Nearbuy Founder to Creator: Ankur Warikoo’s Second Innings Success

Ankur Warikoo is a name that resonates with entrepreneurial zeal, self-improvement, and digital content mastery. Over the years, he has transitioned from a start-up founder to a revered content creator, inspiring millions with his candid take on life, money, and personal growth. Warikoo’s journey, marked by ambition and reinvention, reflects a path of professional success and meaningful impact.

Who is Ankur Warikoo?

Ankur Warikoo is an Indian entrepreneur, motivational speaker, content creator, and best-selling author. He first rose to prominence as the co-founder and former CEO of Nearbuy, India’s largest hyper-local e-commerce platform. Known for his authenticity and wit, Warikoo has redefined how people perceive online education and personal development through his relatable and insightful content. Whether about financial literacy, time management, or self-awareness, Warikoo uses his life lessons to inspire others.

Ankur Warikoo embodies much more than the role of an entrepreneur. No single definition encapsulates him; throughout every stage of his life, he has engaged in unique, purpose-driven endeavours. He is the co-founder of Nearbuy, and before that, he was the CEO of Groupon India in 2011. With more than 15 years of experience in the Internet and technology sectors, he has established, invested in, and guided numerous successful ventures. Ankur Warikoo is a content creator who shares stories, insights, career advice, educational content, start-up guidance, personal finance tips, and more.

With a humongous online community following on different social media platforms, he posts valuable and engaging content regularly. Ankur has also authored books. His goal is to assist individuals in making life decisions based on awareness rather than ignorance.

Early Life, Family, Educational Background, and Birthday – Ankur Warikoo Profile

Ankur Warikoo was born in Delhi, India, on August 25, 1980, into a middle-class family. The 44-year-old was born in a Kashmiri Pandit family to Ashok Warikoo and Neerja Warikoo. He has a sister, Radhika Warikoo. He shared a fascinating early life tale on X (formerly Twitter) in which he revealed that his parents had decided to name him AshNeer, but one day, he returned from school and announced his new name, Ankur. His zodiac sign is Virgo. Growing up, he was among those kids in school who knew what they wanted to do in life. He had a three-step plan that included going to the US for his PhD, joining NASA as a space scientist, and becoming the first man on Mars.

Academically gifted, Warikoo pursued his schooling in Delhi, excelling in both academics and extracurricular activities. He completed his education at Don Bosco High School, India, from 1986 to 1998. Ankur later joined Hindu College, University of Delhi, to study BSc Physics. After graduating, he went to Michigan State University, USA. At Michigan State University, he pursued an MS in Astronomy and Astrophysics. Through research assistantship and teaching, he received a merit-based full tuition fee waiver. However, his life took a significant turn when he realized that his passion lay elsewhere, prompting him to switch to business school.  He completed his MBA from the Indian School of Business (ISB), Hyderabad, in 2006, a decision that shaped his entrepreneurial journey.

Ankur Warikoo’s Career and Collaborations

Warikoo’s professional journey is as dynamic as it is inspiring. After finishing his MBA, he worked as a management consultant with several global companies, including Kearney. He worked at Kearney for three years till 2009. In addition to his work at Kearney, he began his first business venture with a few of his ISB classmates. The venture was SecondShadi.com. Later, in 2009, he quit consulting and dedicated his whole time to the start-up. Following that, he and his fellow students developed several additional websites in autos, education, and finance. The largest of those was Gaadi.com, which in 2010 was finally acquired by goibibo.com. This venture marked his entry into the start-up ecosystem.

After working with SecondShaadi.com and Gaadi.com, he took on the role of founding CEO for Groupon’s India business in 2011. And managed the company for four years until 2015. In 2013, he oversaw Groupon operations in the APAC countries, specifically Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. In 2015, he took a significant step by acquiring the Groupon India business and the core management team from Groupon and establishing it as an independent entity.  This marked the inception of Nearbuy, backed by Sequoia. Until 2019, he served as the acting CEO of Nearbuy, after which he stepped down, allowing the other two founders to manage the company daily.

