Radhika Ghai Aggarwal is widely recognized as one of India’s most influential internet entrepreneurs and the first woman in the country to enter the prestigious Unicorn Club. As the co-founder of ShopClues, an online marketplace launched in 2011 in Silicon Valley, she helped shape India’s e-commerce ecosystem during its formative years. Today, she continues to serve as the Chief Business Officer of the company, playing a key role in strategy, growth, and business development.
Early Life: Shaped by Discipline and Entrepreneurship
Born and raised in an Army family, Radhika’s childhood was rooted in discipline, resilience, and adaptability qualities that would later become central to her entrepreneurial journey. Her father served in the Indian Army, while her mother worked as a dietician.
Her first exposure to entrepreneurship came early. In 1992, when Radhika’s father retired from the Army and opened a health club, she witnessed firsthand the challenges and excitement of building a business from scratch. Inspired, she took her own entrepreneurial leap in 1997 by starting an advertising agency in Chandigarh. These early experiences laid the foundation for her future ambitions.
Education: Building a Global Perspective
Radhika Ghai Aggarwal’s academic background is as diverse as her professional journey. She completed her post-graduation in Advertising and Public Relations before pursuing an MBA from Washington University in St. Louis, a program known for its rigorous business training and global exposure.
She later enhanced her leadership skills by completing an executive program at Stanford University. This international academic experience helped shape her understanding of global markets, consumer behavior, and technology-driven businesses all of which contributed significantly to her success at ShopClues.
Career: From Global Experience to Entrepreneurial Leadership
Before co founding ShopClues, Radhika built an impressive career spanning more than 14 years in the United States. She held key positions across strategic planning, marketing, lifestyle, fashion, retail, and e-commerce.
Some of her notable roles include:
- Marketing roles at Nordstrom, a major fashion and retail brand in Seattle
- Strategic planning at Goldman Sachs, giving her strong exposure to financial markets and business strategy
Her eclectic professional journey equipped her with the versatility and insights required to lead a consumer-centric, technology enabled marketplace.
Entrepreneurial Journey: Co-Founding ShopClues
In 2011, Radhika co-founded ShopClues along with Sanjay Sethi and Sandeep Aggarwal. What began as a small Silicon Valley start-up soon grew into one of India’s leading online marketplaces, particularly known for its strong presence in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
Under her leadership as Chief Business Officer, ShopClues achieved Unicorn status, making her India’s first woman entrepreneur to reach that milestone. Her focus on market segmentation, brand building, and customer insights played a crucial role in the company’s growth.
Awards & Recognition: Celebrating a Trailblazer
Radhika Ghai Aggarwal’s contributions to Indian entrepreneurship have been widely acknowledged. Her list of awards includes:
- Outlook Business Woman of Worth – 2016
- Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – Entrepreneur India Awards 2016
- Exemplary Woman Entrepreneur of the Year – CMO Asia Awards 2016
- CEO of the Year – CEO India Awards 2016
- ASSOCHAM Entrepreneur of the Year – 2017
These awards highlight her influence as a leader, innovator, and role model for aspiring entrepreneurs, especially women.
A Legacy of Breaking Barriers
Radhika Ghai Aggarwal’s story is one of determination, resilience, and continuous learning. From helping her father build a business in the early ’90s to becoming India’s first woman to co-found a billion dollar enterprise, her career is a testament to what vision and hard work can achieve.
Her journey continues to inspire young entrepreneurs across India, particularly women looking to break barriers in the world of technology and business.