A meticulously planned city that heralds modernity, Chandigarh is both an architectural wonder and a hub for young entrepreneurs. Despite its robust infrastructure and supportive government, it has produced success stories in IT, biotechnology, e-commerce and several other business sectors due to its vibrant business environment.
Entrepreneurs in Chandigarh are redefining innovation with bootstrap ventures and multi-million-dollar enterprises. Taking a close look at 2023's dynamic landscape, we spotlight the city's most promising entrepreneurs. They are not just business savvy, but visionaries who can leverage the city's unique ethos to fuel their global ambitions. Join us as we unravel the stories of these trailblazers.
1. Chandan Sanwal - Founder of Chandigarh’s biggest community platform TCB - The Chandigarh Bytes
Chandan Sanwal, a prodigious entrepreneur from Chandigarh, commenced his remarkable journey at the tender age of 19 as a blogger, founding WebBila. His astute foray into professional blogging led to the creation of over 500 websites within a year, propelling him into a six-figure earning bracket through Google AdSense. Evolving his digital prowess, Sanwal established Social Watch, a digital agency renowned for providing comprehensive marketing solutions, including SEO and integrated marketing strategies, catering to top-tier clients in the Tricity area.
His entrepreneurial acumen further manifested in the creation of The Chandigarh Bytes, a leading community platform with over 1.25 lakh Instagram followers, acclaimed for its engaging lifestyle content. TCB’s excellence is recognised by some of the top brands of Tricity including Elante, CP67 mall, Uniqlo, SS Beauty, My FM, Pernod Ricard and many more. Recently, Social Watch garnered accolades as the fastest-growing digital agency at the 2023 Big Impact Awards as presented by the chief minister of Haryana. Sanwal’s journey epitomizes resilience and the ability to harness digital trends to propel brand growth, making him a standout entrepreneur in Chandigarh in 2023.
2. Kunal Sharma – Founder - Kunal Realty
Kunal Sharma, an enterprising trailblazer from Chandigarh, exemplifies the adage, "When the 'Why' is clear, the 'How' becomes easy." Defying family expectations and a traditional career path, Sharma embarked on an entrepreneurial journey 12 years ago, founding Kunal Realty. Breaking away from a potential career in banking, specifically declining an SBI recruitment opportunity as a Probationary Officer, he pursued his vision in real estate.
Kunal Realty, established in 2011 in Chandigarh, began as a modest real estate sales agency. Sharma's mission was to redefine the real estate agent's role, often perceived as lacking corporate experience, education, and technological prowess. His focus on builder properties has cultivated a satisfied clientele of over 400. The agency offers a diverse portfolio, including apartments, independent houses, builder floors, plots, showrooms, offices, and industrial plots. Under Sharma's leadership, Kunal Realty is on a trajectory to become the preferred real estate agency, committed to delivering the highest return on investment to its investors and an unparalleled community living experience to homebuyers, solidifying his status as one of Chandigarh's most promising entrepreneurs in 2023.
3. Saakshi Arora Katyal – Founder of Jade Xclusive
Saakshi Arora Katyal, epitomizes entrepreneurial spirit and resilience. Transitioning from a successful 18-year HR career to starting her own CAD designing startup, Saakshi's journey is marked by bold decisions and relentless pursuit of passion. Despite initial struggles and self-doubt, her dedication to personal growth and creativity led to the establishment of Jade Spaces, a firm excelling in architectural, interior, and landscape design. Her venture stands out for its commitment to quality, budget management, and timely delivery, earning a prestigious clientele in India and the UK.
Saakshi's achievements extend beyond business; she actively contributes to community work, environmental initiatives, and vocational training programs. Her story is a testament to the power of right mindset, honesty, and commitment in overcoming challenges, making her a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a notable figure among Chandigarh's most promising entrepreneurs of 2023.
4. Deepak Gupta – Founder of Luxury Trips
Deepak Gupta, the dynamic founder of Luxury Trips, one of the largest travel agencies in the Tricity area, has redefined luxury travel by making it accessible and affordable. Under his leadership, Luxury Trips specializes in crafting customized travel plans for both domestic and international destinations, tailoring experiences to individual preferences. Deepak's agency stands out for its exclusive network of vendors and operators in Europe, offering unique and competitive services that set it apart from its rivals.
Beyond his business acumen, Deepak is deeply committed to social causes, actively contributing to society through his philanthropic work with Rotary International. He firmly believes that while digital travel platforms seem convenient, they often overlook the value and cost-effectiveness that a seasoned travel expert provides. Deepak advocates for the unparalleled benefits of expertly planned trips, highlighting their ability to offer a memorable, hassle-free experience with access to exclusive rates and a robust vendor network, contrary to commission-based digital travel apps. This approach cements his status as an inspirational figure in the travel industry.
5. Adesh Manocha - Founder of a renowned software firm Clikzop Innovations Pvt Ltd
Adesh, founder of Clikzop Innovations Pvt Ltd in Chandigarh, is a distinguished figure in the realm of software development, particularly for the MSME sector. His entrepreneurial odyssey began in 2021, following an impressive tenure as a marketing expert. Manocha's profound understanding of the challenges faced by MSMEs catalyzed the creation of specialized software solutions, such as Leads Expertz, Sales Expertz, Inventory Expertz, and Service Expertz, Wellness Expertz.
These innovations are designed to streamline processes and enhance efficiency within small and medium-sized enterprises. Recognized for his exceptional contributions, Manocha was honored with the Entrepreneur of the Year award. His firm conviction in the pivotal role of MSMEs in bolstering India's economy drives his commitment to empowering them digitally. Adesh's software solutions, acclaimed for their customization and effectiveness, have extended their reach beyond the tricity to major metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, underscoring his impact and vision in the entrepreneurial landscape.