Dinesh Thakkar: From 12th-Grade Passout to billionaire
A 12th-grade pass out to the founder of one of India’s largest retail broking houses is a testament to grit, vision, and indomitable spirit. This man is Dinesh Thakkar, his story is a beacon of hope for all aspiring entrepreneurs who dare to dream big and pursue greatness.
Finding multibagger stocks is important for building wealth. Discover potential multi-baggers at Sovrenn Discovery.
Who is Dinesh Thakkar?
Dinesh Thakkar is the Chairman and Managing Director of Angel One Limited. He is also known as DT. Angel One offers demat and trading account services with registered and certified brokerage. Dinesh Thakker Instagram has 68.7k followers and is also famous on other social media platforms. He shares many videos and pictures of his luxury car collection. Today, people see him as a successful businessman but the journey was not easy. Here, we will know how he made his dream come true.
Early Life and Education
Dinesh was born in February 1963 in Mumbai and completed his education at St John the Baptist High School.
Investing has built huge wealth for several HNI investors. Learn investing FREE OF CHARGE at Sovrenn Education
Entrepreneurial Journey
Dinesh Thakkar’s entrepreneurial story began in early 1988. With just a 12th-grade education, Thakkar’s entry into the world of finance was unconventional and bold. He had just a bicycle at that time. He took 5 lakh from one of his friends, but as a new person, he lost half of the money. In 1991, Thakkar took his first step by establishing his brokerage business. Then he decided to guide and advise new people who came to the market. Everything went well, he was earning a good amount.
In 1992 Harshad Mehta financial crisis, which sent shockwaves through India’s stock market. This challenging period also tested Thakkar’s resilience as his fledgling brokerage business was impacted. Yet, he pressed on, driven by a passion that later led him to build a successful empire. He founded Angel Broking in 1996 and challenged the norms with a vision to provide accessible and affordable brokerage services to retail investors in India.
A Turning Point: Finding Passion Beyond Banking
Thakkar’s journey took an unexpected turn one day during a meeting with a banker. As he exited, his gaze fell on a luxury car parked nearby. This brief encounter marked a turning point in his life and ignited a desire to not only pursue financial success but also fulfil his dreams beyond the traditional boundaries of banking. This moment inspired him, he began setting ambitious goals that soon drove him to remarkable achievements.
Angel Broking, which Thakkar founded in 1996, grew steadily over the years and became a trusted name in India’s financial industry. Despite having faced challenges early on, Thakkar's dedication never wavered. His journey from two-wheelers to dream cars symbolised the milestones he crossed, each vehicle representing his hard-earned success.
Other businesses
Throughout his career, Thakkar’s passion for excellence wasn’t limited to finance alone. His success extended into the realm of real estate, where he began building luxurious homes that displayed his unwavering commitment to creating something grand. His ventures reflected a man driven by ambition and a relentless pursuit of excellence. He invested in properties that were nothing short of spectacular, transforming his vision of luxury living into reality.
Meeting Dhirubhai Ambani: Inspiration Moment
Another inspiring chapter in Thakkar’s journey was his encounter with Dhirubhai Ambani, the legendary industrialist and founder of Reliance Industries. During the early days of his sub-broking business, Thakkar had the chance to meet Ambani, who accepted his business card. Inspired by the way Ambani revolutionised Indian industry, Thakkar closely monitored Reliance Industries' shares, how they were once valued at just Rs 48. This experience left a lasting impression on Thakkar, fueling his drive to create an impactful business of his own.
Dinesh Thakkar Luxury Cars, Real Estate, and Beyond
Dinesh is a Car enthusiast, he has so many cars. As Thakkar’s business grew, so did his collection of luxury cars, each symbolising a milestone in his journey. Today, his impressive lineup includes iconic vehicles like the Lamborghini Sterrato, Mercedes EQE, and BMW i7, showcasing his love for high-end automobiles. For Thakkar, these cars aren’t merely possessions; they represent years of hard work and determination.
About Angel One Limited: Rise to Prominence
Under Thakkar's leadership, Angel Broking grew to become Angel One Limited, a financial powerhouse with a market capitalization of over Rs 25,000 crore as of March 2024. The company’s success reflects Thakkar’s relentless pursuit of growth, his foresight in adapting to changing times, and his commitment to making financial services accessible to all. Today, Angel One is a leading financial services company in India, embodying Thakkar's mission of empowerment through finance.
Dinesh Thakkar Family
Dinesh Thakkar's wife is Hema Thakker, the couple has 2 children Vijay Thakker and Vinay Thakkar.
Dinesh Thakkar Net Worth
Dinesh Thakkar and his family were worth Rs 2,300 crore and are the 582nd richest Indians in 2021. His company has reported a net profit after tax of Rs 423.37 Crore in the latest quarter.
Staying Grounded Despite Monumental Success
Despite achieving tremendous success, Dinesh Thakkar remains deeply rooted in humility. He attributes his accomplishments to hard work, perseverance, and a never-give-up attitude. For Thakkar, success is not merely about wealth or fame but about staying true to one’s goals and maintaining a sense of purpose.
In his appearance on a podcast, Thakkar shared valuable insights from his journey, mentioning how he once earned Rs 40 to Rs 50 lakh annually during the initial years of his business. Reflecting on his journey, he emphasised that setbacks and failures are part of the entrepreneurial path, and one’s response to these challenges is what sets true entrepreneurs apart.
Today, Dinesh Thakkar’s journey stands as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs across India and beyond. His story shows that formal education or background need not define one’s potential for success. With passion, determination, and a willingness to learn from every experience, anyone can achieve greatness.
As Thakkar continues to build his legacy, his journey serves as a reminder that success is built on the pillars of resilience, courage, and an undying spirit to chase one’s dreams. For all who dare to venture into the world of entrepreneurship, Thakkar’s life story is a shining example of what’s possible with hard work and an unshakeable belief in oneself.
Also Read: Raj Shamani: From Humble Beginnings to a successful Businessman, speaker and content creator