Amit Jain is the co-founder and CEO of CarDekho, one of India’s biggest auto marketplaces, and a shark on Shark Tank India. He built the company from Jaipur with his brother, Anurag Jain.
Amit Jain: key facts
- Known for: co-founder and CEO, CarDekho (Girnar Software)
- Co-founder: Anurag Jain, his brother
- Education: IIT Delhi
- Headquarters of his company: Jaipur
- TV: shark on Shark Tank India
Career
After working in technology, Amit Jain returned to Jaipur and started Girnar Software with his brother as a software services business. In 2008 they launched CarDekho to help Indians research and compare cars online. The group later added used-car trading, auto loans and insurance through InsuranceDekho.
Meeting Amit Jain
Tushar Madaan and Kanika Madaan met Amit Jain (in the photo: Kanika on the left, Amit Jain in the centre, Tushar on the right). Tushar wrote about the CarDekho journey on LinkedIn: from a car comparison site launched in 2008 to a group that added a mobile app by 2010, online car loans and insurance, and acquisitions such as Gaadi.com and ZigWheels.
For many founders outside the metros, CarDekho’s story is proof that a large technology company can be built from a city like Jaipur, with the right focus on users and steady expansion into related services.
On Shark Tank India
He is known for asking detailed questions about numbers, distribution and scale, and for backing tech-led businesses.
Recent news
CarDekho has been reported to be preparing an IPO of about ₹3,000–3,500 crore. See the CarDekho company profile.
In short
Who founded CarDekho? Amit Jain and Anurag Jain.
Where is CarDekho based? Jaipur, with offices in other cities.
Why CarDekho’s story matters to founders
Amit Jain’s journey shows that a large internet company does not need to be born in Bengaluru or Mumbai. He built his business from Jaipur, and he kept adding related services over time. Starting with research and comparison for car buyers, the group then moved to used cars, loans and insurance.
Lessons for founders
- Own the research stage: buyers spend weeks reading before they buy, which is valuable attention.
- Add related services: finance and insurance are natural next steps for a car buyer.
- Tier-2 cities have advantages: talent stays longer, and costs are often lower.
Frequently asked questions
Who co-founded CarDekho?
His brother, Anurag Jain.
Questions to think about
- Can more large tech companies be built outside metro cities?
- How is buying a car changing as more research moves online?
Sources: company information and reports by Inc42 and Outlook Business.
