Shaadi.com
Shaadi.com is an Indian online matrimonial and matchmaking platform founded in 1996 by Anupam Mittal under the parent company People Interactive (India) Private Limited. Initially launched as Sagaai.com, it was rebranded to Shaadi.com in 1999 to enhance market appeal. The platform facilitates connections for marriage, primarily targeting South Asians globally, with a strong presence in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and the diaspora in countries like Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and the United States. With over 35 million users and 3.5 million reported successful matches, Shaadi.com is recognized as one of the world's leading matrimonial services. The company operates both online and through over 100 offline Shaadi Centres across India, offering personalized matchmaking services. Shaadi.com has been praised for its user-friendly interface, robust screening processes, and innovative features like Shaadi Live.[1][2]
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Online Matrimonial Services |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Founder | Anupam Mittal, Anand Murarilal Mittal, Navin Mittal |
| Headquarters | Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Key people | Anupam Mittal (Founder & CEO) |
| Services | Online matchmaking, matrimonial services, Shaadi Centres |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
Number of employees | 1,466 As of 31 December 2024[update] |
| Parent | People Interactive (India) Private Limited |
| Website | www |
Founders & Leadership
Shaadi.com was founded by Anupam Mittal, Anand Murarilal Mittal, and Navin Mittal in 1996. Anupam Mittal, the primary founder and CEO, holds a Bachelor's degree and an MBA in Operations and Strategic Management from Boston College. Before founding Shaadi.com, he worked as a product manager at MicroStrategy in the United States. Mittal is a prominent figure in India's startup ecosystem, recognized for his role as a judge on Shark Tank India and as an angel investor in over 200 startups, including Ola Cabs, Big Basket, and FabHotels.[3] Anand Murarilal Mittal and Navin Mittal, cousins of Anupam, were co-founders, though their current roles in the company are less documented. Anupam Mittal continues to lead as CEO, driving the company's vision to become the world's first "togetherness" company.[4]
Origin & Founding Story
In 1996, Anupam Mittal, then working in the United States, was inspired to create an online matrimonial platform after encountering a traditional matchmaker in his father's office. Recognizing the inefficiencies of conventional matchmaking, he launched Sagaai.com in 1997 as an experimental venture targeting non-resident Indians due to limited internet penetration in India. In 1999, the platform was rebranded as Shaadi.com to improve its marketability. Mittal invested personal funds to acquire the domain and relocated to India in 2001 to focus on the business. Despite early challenges, including skepticism from conservative audiences and limited internet adoption, Shaadi.com grew steadily as digital access expanded, becoming a pioneer in online matchmaking.[5][6]
Timeline
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1996 | Shaadi.com founded as Sagaai.com by Anupam Mittal, Anand Murarilal Mittal, and Navin Mittal.[1] |
| 1999 | Rebranded to Shaadi.com for better market appeal.[5] |
| 2001 | Anupam Mittal relocates to India to focus on Shaadi.com.[6] |
| 2004 | First offline Shaadi Centre opened in Mumbai.[5] |
| 2006 | Raised $8 million in Series A funding from Sequoia Capital, Silicon Valley Bank, and Intel Capital.[6] |
| 2008 | Became the world's leading matrimonial website for Asians.[5] |
| 2009 | Collaborated with StarPlus for India's first marriage-based reality TV show.[5] |
| 2011 | Reached 20 million users globally.[5] |
| 2014 | Launched Shaadi Cares, a social initiative addressing dowry and domestic violence.[5] |
| 2016 | Acquired Thrill Group, including dating platforms Frivil and Fropper.[7] |
| 2020 | Faced criticism in the UK for caste-based filtering options.[5] |
| 2025 | Announced plans for an IPO within 12 months.[8] |
Funding
| Date | Round | Amount | Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2006 | Series A | $8 million | Sequoia Capital, Silicon Valley Bank, Intel Capital[6] |
| 11 April 2017 | Venture Debt | Undisclosed | WestBridge Capital[1] |
Business Model
Shaadi.com operates on a freemium model, allowing free registration and profile browsing while charging for premium memberships to enable communication between users. Premium plans offer features like in-app messaging, priority profile visibility, and personalized matchmaking services. The platform targets individuals seeking marriage, primarily South Asians aged 25–34, including both resident and non-resident Indians. Revenue is generated through subscription fees for premium memberships, with various plans tailored to user needs. Additionally, Shaadi.com earns from offline Shaadi Centres, which provide personalized matchmaking and counseling services. The company also monetizes through targeted advertising and partnerships, leveraging its large user base.[9][10]
Products / Services
Shaadi.com offers the following key services:
- Online Matchmaking Platform: A digital platform for creating profiles, searching for matches based on preferences (e.g., caste, religion, location), and communicating via in-app messaging.[1]