However, after stepping down as CEO in 2019, Warikoo embraced a different calling: content creation. He started sharing his experiences and lessons through blogs, videos, and online courses. This second inning as a creator proved to be a game-changer, earning him a massive following across platforms. Collaborations with other influencers and educators further amplified his reach, making him one of India’s most sought-after content creators in personal finance, productivity, and entrepreneurship.

He is also the founder of WebVea, an online school that helps young professionals become life-ready. Ankur Warikoo is the author of three books: ‘Do Epic Shit,’ ‘Get Epic Shit Done,’ and ‘Make Epic Money.’

Also Read: The Entrepreneurial Gems You Must Follow on LinkedIn

Ankur Warikoo’s Relationship Status

Ankur Warikoo is married to Ruchi Budhiraja. They tied the knot in 2007. They met when they were 19 and got married at 27. Together, they are parents to two children, Vidur and Uzma. They are often featured in Warikoo’s anecdotes about work-life balance and parenting. Warikoo frequently speaks about how Ruchi has supported him throughout his journey.

Net Worth of Ankur Warikoo

As of 2024, Ankur Warikoo’s estimated net worth is over INR 100 crore. According to an Instagram post, Ankur Warikoo’s net worth is INR 123 crores as of November 2024. Times Now News portal earlier this year called Ankur Warikoo a billionaire in one of their articles.

His wealth comes from multiple revenue streams, including his entrepreneurial ventures, content creation, online courses, book royalties, and speaking engagements. While financial success is a part of his story, Warikoo’s true wealth lies in his ability to inspire and educate. His transparency about his financial journey, including mistakes and learnings, has made him a trusted voice in personal finance.

Ankur Warikoo’s Achievements

Warikoo’s career is adorned with notable achievements. As the co-founder of Nearbuy, he revolutionized how local businesses connected with customers. His role in building Gaadi.com and its subsequent acquisition speaks to his knack for creating scalable companies.

Warikoo’s accomplishments as a creator are equally remarkable in his second innings. His book, Do Epic Shit, became an instant bestseller, offering readers actionable insights on personal and professional growth. He has successfully launched several online courses on topics like time management, starting a business, and mastering public speaking, which have been widely appreciated for their practical approach.

Ankur Warikoo’s influence extends beyond his content. He has been a keynote speaker at prestigious institutions and organizations, including IITs, IIMs, and TEDx events. Recognized for his authenticity and impact, he has received accolades as a thought leader in entrepreneurship and self-improvement.

Ankur Warikoo on Social Media

Warikoo’s presence on social media is extensive and engaging. His handles hold millions of followers, where he shares bite-sized wisdom, humorous takes on life, and personal anecdotes. His reflections on entrepreneurship, finance and life lessons are a treasure trove of insights for professionals and aspiring entrepreneurs.

On YouTube: @warikoo
Number of Followers: 5.71M
Number of Views: 1,211,925,068

On Facebook: @awarikoo
Number of Followers: 664K

On X/Twitter: @warikoo
Number of Followers: 615.8K

On Instagram: @ankurwarikoo
Number of Followers: 3.7M

On LinkedIn: @warikoo
Number of Followers: 2,403,778

Also Read: Most Followed Finance Influencers On Instagram In 2024

The Journey of Reinvention

Warikoo’s transition from a successful entrepreneur to a digital creator is a testament to his adaptability and relentless pursuit of purpose. He has openly shared his struggles with self-doubt, financial missteps, and leadership challenges, making him relatable to a diverse audience.

His journey underscores embracing change and leveraging one’s experiences to create value. Today, Warikoo is more than a public figure; he is a mentor, a storyteller, and a guide for those seeking to navigate the complexities of modern life.

Also Read: Most Followed Finance Influencers On YouTube In 2024

Conclusion

Ankur Warikoo’s story is not just about professional milestones but about the courage to pivot, the humility to learn, and the passion to teach. From founding successful start-ups to becoming a beacon of inspiration in the digital space, Warikoo exemplifies the power of reinvention. As he continues to share his knowledge and insights, he proves that success is not just about what you achieve but also about how you empower others to do the same.