Deep Kalra: The Pioneer of Online Travel in India

Deep Kalra, the founder and chairman of MakeMyTrip, is widely regarded as one of the pioneers in the Indian internet and travel industry. He revolutionized how people in India plan and book their travel, transforming MakeMyTrip into the go-to platform for all things travel-related. From humble beginnings to creating a multi-billion-dollar company, Deep Kalra’s story is one of vision, persistence, and innovation.

Let’s dive into the journey of Deep Kalra and explore how he built MakeMyTrip into the giant it is today.

Early Life and Education

Born and raised in Hyderabad, Deep Kalra grew up with a curious mind and a love for exploring new ideas. He pursued a bachelor’s degree in Economics from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, and later completed his MBA from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad. His educational background gave him a strong foundation in business and economics, which later proved crucial in his entrepreneurial journey.

The Corporate Beginning

After completing his MBA, Deep started his career in the corporate world. He initially worked with ABN AMRO Bank, where he gained valuable experience in finance and management. However, despite having a secure job, Deep felt that something was missing. His inner desire to build something of his own kept growing stronger, and he knew that entrepreneurship was his true calling.

In the mid-90s, Deep moved on to work with AMF Bowling, a global leisure and entertainment company. During his time there, he was responsible for launching and expanding their business in India. This role gave him first-hand experience in building a business from the ground up, but the venture didn’t succeed as planned. However, this experience laid the foundation for what would come next.

The Birth of MakeMyTrip

In the late 1990s, the internet boom was gaining momentum across the globe. Deep Kalra saw the potential of the internet and realized that it could change the way people in India traveled. He noticed that planning and booking travel in India was still cumbersome, involving long queues and complicated processes. Inspired by the success of online travel companies in the U.S., Deep saw an opportunity to create a digital platform that could simplify travel bookings for Indian customers.

In 2000, Deep Kalra founded MakeMyTrip with a mission to make travel easy, accessible, and affordable for everyone. At first, the company focused on providing services for people traveling from the U.S. to India, catering to the large diaspora of Indian travelers. However, it wasn’t long before MakeMyTrip expanded its offerings to cater to the domestic market as well.

The Dot-Com Bubble and Survival

The early 2000s were a tough time for online businesses, especially during the dot-com bubble burst. Many internet companies struggled to survive, and MakeMyTrip was no exception. Deep Kalra had to make tough decisions to keep the company afloat, including cost-cutting measures and streamlining operations. During this time, Deep’s resilience and ability to stay focused on his long-term vision were crucial to MakeMyTrip’s survival.

Instead of giving up, Deep took this challenging period as an opportunity to strengthen the company’s foundation. He worked tirelessly to improve the platform, build a strong team, and enhance customer experiences. His persistence paid off when, in the mid-2000s, India’s internet penetration began to rise, and MakeMyTrip was well-positioned to take advantage of the growing online travel market.

Revolutionizing Travel in India

As internet usage in India grew, so did MakeMyTrip. Deep Kalra led the company’s transformation into a one-stop shop for all travel needs. From flight bookings to hotels, holiday packages, train tickets, and even bus services, MakeMyTrip became the preferred platform for millions of travelers. The company’s easy-to-use interface, competitive pricing, and reliable customer service helped it gain massive popularity.

Under Deep’s leadership, MakeMyTrip expanded rapidly and introduced innovative services like holiday packages, last-minute hotel deals, and more. The company also ventured into mobile apps early on, tapping into the growing trend of mobile internet usage in India. MakeMyTrip’s ability to stay ahead of the curve in terms of technology and customer preferences played a key role in its dominance in the online travel market.

IPO and International Expansion

In 2010, MakeMyTrip became the first Indian travel company to be listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange. The Initial Public Offering (IPO) was a massive success, raising significant capital and marking a major milestone for the company. The IPO not only provided MakeMyTrip with the resources to fuel its growth but also put Deep Kalra on the global map as one of India’s most successful entrepreneurs.

With fresh capital in hand, Deep led MakeMyTrip’s expansion into new markets, including Southeast Asia and beyond. The company also made strategic acquisitions of smaller travel businesses, strengthening its position in both domestic and international markets.

Leadership and Vision

Deep Kalra is known for his forward-thinking approach and ability to adapt to market changes. His leadership style focuses on empowering his team and fostering a culture of innovation. Over the years, MakeMyTrip has evolved beyond just a travel booking platform, becoming an end-to-end travel ecosystem that addresses the entire travel journey, from planning to execution.

In 2020, MakeMyTrip merged with ibibo Group, further cementing its position as the leader in the Indian travel industry. Despite challenges like fluctuating market conditions and the impact of the global pandemic on travel, Deep Kalra’s leadership has ensured that MakeMyTrip remains resilient and continues to thrive.

Giving Back to the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

In addition to his role at MakeMyTrip, Deep Kalra is also deeply involved in supporting India’s startup ecosystem. He has mentored numerous young entrepreneurs and invested in startups through his role as a board member of various organizations, including the Indian Angel Network and TiE Delhi.

Deep believes in the power of entrepreneurship to drive change and is passionate about fostering a supportive environment for new ventures. His journey from a corporate professional to a successful entrepreneur is an inspiration for countless aspiring business leaders in India and beyond.

Conclusion

Deep Kalra’s journey from working in the corporate world to creating India’s leading online travel company is a remarkable story of perseverance, vision, and leadership. Through his relentless efforts, MakeMyTrip has revolutionized the way Indians travel and has become synonymous with convenience and reliability in the travel space.

As he continues to guide MakeMyTrip and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs, Deep Kalra’s legacy as a pioneer and visionary in the Indian startup ecosystem is firmly established.