- Shaadi Centres: Over 100 offline retail outlets across 87 Indian cities, providing personalized matchmaking and counseling services.[6]
- Shaadi Live: A virtual meeting feature launched to enhance user interaction, allowing matches to connect face-to-face online.[11]
- Shaadi Cares: A social initiative addressing issues like dowry and domestic violence through awareness campaigns.[5]
- Mobile Applications: Available on Android and iOS, offering seamless access to matchmaking features.[1]
Growth & Metrics
As of 2019, Shaadi.com reported 1.5 million active users monthly and 12,000–15,000 daily sign-ups. The platform has facilitated over 3.5 million successful marriages and touched the lives of 35 million users globally. By December 2024, the company employed 1,466 people, a 19.7% increase from the previous year. Shaadi.com holds a 25–30% share of India's $1 billion matchmaking market, trailing Matrimony.com's 50–55% share. Specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, but the company is reported to be profitable and preparing for an IPO in 2025.[1][11][9]
Legal Entity Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Legal Name | People Interactive (India) Private Limited |
| Foundation Date | 1996 |
| Registrar of Companies (ROC) | RoC-Mumbai |
| Corporate Identification Number (CIN) | U72900MH2000PTC124485 |
| Registered Address | 2B (2) II Ground Floor, Film Center Building, 68 Tardeo Road, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
| Email ID | legal@peopleinteractive.in |
| Company Status | Active |
| Directors | Anupam Mittal (Managing Director) |
| Authorized Share Capital | ₹ 133,500,000 |
| Paid-up Capital | ₹ 126,232,274 |
Acquisitions and Investments
In 2016, Shaadi.com acquired Thrill Group, a startup operating dating platforms Frivil and Fropper, to expand its portfolio in the online dating space.[7] The company has not reported other acquisitions or investments as of 2025.
Media & Public Recognition
Shaadi.com has received numerous accolades, including:
- Silver in the "Best Use of Ecommerce - Self (own) brands Product/Services" category at the 2012 Indian Digital Media Awards.[13]
- Named one of the world's 50 Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company, alongside Apple, Google, and Amazon.[4]
- Recognized as the Most Trusted Matchmaking Site and one of the world's most engaging brands on Facebook.[4]
- Highlighted as one of India's ten best marketers by Business Today in 2007.[5]
- Featured in media for campaigns like "Angry Brides," addressing dowry issues, which garnered over 600,000 engagements across 35 countries.[10] The company also gained attention for its innovative marketing at the Maha Kumbh 2025, distributing connected wristbands to reunite lost pilgrims.[14]
FAQs
- What is Shaadi.com?
- Shaadi.com is an online matrimonial platform founded in 1996, connecting individuals for marriage, primarily targeting South Asians globally.[4]
- Who founded Shaadi.com?
- Shaadi.com was founded by Anupam Mittal, Anand Murarilal Mittal, and Navin Mittal in 1996.[1]
- Is Shaadi.com profitable?
- Yes, Shaadi.com is reported to be profitable, with plans for an IPO in 2025, as stated by founder Anupam Mittal.[8]
- What services does Shaadi.com offer?
- Shaadi.com offers online matchmaking, offline Shaadi Centres, Shaadi Live for virtual meetings, and social initiatives like Shaadi Cares.[5]
- How many users does Shaadi.com have?
- Shaadi.com has over 35 million users globally, with 1.5 million active users monthly as of 2019.[9]
External Links
Related Startups
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 "Shaadi - 2025 Company Profile, Funding & Competitors". Tracxn. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ "Shaadi.com Success Story: Changing the Way People Approach Marriage". StartupTalky. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ "Anupam Mittal Story: Founder of Shaadi.com". StartupTalky. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Shaadi.com Company Profile Funding & Investors". YourStory. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.00 5.01 5.02 5.03 5.04 5.05 5.06 5.07 5.08 5.09 5.10 "Shaadi.com: 26 Years of Love and Success". Business Outreach. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Shaadi.com's Anupam Mittal: A Bachelor Finds Success as an Online Matchmaker". Knowledge at Wharton. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 "Shaadi.com 2025 Company Profile: Valuation, Funding & Investors". PitchBook. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 "Shaadi.com Looking For A Take Two At IPO In Next 12 Months: Report". Inc42. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "Business Model of Shaadi.com". Investor Guruji. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "How Shaadi.com Became Leader In The Online Matrimonial Industry?". DSIM. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Is Shaadi.com Profitable? Uncovering YOY Business Results". The Business Rule. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ "Shaadi.com Investor Dispute: A Case Study". Treelife. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ "Recognition and Awards won by Matrimony Portal - Shaadi.com". Shaadi.com. Retrieved 26 May 2025.
- ↑ "Shaadi.com - Products, Competitors, Financials, Employees, Headquarters Locations". CB Insights. Retrieved 26 May 2025.