How Mumbai's Dabbawalas Inspired This Teen Entrepreneur To Create A Multimillion-Dollar Company

Tilak Mehta, a 17-year-old freshman at the University of Southern California, might seem like any other college student, but his story is far from usual. Six years ago, Mehta became one of India’s youngest and most successful entrepreneurs.

The Story: At the tender age of 13, Mehta embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with logistics firm Papers-N-Parcels (PNP). 

10-minute deliveries with quick commerce and parcel deliveries have become a norm now, but six years ago, the idea was still in its infancy when Mehta decided to take a shot at it. The genesis of Papers-N-Parcels came from Mehta's own experiences, according to a report by Times of India. 

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Genesis: During a stay at his uncle’s house, Mehta had left behind some books that he urgently needed for his upcoming exams. Despite trying various means of getting them, he could not get the books delivered on the same day.

While not many companies provided these services, those that did, charged a hefty amount. This sprouted an idea in Mehta's mind, to set up a company that offered same-day delivery services within the city. That's how Papers-N-Parcels was born. 

Technology is central to any such venture in the present date but back then, Mehta's inspiration were Mumbai's Dabbawalas, who managed deliveries at costs lower than those of traditional postal services. 

With the idea of earning some extra money, Mehta partnered up with his uncle and borrowed some money from his father. But soon, the company blew up and there was no looking back for this young entrepreneur.

Mehta's dedication and perseverance have led the company's turnover to more than a staggering ₹100 crore. As of 2021, his net worth stood at an impressive ₹65 crore, with a monthly income of ₹2 crore.

Mehta's story is a reminder that you're never too young to dream big. 

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