Radhika Aggarwal is a celebrated entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of the online marketplace ShopClues. Notably, she holds the distinction of being the first Indian woman to enter the Unicorn club, setting a benchmark for startup entrepreneurs across the country.

Aggarwal’s journey has been marked by her willingness to embrace challenges. Armed with an MBA from Washington University and extensive work experience with industry giants like Goldman Sachs and Nordstrom, she epitomizes both financial and professional success.

In 2011, Radhika co-founded ShopClues with a modest team of 10, including her husband, Sandeep Aggarwal. The path was fraught with obstacles, but Radhika celebrated every small victory that led to significant achievements. By January 2018, she and her husband had successfully raised $100 million in a Series E funding round led by a Singapore-based fund.

Early Career and Life

Radhika Aggarwal’s formative years were shaped by her upbringing in an army family, which meant she attended 10 different schools. This experience, though challenging, honed her people skills and adaptability. In 1999, she moved to the United States to pursue her MBA and joined Goldman Sachs in 2001. A year later, she transitioned to Nordstrom in Seattle, where she gained invaluable experience in strategic planning and customer service.

Aggarwal worked at Nordstrom until 2006, after which she launched her own company, Fashion Clues, focusing on fashion and lifestyle. This venture, entirely managed by her, laid the foundation for her entrepreneurial journey.

The Success Story of ShopClues

Radhika Aggarwal views ShopClues as her “third child,” cherishing her entrepreneurial journey that brought multiple milestones. By the end of 2015, ShopClues had attracted 350,000 merchants. The company’s growth continued with two successful funding rounds, culminating in its entry into the Unicorn Club in 2016.

Her relentless drive and skills earned her several prestigious awards, including the Outlook Business Woman of Worth Award and the Woman Entrepreneur of the Year at the Entrepreneur India Awards in 2016. She also received the Exemplary Woman Entrepreneur of the Year award at the CMO Asia Awards the same year.

Aggarwal has faced significant challenges, including overcoming stereotypes about women entrepreneurs and balancing work with family life. She credits her supportive family and strategic team for her success, noting that while investors often hesitate to invest in women-led startups, her experience was different due to her strategic approach.

Advocate for Women in Business

Radhika Aggarwal is a strong advocate for female representation in the industry. She emphasizes the rise of female entrepreneurs in India, driven by increased access to smartphones and the internet. She also highlights the loyalty and purchasing power of female consumers. By 2016, women comprised 23-25% of ShopClues’ customer base and 25% of its merchants, equating to 80,000 of the platform’s 350,000 merchants.

Conclusion

Radhika Aggarwal’s life story is a testament to her resilience and strategic vision. From her nomadic childhood to her rise as a pioneering entrepreneur, her journey inspires women who aspire to balance business and family life. Her success illustrates that with determination, support, and strategic planning, it is possible to excel in both personal and professional spheres.