Startup Originals Team
Sunil Bharti Mittal, born on October 23, 1957, in Ludhiana, Punjab, is one of India’s most influential business leaders. While his father, Satpal Mittal, built his career in politics as a two-time Member of Parliament, Sunil chose a completely different path, entrepreneurship. Today, he stands as the visionary behind Bharti Airtel, one of the world’s largest telecom companies.
Early Life and Education:
Sunil Bharti Mittal received his early education at Wynberg Allen School and The Scindia School before completing his studies at Punjab University. Right from a young age, he showed an entrepreneurial spirit, choosing to explore business rather than politics.
The First Venture: Bicycle Parts Business:
At just 18 years old, with ₹20,000 borrowed from his father, Sunil started his first business, manufacturing bicycle parts. In just three years, he scaled the venture into three units. Though profitable, he quickly realized that the bicycle industry offered limited growth opportunities and decided to shift his focus.
A Sudden Setback in Power Generators:
Next, Sunil moved into the electric power generator business, which seemed promising. However, in 1983, the Indian government banned the export of generators, leaving his business stranded overnight. Instead of giving up, Sunil saw this setback as a stepping stone toward something bigger.
The Telecom Leap with Beetel:
Spotting an opportunity in telecom, Sunil began importing push-button phones from Taiwan under the brand name Beetel. This move marked the beginning of his journey into the telecom sector, a decision that would change the future of Indian communication.
The Rise of Airtel:
In 1995, Bharti Cellular Limited launched Airtel, a brand that soon became a household name across India. By 2008, Airtel had expanded globally, serving millions of customers across multiple continents. Sunil Bharti Mittal had officially put India on the global telecom map.
The Jio Disruption and Airtel’s Resilience:
The year 2016 brought one of the toughest challenges for Airtel. Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio entered the market with free data and voice services, shaking the industry. Competitors struggled to survive, with Vodafone and Idea merging to withstand the storm. Airtel too faced shrinking revenues and customer losses, but Sunil’s leadership and resilience helped the company bounce back.
Where Airtel Stands Today:
Today, Bharti Airtel serves over 561 million customers in 18 countries. The company boasts a market capitalization of ₹11,42,700 crore, cementing its place as one of the biggest telecom players globally.
Conclusion:
Sunil Bharti Mittal’s story is one of vision, adaptability, and perseverance. From a small bicycle parts venture to leading a telecom empire, his journey proves that true entrepreneurs don’t give up when faced with challenges, they reinvent themselves and rise stronger.
