About the Author Ankur Warikoo is an entrepreneur with a difference, for he is not just one; he is a dozen of them! Created against all odds, his life is a Cinderella story for the digital Indian startup masala, as he went from a small, remote place in India to building a digital media company for India.
From Physics Dreams to a Leap of Faith
Ankur, a middle-class Delhi boy, always had his head in the clouds as a child, dreaming of being an astronaut or astrophysicist. His father followed his dreams, took a loan of ₹55,000, and sent Ankur to the USA for one-way, where he started his PhD in Physics. But while he was succeeding academically, Ankur felt a void. He discovered he really didn’t have a passion for research. Trusting his instincts completely, he made the life-altering decision to drop out of his PhD and return to India — a decision that took everyone around him by storm and left him in a state of flux.
Reinventing Himself in India
At home, Ankur got an MBA and, like me, went into consulting. In seven years, he increased his salary of ₹ 3 lakhs per annum to ₹ 35 lakhs per annum. But he was still itching to be an entrepreneur. He co-founded startups including SecondShaadi. Com and Gaadi. And later, the founder CEO of Groupon India. Under his stewardship, it was sold back to management through a management buyout and became nearbuy. Com, serving as its chief executive through 2019.
Facing Failure Head-On
Ankur’s journey as an entrepreneur was not that easy. “On the one hand, there was that adrenaline rush that he was raising millions in funding, but on the other hand, setbacks stung. He also went bankrupt at one point, losing almost everything he had built. Ankur did not give up; instead, he gave failure a new direction. He openly, candidly says that these little flashes taught him more than any success could.
Radical Transparency and Team Culture Radical Transparency is a core part of team culture.
One question that people are most curious about has to do with Ankur’s unusual style of leadership. At nearbuy. Com, where he introduced radical transparency — every employee knew what the others earned, and what the company was making. This culture of (radical) transparency created a level of trust and loyalty that Ankur still preaches to this day with his content and courses.
The Pivot to Producing Content and Educating
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, corporate speaking was suddenly gone. Rather than waiting for business to return to normal, he shifted to creating online content. He began with “pay what you want” webinars, offering practical life advice about careers, finance, and life skills. The response was phenomenal, and in no time, he started WebVeda, a platform for education and learning used by hundreds of thousands today, and makes a few Crores every year.
What we’re taking with us to the great outdoors: Books, habits, and financial wisdom
People are inquisitive to hear about Ankur’s bestselling books: Do Epic Shit, Get Epic Shit Done, Make Epic Money, and Build An Epic Career. These books are chock-full of actionable advice, personal stories, and practical frameworks for forming habits, mastering finances, and even navigating a career transition. Ankur is refreshingly honest about using ghostwriters to articulate his ideas, taking away the performance and ego and focusing on authenticity and impact.
Those who follow his example often quote his ‘2-week test’ for developing habits and deep questions for self-reflection. He lays out his own sources of income openly—from book royalties and brand partnerships to his educational platform and speaking engagements—and helps demystify money for the youth of India.
Private Life and Authenticity
And Ankur’s own story—of why he gave up a prestigious PhD, how he transformed his physical fitness, and how open he is about failures—makes him a relatable and reliable voice. He often speaks about his “wariCrew,” the tight-knit team that supports his mission, and engages with his audience via live Q&As, workshops, and social media, where he has more than 14 million followers.
What’s Trending Now
Recent topics of conversation include his new book about career advice, self-improvement tips one can use in 2025, and a frank discussion on financial growth and team culture. All the while, speaking at blockbuster events such as Startup Hub Expo 2025 and candidly sharing personal and professional milestones to stay cool with those internet trends.
Conclusion
Ankur Warikoo is proof that success is not a linear path.. This is about having the guts to start over, learn from your failings, and share those lessons. His story — from dropped out of a PhD program and having nothing but a dream… to being a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and mentor to millions of people ensuring that we don’t give up on our dreams, that we apply helpful habits and, most importantly, that we never shy away from starting over even if we are unsure about the path ahead.
Video Creadit: YouTube Channel: warikoo