Varun Khaitan
About
Varun Khaitan is the Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Urban Company, Asia's largest at-home services marketplace with a presence in India, the UAE, Australia, Singapore, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Born with a vision to revolutionize the service industry, Varun, alongside co-founders Abhiraj Bhal and Raghav Chandra, launched Urban Company (formerly UrbanClap) in September 2014. Under his leadership, the company has developed into a robust network of over 40,000 trained service professionals, serving more than 5 million consumers across 35+ cities globally.
Varun's academic journey laid a strong foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits. He completed his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur in 2009. His education equipped him with the technical expertise and analytical skills necessary for his future endeavors.
After graduation, he gained valuable industry experience in the United States, working with Qualcomm R&D in California. He later joined The Boston Consulting Group, where he served as a consultant, advising Fortune 500 companies across various geographies and industries, including stints in New York and Istanbul.
Varun’s decision to leave a promising corporate career and return to India marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. His first venture, Cinemabox, was a stepping stone that paved the way for the launch of Urban Company. As COO of Urban Company, Varun has been pivotal in shaping the company's business operations and ensuring the success of its partners. His strategic approach has not only expanded the company's service offerings but also significantly enhanced customer satisfaction and trust.
Under Varun's leadership, Urban Company has raised substantial funding from notable investors, including Ratan Tata, Oyo founder Ritesh Agarwal, and Zomato CEO Deepinder Goyal. These investments have fueled the company's growth, with revenue surging by 45.4% to Rs 637 crore during FY23, as reported in the company's annual report. Varun's keen focus on business development and partner success has been instrumental in driving this impressive growth trajectory.
Awards and Accomplishments
Awards and Accomplishments
Varun’s leadership and contributions have been widely recognized. He is a three-time recipient of the Fortune 40 Under 40 award, having been honored in 2018, 2019, and 2021. This accolade celebrates his significant impact on the business landscape and his role in steering Urban Company to new heights. Additionally, he was awarded the Economic Times 40 Under 40 for the year 2019, His alma mater, IIT Kanpur, also recognized his achievements by conferring upon him the Young Alumnus Award in 2021.
Why Varun Khaitan ?
Varun brings a unique perspective on technology, business strategy, and market expansion. His role as COO and Co-founder of Urban Company, highlights his leadership role in scaling operations, fostering innovation, and driving customer-centric growth strategies, making him a compelling speaker on topics ranging from entrepreneurship and leadership to digital disruption and scaling startups globally.
His engaging storytelling and practical insights would undoubtedly inspire and educate audiences seeking to navigate the complexities of modern business landscapes and achieve sustainable growth.
