Anupam Mittal Challenges Conventional Success in Entrepreneurship

Shark Tank India judge and entrepreneur Anupam Mittal is scrutinising traditional ideas about success and highlighting the disconnect between ambition and action.

Most individuals desire 100x returns yet often operate by 1x rules, Mittal noted in a recent LinkedIn post that struck a chord within India’s startup and creator communities.

Mittal’s Early Journey Post Dot-Com Bust

Reflecting on his early experiences after the dot-com collapse, Mittal shared his return to India with a lack of resources. He described having “no money, no plan, no safety net.” The advice he received was predictable: get a job, rebuild slowly, and play it safe.

Rather than follow this conventional path, he embarked on launching an internet company in a nation where “there was no internet.” His enterprise, People Group, would later establish platforms like Shaadi.com—long before the concepts of D2C, dating apps, or e-commerce gained traction in India.

The Importance of Breaking Rules

Mittal highlighted, “The biggest wins usually come from breaking the rules.” He clarified that this does not imply illegal actions but rather an unapologetic approach to innovation.

His insights extended beyond his own experience, noting a wider trend of creators who began their ventures before content became fashionable, founders who took the plunge despite market scepticism, and brands that embraced instinct over regulatory frameworks.

While he recognised the role that rules can play—particularly in the early stages—his central thesis remains clear: history tends to reward those who dare to carve their own paths.

Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

“Playing it safe rarely makes history,” he concluded, delivering a compelling message at a moment when Indian entrepreneurship is at a pivotal point—filled with talent but often hampered by fear, bureaucracy, or the urge to conform. Mittal advocates understanding the game before deciding when to bend the rules.