Founder Editor Team
Bharat Desai’s extraordinary journey from a Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) employee to co-founding Syntel, a billion-dollar IT services company, is an inspiring tale of ambition, perseverance, and entrepreneurial vision. With a net worth of Rs 13,501 crore (approximately $1.6 billion USD), Desai now ranks 2111th on Forbes’ list of billionaires. His success story is a prime example of how dedication, strategic thinking, and taking calculated risks can lead to monumental achievements.
Humble Beginnings and Education
Bharat Desai’s story begins in India, where he pursued his education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Armed with a solid academic foundation, Desai went on to work for the global IT giant Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). TCS, a subsidiary of the Tata Group, was at the forefront of the Indian IT industry during the 1980s and 1990s. Despite being employed at one of India’s most respected companies, Desai’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to seek out greater opportunities for himself and the rapidly growing IT sector.
The Leap of Faith: Co-Founding Syntel
In 1980, Bharat Desai took a bold step by leaving his stable job at TCS to co-found Syntel, an IT services company, with his wife Neerja Sethi. Starting the company with a modest initial investment of just Rs 16,000, Desai and Sethi focused on providing IT solutions to clients in the United States. The early days were challenging, but Desai’s persistence and clear vision allowed him to scale the company rapidly.
Syntel’s unique approach was rooted in its ability to deliver cost-effective IT solutions to businesses while maintaining high-quality service standards. The company adopted innovative business models, which helped it stay ahead of its competitors. Desai’s emphasis on building long-term relationships with clients and focusing on operational efficiency allowed Syntel to steadily expand its client base and geographical reach.
Rapid Growth and Expansion
Under Desai’s leadership, Syntel grew rapidly, becoming one of the top IT services firms globally. The company specialized in providing end-to-end technology solutions including IT outsourcing, business process outsourcing, and technology consulting. Syntel’s success was largely attributed to its strong customer-centric approach and ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands.
By the 1990s, the company had established itself as a key player in the IT outsourcing industry, helping businesses streamline their operations with the use of cutting-edge technology. Syntel’s client portfolio grew to include major corporations in finance, healthcare, retail, and telecommunications, among other sectors. Desai’s strategic focus on tapping into the growing demand for IT services in North America proved to be highly lucrative.
Going Public and Global Recognition
In 1997, Syntel went public with its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ, marking a major milestone in Desai’s entrepreneurial journey. The IPO was a success, helping the company gain global recognition and further solidifying its position in the global IT services market. With its expanded financial resources, Syntel continued to grow, eventually surpassing revenues in the billions.
By focusing on quality, cost-effectiveness, and innovation, Syntel not only survived the challenges of the IT industry but thrived, becoming a key player in the outsourcing sector.
Bharat Desai’s Legacy and Net Worth
Today, Bharat Desai’s net worth stands at an impressive Rs 13,501 crore, a testament to his hard work, vision, and unwavering commitment to building Syntel from the ground up. Desai’s success story also highlights the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and the power of taking calculated risks to pursue one’s passion.
As of today, Syntel is a leading IT services provider with a global presence, serving clients across multiple continents. Bharat Desai’s journey serves as a beacon for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those in the tech industry, demonstrating that with vision and persistence, even humble beginnings can lead to remarkable achievements.
