Varun Agarwal
Varun Agarwal is an Indian entrepreneur and author, best known as the co-founder of Alma Mater, India's largest provider of customized merchandise for schools and colleges. With his innovative approach to business and passion for entrepreneurship, Agarwal has made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem in India. His journey from a struggling student to a successful entrepreneur has inspired countless aspiring individuals to follow their dreams.
Early Life and Background
Varun Agarwal was born on 6 December 1986 in Bangalore, India. From a young age, he displayed a keen interest in creativity and entrepreneurship. Agarwal attended Bishop Cotton Boys' School in Bangalore and later pursued a degree in engineering from R.V. College of Engineering. However, his true passion lay outside the realms of traditional academics.
During his college years, Agarwal's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited when he started his first venture, a rock band named "Algebra." The band gained popularity and even released an album, but despite their success, Agarwal realized that his true calling was in business.
Career
After completing his engineering degree, Varun Agarwal co-founded Alma Mater in 2009 along with his friend Rohn Malhotra. Alma Mater started as a small venture, providing customized merchandise like t-shirts and hoodies for colleges and schools. Agarwal's vision was to create a platform that would allow students to celebrate their alma mater and foster a sense of pride and identity.
With Agarwal's innovative ideas and entrepreneurial skills, Alma Mater quickly gained traction. The company expanded its product range to include accessories, stationery, and more, becoming the go-to destination for personalized merchandise in the education sector. Today, Alma Mater serves over 1,000 institutions across India and has a vast customer base.
Apart from his success as an entrepreneur, Varun Agarwal is also a renowned author. In 2012, he published his first book, "How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-founded a Million Dollar Company," which chronicled his journey as a young entrepreneur. The book received widespread acclaim for its humor, relatability, and inspirational value. It struck a chord with aspiring entrepreneurs and became a bestseller in India.
Awards and Recognition
Varun Agarwal's entrepreneurial achievements have garnered recognition from various esteemed platforms. In 2012, he was featured in Forbes India's "30 Under 30" list, which recognizes young achievers making significant contributions in their respective fields. His book, "How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-founded a Million Dollar Company," was also well-received, earning him a spot as a TEDx speaker. Agarwal has been invited to deliver motivational talks at prestigious institutions, inspiring students and budding entrepreneurs with his story.
Varun Agarwal's relentless pursuit of his dreams and his ability to overcome obstacles have made him a role model for many aspiring entrepreneurs in India. His success story serves as a reminder that passion, perseverance, and the willingness to take risks can lead to extraordinary achievements.
References & External Links
- "How I Braved Anu Aunty & Co-founded a Million Dollar Company". Amazon. [1]
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/varunagarwal1/?originalSubdomain=in
- https://www.instagram.com/varun760/?hl=en
- https://yourstory.com/people/varun-agarwal