Curated By: Business Desk
Last Updated: October 12, 2023, 13:05 IST
Rajesh Mehta is originally from Gujarat but did his studies in Bangalore.
Rajesh Mehta used to buy jewellery from Chennai and sell it in Rajkot
The startup culture has gained immense popularity in India with new and inspiring young entrepreneurs emerging daily. Alongside this rising trend, reality shows like Shark Tank provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to secure financial investments and the crucial marketing support required to nurture their small businesses.
Stepping back a few decades reveals a very different landscape for young minds aspiring to be entrepreneurs. In an era devoid of startup culture, these enterprising individuals had to carve their paths through sheer hard work, becoming beacons of inspiration for today’s youth. One such luminary is Rajesh Mehta, the owner and executive chairman of Rajesh Exports, a company that has evolved into one of India’s leading gold exporters.
Originally hailing from Gujarat, Rajesh Mehta pursued his studies in Bangalore. In his younger years, he aspired to become a doctor, but his father, Jaswantari Mehta, had other plans. The family ventured to Karnataka to embark on a jewellery business, and at the tender age of 16, Rajesh began contributing to this endeavour while continuing his education. Working alongside his older brother, he poured his sweat and determination into nurturing the family business.
Rajesh Mehta eventually charted his course, stepping out to start his independent business. He secured a loan of Rs 8,000 from the bank, with an additional Rs 2,000 contributed by his brother. Armed with this borrowed sum of Rs 10,000, he commenced his entrepreneurial journey in 1982. Initially, he focused on purchasing jewellery from Chennai and retailing it in Rajkot, Gujarat. Although he initiated this endeavour on a small scale, his burgeoning success soon led him to supply jewellery to wholesalers in Gujarat.
Rajesh Mehta’s entrepreneurial journey did not stop there; he expanded his business to Hyderabad, Chennai, and Bengaluru. However, a pivotal moment in his career occurred in 1989 when he transitioned to gold jewellery and commenced gold jewellery production in a humble garage in Bengaluru. These meticulously crafted pieces found their way to international markets, including Kuwait, the United States, Dubai, Oman, and Britain.
Presently, Rajesh Exports Limited boasts a substantial market capitalization of Rs 13,800 crore. This remarkable journey isn’t confined to the borders of India; Rajesh Mehta’s visionary approach has led to the establishment of gold refineries in both Switzerland and India, further solidifying his position as a trailblazing entrepreneur in the global arena.
