Bhavish Aggarwal, CEO of Ola: Powering India’s Mobility and EV Revolution

In India’s thriving startup ecosystem, Bhavish Aggarwal, the co-founder and CEO of Ola, stands as one of the most influential entrepreneurs who transformed urban mobility. From starting with a simple idea of making cab bookings hassle-free to building Ola into one of India’s largest ride-hailing and mobility platforms, his journey is nothing short of inspirational.

Early Life and Education

Born on August 28, 1985, in Ludhiana, Punjab, Bhavish Aggarwal showed a keen interest in technology and problem-solving from an early age. He pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science and Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in 2008.

After graduation, he began his career at Microsoft Research India, where he contributed to research and innovation in technology.

The Birth of Ola

The idea of Ola was born out of a personal inconvenience. In 2010, Bhavish faced a difficult situation when a cab driver abandoned him mid-journey. This frustrating experience sparked the thought of creating a reliable and affordable cab-booking platform.

Alongside his co-founder Ankit Bhati, Bhavish launched Ola Cabs in December 2010. What started as a small website connecting cab owners with travelers quickly evolved into a tech-driven mobility ecosystem.

Ola’s Growth Journey

Under Bhavish Aggarwal’s dynamic leadership, Ola expanded from a ride-hailing service to a diversified mobility powerhouse. Today, Ola operates across 250+ cities in India and has ventured into international markets, including Australia, New Zealand, and the UK.

Key Business Verticals of Ola

• Ola Cabs – Ride-hailing services including micro, mini, prime, auto, and bike taxis
• Ola Electric – Accelerating India’s shift towards electric mobility
• Ola Fleet – Providing vehicles and fleet solutions to driver-partners
• Ola Financial Services – Offering micro-insurance, vehicle financing, and financial products
• Ola Dash (formerly Ola Store) – Quick commerce and hyperlocal delivery services

Bhavish Aggarwal’s Vision

Bhavish Aggarwal has consistently focused on innovation, technology, and sustainability. His mission is not just to simplify mobility but to reshape the future of transportation in India by promoting electric vehicles (EVs) and reducing dependency on fossil fuels.

With Ola Electric, Bhavish aims to put India on the global EV map. The company launched its first Ola S1 electric scooters in 2021 and is building the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturing facility in Tamil Nadu.

Milestones and Achievements

• 2010 – Founded Ola Cabs with Ankit Bhati
• 2015 – Ola became India’s largest ride-hailing platform
• 2017 – Expanded Ola services to international markets
• 2019 – Launched Ola Electric to drive EV adoption
• 2021 – Released Ola S1 and S1 Pro electric scooters
• 2023 – Ola Electric became India’s top-selling EV two-wheeler brand

Leadership Style

Bhavish Aggarwal is known for his visionary mindset, risk-taking attitude, and relentless drive. He believes in solving large-scale problems using technology and empowering partners and customers alike. His leadership has transformed Ola from a startup to a multi-billion-dollar enterprise.

From a frustrated traveler to a pioneer in mobility innovation, Bhavish Aggarwal’s journey with Ola exemplifies the power of ideas, determination, and technology. With his bold foray into electric mobility and ambitious plans for global expansion, he continues to redefine the future of transportation in India and beyond.