic entrepreneur Srikumar Misra, the co-founder of Milk Mantra. To redefine and revolutionize the agri-farm industry in the country, Misra left his cushy job in London and came to Odisha to set up one of the biggest Dairy companies in the state in 2009.
Srikumar Misra’s entrepreneurial vision led to the establishment of Milk Mantra, a pioneering dairy company focused on quality and sustainability. His dedication to technological innovation and ethical farming practices has had a profound impact on the agricultural sector in Odisha.
Milk Mantra became operational in 2011 when the factory was set up in Gop in Odisha.
Also his company launched the Ethical Milk Outsourcing Program in two villages in Puri district during that year. In 2016 the company released one of its ready-to-drink healthy milk beverages ‘MooShake’ which achieved great sales in Bengaluru and Hyderabad.
Presently, the company has a processing capacity of 2,40,000 liters of milk per day and has been successfully selling a wide range of products such as milkshakes, cheesecakes, diary-based desserts, etc.
Apart from being a driven entrepreneur, Misra has also been part of the highest policy-formulating body. An inspiration for all, his hardwork combined with his skill has made him a sought-after personality in the world of business!
Sitakanta Ray (MySmart Price):
Sitakanta Ray’s MySmartPrice has simplified online shopping by offering price comparison services, empowering consumers to make informed purchasing decisions. His platform reflects the power of innovation in enhancing the retail experience.
Ashish Mohapatra (CEO of OfBusiness):
For every young and aspiring entrepreneur out there, Ashish Mohapatra proves how hard work and dedication can help you achieve monumental success in a short period.
His journey toward being one of the most sought-after business personalities started in 2015 with his venture OfBusiness. This raw material procurement platform gained a mammoth success with a value of Rs.44,000 Cr.
Ashish Mohapatra’s OfBusiness has revolutionized raw material procurement, providing essential support to businesses and entrepreneurs. His commitment to empowering aspiring entrepreneurs through strategic guidance and financial assistance is commendable.
These entrepreneurs embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and excellence, driving economic growth and inspiring future generations. Odia Samaj extends its heartfelt congratulations to these trailblazers and wishes them continued success in their endeavors.
