Bharat Desai: From Apartment Startup to Billion-Dollar Empire
Bharat Desai went from being a programmer at TCS to co-founding Syntel and transforming it into a global IT powerhouse.
Bharat Desai, an Indian-American billionaire and former Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) (NSE: TCS) employee, is a self-made entrepreneur who has built an extraordinary legacy in the tech industry. With a net worth of approximately Rs 13,501 crore ($1.6 billion), Desai's journey offers valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide. It demonstrates that success often comes from humble beginnings, hard work, and a relentless drive to grow.
Desai's story began in 1976 when he moved from India to the United States after completing his degree in electrical engineering from IIT Bombay. Armed with a strong educational background and a passion for technology, he started his career at TCS, where he worked as a programmer. At TCS, he met Neerja Sethi, his future wife and business partner. United by a shared vision, the couple decided to leap faith into entrepreneurship.
1980, Desai and Sethi co-founded Syntel (NASDAQ: SYNT), an IT consulting and outsourcing firm, from their small apartment in Troy, Michigan. Their initial investment of $2,000 (roughly Rs 1.65 lakh) began their entrepreneurial journey. The early years were challenging, as the company generated just $30,000 in revenue during its first year. Yet, Desai's focus on innovation and dedication to quality set the foundation for future growth. He and Sethi worked tirelessly to build Syntel, focusing on providing top-notch IT solutions for businesses, which set them apart from the competition.
Syntel's rise to success is due to rapid expansion and an unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality services. Under Desai's leadership as chairman, the company grew its footprint across North America, Europe, and Asia. By 2018, Syntel's revenue had reached an impressive $900 million. Desai's ability to identify opportunities and invest in the right technology enabled the company to remain competitive in a growing industry. This growth eventually caught the attention of Atos SE, a French IT giant, which acquired Syntel for $3.4 billion (Rs 28,000 crore) in 2018, cementing Desai's legacy as one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the IT outsourcing space.
Desai's achievements have not gone unnoticed. In 1996, USA Today and NASDAQ honored him with the prestigious "Entrepreneur of the Year" award, recognizing his leadership and accomplishments in building a globally recognized company. Additionally, Forbes repeatedly listed Syntel among the "Best 200 Small Companies in America," further solidifying Desai's reputation as a top-tier business leader.
Despite Syntel's acquisition, Desai has remained active in business and philanthropic circles. He and his family reside on Fisher Island, Florida, where Desai continues contributing to various charitable causes. His philanthropic efforts include supporting Detroit's "Paint the Town" initiative, which aids struggling neighborhoods and contributes to global relief efforts. Desai's focus on giving back to the community and supporting social causes underscores the importance of using wealth and influence to impact society positively.
Bharat Desai's story is one of perseverance, vision, and the power of entrepreneurship. Desai's journey offers invaluable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs. His commitment to hard work, innovation, and giving back to society sets a high standard with determination and the right mindset. Desai's legacy inspires countless individuals who aspire to make their mark on the world through entrepreneurship.
