Celebrating Ratan Tata's Birth Anniversary: 10 Companies Supported by the Billionaire Visionary

As we commemorate Ratan Tata's 87th birth anniversary on December 28, it is important to recognize his far-reaching impact beyond his corporate leadership of Tata Group. Tata was not only a business tycoon but also an influential investor, actively shaping India’s entrepreneurial landscape.

Over the years, his investment strategies and mentorship have helped numerous startups reach new heights. Here’s a look at ten significant companies that were backed by Ratan Tata, illustrating his diverse and impactful investments in the Indian startup ecosystem.

1. Paytm: A Fintech Revolution

Ratan Tata’s involvement with Paytm, one of India’s leading fintech platforms, began in 2015. As an early investor, Tata played a crucial role in guiding the company through its nascent stages. His backing, combined with strategic advisory, helped Paytm grow from a digital wallet to a full-fledged digital payment and financial services platform. Today, Paytm is a household name, revolutionizing the way Indians transact, make payments, and invest.

2. Ola: The Ride-Hailing Giant

Tata's strategic investment in Ola, India’s leading ride-hailing company, began in 2015. Initially investing as an individual, he later increased his involvement through his venture capital firm, RNT Capital, which participated in a subsequent funding round in 2017. Tata’s belief in Ola’s growth potential was instrumental in its journey toward becoming one of the most recognized ride-sharing platforms in India and abroad.

3. Lenskart: Transforming Eyewear Shopping

In 2016, Tata recognized the potential of Lenskart, an eyewear brand with an online-first model. His investment helped Lenskart scale its operations, turning it into one of India’s leading eyewear platforms. With Tata’s backing, Lenskart transformed the traditional eyewear industry by offering high-quality products at competitive prices, ensuring accessibility to a broader consumer base.

4. CarDekho: A Trusted Automobile Marketplace

CarDekho, a digital automobile marketplace, caught Tata's attention in 2015. With his investment, Tata supported the platform’s growth trajectory. CarDekho quickly expanded its services and became one of India’s foremost online destinations for car buying, selling, and reviews. The platform's success was solidified when it joined the unicorn club in 2021, marking a significant milestone for the company.

5. Urban Company: Revolutionizing Local Services

UrbanClap, now known as Urban Company, was another significant recipient of Ratan Tata’s support. Tata invested in the platform in 2015, with the goal of transforming the way local services like home cleaning, beauty treatments, and repairs were delivered. UrbanClap, with Tata’s support, grew rapidly and became a household name, creating a massive market for local services across India.

6. Snapdeal: Gaining Credibility in E-Commerce

Ratan Tata’s association with Snapdeal, one of India’s early e-commerce giants, began in 2014. His investment brought a great deal of credibility to the platform, particularly during a time when the Indian e-commerce market was still emerging. Snapdeal’s journey toward unicorn status was supported by Tata's strategic mentorship, and his backing played a significant role in the company’s growth and subsequent milestones.

7. Curefit: A New Era in Fitness and Wellness

Curefit, the fitness and wellness startup, attracted Ratan Tata’s attention in 2017. As a part of his venture capital firm, RNT Capital, Tata invested in the platform, which offered a comprehensive approach to health and fitness. His investment facilitated Curefit’s expansion and contributed to its rapid rise, eventually helping the company achieve unicorn status in 2021.

8. Upstox: Revolutionizing Stock Trading

Tata extended his fintech investments to Upstox, an app-based stock trading platform, in 2016. Recognizing the potential of online trading, Tata’s backing provided the startup with the necessary resources to grow rapidly. Upstox’s user-friendly platform attracted millions of retail investors, and Tata’s investment ultimately led to an astronomical 23,000% return on his stake by 2024.

9. Urban Ladder: Online Furniture Retail Transformation

In 2014, Ratan Tata invested in Urban Ladder, an online furniture retail platform. Tata’s involvement helped the company navigate the competitive e-commerce space and scale its offerings. The platform’s unique approach to furniture retail made it one of the leading online brands in the sector. In 2020, Urban Ladder was acquired by Reliance Retail, a move that showcased the company’s success under Tata’s mentorship.

10. Lybrate: Improving Healthcare Accessibility

In 2015, Ratan Tata made a significant investment in Lybrate, a telemedicine platform aimed at improving healthcare access in India. His ₹64.8 crore investment helped the startup expand its services, enabling millions of Indians to consult healthcare professionals remotely. Lybrate’s contribution to accessible healthcare was crucial in bridging gaps in India’s healthcare system.

Conclusion

Ratan Tata's legacy as an investor extends far beyond his leadership of Tata Group. His support for startups in various sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, health, and services has had a transformative effect on India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. These ten companies are just a glimpse of Tata’s vast influence, illustrating his forward-thinking approach to business. Tata’s investments have empowered numerous entrepreneurs, helping them scale their businesses to unprecedented heights. His mentorship, financial support, and belief in innovation continue to inspire entrepreneurs in India and around the world.