Akriti Chopra: From Employee to Founder of a Rs 46,000 Crore Firm with a Rs 149 Crore ESOP

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Akriti Chopra is a name that has become synonymous with the success of Indian start-up culture. She is the founder and CEO of the hugely successful online furniture store, Pepperfry. However, her journey to the top of the business world was not an easy one.

Before she became an entrepreneur, Chopra was a management graduate who worked for the global consulting firm, Accenture. She was also an employee at eBay India, where she gained valuable experience in the e-commerce sector.

In 2011, Chopra took a leap of faith and co-founded Pepperfry, which has since become one of the largest furniture e-commerce companies in India. With its unique approach to selling furniture online and its wide range of products, Pepperfry quickly gained popularity among Indian consumers.

Chopra’s hard work and dedication paid off when, in 2018, she earned an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) worth a staggering Rs 149 crore. This was a testament to the success of Pepperfry, which has grown to a valuation of Rs 46,000 crore.

Pepperfry’s success is not just due to its unique approach to selling furniture online, but also to Chopra’s leadership and vision. She has created a company culture that prioritizes customer satisfaction and employee well-being, and this has led to the company’s sustained success.

Chopra is also a firm believer in giving back to society. Pepperfry has partnered with non-profit organizations to support education and healthcare initiatives in rural India. She has also been recognized for her contributions to the Indian business community, including being named as one of the 50 most powerful women in business by Fortune India in 2019.

Re-reported from the story originally published in DNA