ACKO Founder & CEO Varun Dua: Shark Tank India's New Judge

Introduction 

Meet Varun Dua, the CEO of Acko, who says, 'If you really want to change the plumbing, you will have to start manufacturing it.' This means he believes in making big changes happen by creating new things. He's a big deal in India's finance and insurance world, where things like online banking and insurance are growing a lot. India's become a top player in this field, and Varun's a key player too. He's known for making insurance easier for everyone by using technology.
Acko's become really successful, worth over $1 billion. Now, Varun's getting ready to join Shark Tank India. His journey is inspiring for others who want to change things too. In this blog, we'll talk about Varun's career and important moments in his life.

Biography

• Name: Varun Dua
• Profession: Entrepreneur, CEO
• Date of Birth: 1981
• Age: 43
• Father: Chander Mohan Dua.
• Mother: Rashmi Dua
• Marital Status: Married.
• Wife: Sapna Rana
• College/University: University of Mumbai, MICA (Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad)
• Qualification: Bachelor's degree, Master's degree
• Country: India
• Famous as: Founder and CEO of Acko, Shark Tank India Judge

Early Life and Educational Background

Varun Dua, born in Mumbai, comes from a middle-class family. He married Sapna Rana, who heads music at Acko, in 2012. They both love dogs and have rescued several. Varun Dua's journey began with a thirst for knowledge. He completed his Bachelor's degree at the University of Mumbai, where he laid the groundwork for his future endeavours. Building on this foundation, he pursued a Master's degree at MICA, Ahmedabad, a prestigious business school in India. Varun's education not only equipped him with academic excellence but also instilled in him a passion for innovation and problem-solving. This educational background provided the solid foundation from which he would later launch his successful career in the fintech industry.

Entrepreneurial Journey

In 2010, Varun Dua began his entrepreneurial journey with GlitterBug Technologies. Instead of opting for a typical job, he saw an opportunity to innovate in the insurance industry. In 2013, he co-founded Coverfox, an online platform aimed at simplifying insurance purchases.
But Varun's ambition didn't stop there. He wanted to make insurance even more accessible. So, he launched Acko in 2016, aiming to streamline the insurance process. Acko offers various insurance plans, from car and health to unique options like rider insurance and ticket cancellation.
What sets Acko apart is its direct approach. They sell insurance straight to customers online, cutting out the middlemen. This simplifies the process, making it easy for people to get the coverage they need. Additionally, they partner with other companies like Ola and Zomato to ensure people can access insurance whenever they need it.
Acko's customer-friendly approach quickly gained popularity. They've grown significantly since their inception and are now valued at over a billion dollars, earning them the title of a "unicorn." Plus, they're not just about business – Acko sponsors sports teams like those in the Indian Premier League, showing their impact beyond insurance.

Varun's Vision: Creating  a Unicorn 

Varun worked really hard to make Acko super successful. In 2021, Acko became a unicorn, meaning it was worth more than $1 billion! Varun didn't stop there; he also did things to help others and make a positive impact.
He didn't just care about making money, he wanted to make sure Acko was different and better. Varun helped new entrepreneurs learn and grow through programs like Acko's accelerator. He also spoke up about important issues and supported causes that mattered.
Varun's way of leading shows that success isn't just about money it's also about making a difference. His vision made Acko a big success, and it's just the beginning.

Shark Tank India: Sharing Expertise and Shaping the Future

Varun's journey continues with his exciting new role as a Shark in Shark Tank India Season 3. His presence brings not only financial resources but also invaluable entrepreneurial experience and insights to the show. By mentoring and investing in aspiring entrepreneurs, he aims to empower them to disrupt industries, create jobs, and contribute to the nation's economic growth. This platform allows him to share his wisdom with a wider audience and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian businesses.

For more insights into Shark Tank and its impact, Click Here to check out our detailed blog with over 55,000 views.

DID YOU KNOW?

Inspired by Prannoy Roy, Varun wanted to become a news anchor since his childhood.

Conclusion

Varun Dua's story is like a classic underdog tale but in the business world. He had a big idea to change how insurance works, faced a lot of challenges, but ended up creating a super successful company called Acko. Varun Dua's journey shows that with a bit of creativity and a lot of hard work, you can make a big impact in any industry. He's a true example of someone who saw a problem, found a solution, and turned it into a successful business.

From his humble beginnings to his leadership at Acko and now his role on Shark Tank India, he continues to inspire and motivate others to dream big, embrace challenges, and make a difference in the world.