Rising from Kolkata's Alleys to Mumbai's Skyscrapers: The Unbelievable Business Journey of Garv Jaiswal

Garv Jaiswal

Garv Jaiswal who grew up Kolkata always dreamt of starting his own business one day. He left school at age 17 as he knew that he wanted to be an entrepreneur more than anything else. To support himself financially, he started learning digital marketing on YouTube, while simultaneously helping businesses and actors promote themselves on social media. At 17, on an impulse, Garv dropped out of school. He didn't see the value in conventional education as he knew he could teach himself everything he needed to know to be an entrepreneur. All he just needed was an idea that would change his fate.

Armed with a smart phone and internet connection, Garv spent his teenage years learning the ins and outs of business and marketing. Soon, the big city Mumbai called the spirited small-town boy, and at 20, he left his hometown and arrived in the bustling city with stars in his eyes, just a modest bag of belongings on his back. He had no connections, no family, no safety net if he failed.

The initial years were filled with struggle. By day, Garv worked measly odd jobs, just scraping by. At night, returning to his dingy rented room, he continued honing his entrepreneurial plans, determined to will his big break into existence through sheer passion. They say opportunities arise unexpectedly when the student is ready. During a fraught long-distance romance, Garv frequently used to travel by air to visit his girlfriend who lived in Mumbai. Booking these budget flights was always a headache.

In that moment of frustration, Garv had a flash of business idea that changed his life for good. He started working on a one-stop portal for booking affordable flights and hotels, and at 22, SearchCheap was born. The young entrepreneur says that this is just the beginning as he wants SearchCheap to become a global budget travel portal. Garv also dreams of being amongst the young self-made millionaires.

To know more, follow Garv on Instagram@garvjaiswal