5 of the Best Indian Entrepreneurs in the UK
In the 90s, several Indian-origin entrepreneurs moved to the UK to accomplish their dream of creating a business, employing people, and generating profits. Since then, the trend has only continued to progress upwards, with Indian diaspora entrepreneurs launching their own start-ups in the country. In fact, according to research, some of the most highly-valued private tech companies in the UK are founded or co-founded by Indian entrepreneurs.
In this article, we present five exceptional Indian entrepreneurs who have become synonymous with success, leaving an indelible mark in the UK business arena.
1. Five Indians Who Are on the List of the Top UK Entrepreneurs
1.1 Rajeeb Dey
About:
a dynamic Indian entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark on the business landscape of the UK. With a remarkable journey that began during his time at the prestigious University of Oxford, Rajeeb founded Enternships.com, a groundbreaking platform that bridges the gap between students, graduates, and innovative companies, empowering them to embark on entrepreneurial work placements. Not content with this achievement alone, he also co-founded the English Secondary Students’ Association (ESSA), a student-led organization focused on empowering and amplifying student voices. Today, Rajeeb continues to make waves as the Co-founder of StartUp Britain, a pioneering campaign that champions the growth and success of thousands of UK businesses.
What makes him special:
Rajeeb won the O2 X Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 Award for Enternships.com. He was named by WEF as the World’s Youngest Global Leader in 2012. Rajeeb was also featured in Real Business Magazine as UK’s Top 30 Entrepreneurs under 30. In April 2022, he became a prestigious member of the Edtech Founders Club, working towards building a community of top edtech founders to share best practice, build lasting relationships and accelerate impact.
1.2 Herman Narula
About:
Herman Narula – a visionary Indian tech entrepreneurs in UK. With his groundbreaking company, Improbable Worlds Limited, Herman has revolutionized the realm of distributed simulation software, bringing immersive experiences to various industries, including the captivating world of video games. Born and raised in Delhi, India, Herman’s upbringing in a traditional family exposed him to the intricacies of business and social responsibility. Armed with a degree in Computer Science, he fearlessly embarked on a journey that led him to found Improbable, initially operating from the comfort of his parents’ house. Fast forward to 2017, and Improbable secured a staggering $502 million investment, propelling the company’s valuation to over a billion dollars.
What makes them special:
Improbable Worlds Limited received the ‘Company of the Year’ award by the Cambridge Computer Lab Ring in 2017.
1.3 Karan Faridoon Bilimoria
About:
As the Chancellor of the esteemed University of Birmingham and a distinguished member of the UK House of Lords, Karan’s achievements transcend borders. Born into a Zoroastrian Parsi family with a rich heritage of trading and military service, his upbringing laid the groundwork for his enterprising spirit. From his formative years in Hyderabad and Tamil Nadu to securing a transformative scholarship that led him to London, Karan’s path has been defined by relentless determination and unwavering ambition. In 1989, fueled by a passion for excellence, Karan and his friend Arjun Reddy embarked on an audacious venture, giving birth to Cobra Beer. Crafted within the confines of his Fulham flat, Cobra Beer introduced a harmonious blend of ale smoothness and lager refreshment. Despite facing financial challenges and a temporary setback in 2009, Cobra Beer had already made an indelible mark, captivating more than 45 countries and amassing a remarkable revenue of £30 million in just two decades.
What makes himspecial:
In 2014, Bilimoria was named the 7th Chancellor of the University of Birmingham. He was also appointed as the Deputy Lieutenant for Greater London in 2001 and the Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 2004. Recently, in 2020, he was elected as the President of the Confederation of British Industry.
1.4 Lakshmi Mittal
About:
Lakshmi Niwas Mittal – an eminent Indian entrepreneurs in UK and a titan of the steel industry. Born in 1950 in Calcutta to a Hindu Marwadi family, Mittal’s journey is one of ambition and remarkable accomplishments. Having graduated from St. Xavier’s College, Mittal collaborated with his father to revolutionize Nippon Denro Ispat, their family steel business. With an unwavering spirit, he fearlessly established his first steel factory in Indonesia at the age of 26. Driven by relentless determination, Mittal transformed struggling state-owned steel plants in Tobago, Trinidad, Ireland, Romania, and Poland into prosperous ventures, leaving an indelible impact on the global steel landscape. Join us as we delve into the captivating story of Lakshmi Mittal, a visionary leader whose steel empire reflects his resolute spirit and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
What makes him special:
In 2005, Forbes ranked Mittal as the third wealthiest individual globally. He also secured the 57th position on Forbes’ list of the most influential individuals in the world. Mittal has been honored with numerous esteemed titles, such as the “Business Person of 2006,” “Person of the Year,” “International Newsmaker of the Year,” and recognized as one of “India’s Richest” individuals. As of 2022, he was ranked as the 15th richest man in India by Forbes with a net-worth of US$17.8 billion.
1.5 David and Simon Reuben
About:
David and Simon Reuben, esteemed Indian entrepreneurs in the UK, have gained significant recognition as the country’s second wealthiest family, boasting a remarkable net worth exceeding £16 billion. Born into a distinguished Baghdadi Jewish family in Bombay during the British era, the brothers made their way to London in 1950. While David delved into the scrap metals business, Simon seized the opportunity to acquire England’s oldest carpet company, generating substantial profits. Additionally, they ventured into the Russian metals market, establishing their own enterprise named Trans-World Metals, ultimately rising to become the world’s third-largest aluminum producer.
What makes them special:
Currently, the brothers are focusing on the UK property market, tech companies and financing a number of acquisitions- nurturing the future of Indian startups in UK . Also in November 2022, the brothers became the joint 10th recipients of the Sheldon Medal, the highest honour the Oxford University can bestow, during a special event at the Oxford Martin School.
2. FAQs
- What are some popular industries where Indian entrepreneurs are thriving in the UK?
Popular industries where Indian entrepreneurs thrive in the UK include technology (IT services, software development), healthcare (pharmaceuticals, biotech), finance (fintech, banking), retail (fashion, food), and hospitality (restaurants, hotels).
- Who are some Successful Indian entrepreneurs in UK ?
Some Successful Indian entrepreneurs in UK include David and Simon Reuben (real estate, investments), Lakshmi Mittal (steel industry), Anil Agarwal (mining, metals), and Karan Bilimoria (beverages, entrepreneurship advocate). They have made significant contributions to their respective industries and achieved remarkable success.
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