Entrepreneur Manoj Bhargava is known for founding 5-hour ENERGY and his dedication to philanthropy. His impact spans multiple sectors, from energy to media, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating lasting social change.

Manoj Bhargava, an Indian-American businessman and philanthropist, epitomizes the journey of an entrepreneur who rose from humble beginnings to global prominence. Born in Lucknow, India, in 1953, Bhargava moved to Philadelphia, USA, with his family in 1967. His father's pursuit of a doctorate at the Wharton School inspired Bhargava's early academic excellence, earning him a math scholarship to the prestigious Hill School. After high school, he attended Princeton University in 1972 but left after a year, drawn to a path of self-discovery and entrepreneurship.

Bhargava spent 12 transformative years alternating between spiritual retreats in India and odd jobs in the U.S. This period of reflection and self-discipline shaped his perspective on life and business. Upon returning to the U.S., he joined his family's plastic manufacturing business, Bhar Incorporated, which he later expanded into a broader enterprise. In 1990, Bhargava acquired Prime PVC Inc., a company specializing in outdoor furniture parts, which he sold in 2006. These ventures laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial ambitions.

The turning point came in 2003 when Bhargava launched Innovations Ventures LLC (now Living Essentials LLC) and introduced 5-hour ENERGY, a compact, sugar-free energy drink that transformed the market. By 2012, the product's annual retail sales had surpassed $1 billion, making Bhargava a billionaire and a well-known name in the business world. The product succeeded because it appeals to health-conscious consumers who want a quick energy boost without traditional drinks' high sugar and calorie content.

Bhargava's ventures diversified his portfolio into various industries, establishing companies like Stage 2 Innovations LLC, a manufacturing venture laboratory, and Oakland Energy and Water Ventures, which focused on renewable energy and water solutions. 2014, he financed Bleecker Street, a New York-based film distribution company. By 2023, Bhargava expanded into the hydration drink market with brands like True Hydration and Cellular Hydration. He acquired a majority stake in The Arena Group (NYSE American: AREN), which owns prominent media brands like Sports Illustrated.

In 2015, he pledged 99 percent of his net worth to charitable causes, becoming a prominent member of the Giving Pledge campaign. His initiatives include the Hans Foundation and the Rural India Supporting Trust, which focus on healthcare, education, and poverty alleviation. Bhargava's philanthropic projects also improved sustainable development. In 2016, he announced plans to distribute 10,000 stationary power-generating bikes to rural Indian villages, addressing electricity shortages in underserved areas.

Bhargava's investments in media outlets like Sports Illustrated and technology ventures in renewable energy highlight his strategy to influence industries that align with his philanthropic goals. This diversification allows him to amplify discussions on sustainability, health, and energy solutions. His focus on using media platforms to reach global audiences and his continued innovations in energy and water aim to bring lasting social change, especially in underserved regions.