Supam Maheshwari, a distinguished Indian entrepreneur, has made a profound impact on the business landscape with his innovative approaches and leadership. As the CEO of FirstCry, the largest manufacturer of baby and mother care products in India, Supam Maheshwari has spearheaded an e-commerce revolution. His journey began with the co-founding of Brainvisa Technologies alongside Amitava Saha. After selling Brainvisa, he launched FirstCry through BrainBees and also co-founded Xpressbees, a logistics service company.
Entrepreneurial Beginnings and Achievements
Supam Maheshwari’s career started with a bold decision to co-found Brainvisa Technologies in 2000, defying the conventional path of high-paying jobs. The company quickly rose to prominence in the e-learning sector and was acquired by US-based Indecomm Global in 2007 for $25 million. Recognized as India’s highest-paid founder, Supam Maheshwari’s annual earnings exceeded Rs 200 crore in FY23, according to Inc42’s Startup Founder Salaries Tracker.
The Birth and Growth of FirstCry
The idea for FirstCry emerged from Supam Maheshwari’s personal challenges in finding quality baby products for his child. In 2010, he and Amitava Saha established BrainBees Solutions and launched FirstCry. What began as an online retailer has evolved into a market leader with over 350 franchised stores across 125 cities in India. In the fiscal year 2022, FirstCry reported operating revenues surpassing Rs 2400 crore, reflecting substantial growth.
Expanding Horizons and Financial Success
FirstCry’s success continues to grow, now valued at $2.7 billion (Rs 22,000 crore) following a $315 million investment led by Wipro’s Azim Premji Investment. Supam Maheshwari’s current net worth stands at $190 million (Rs 1,579 crore). Residing in Pune with his family, Supam Maheshwari’s journey from a concerned parent to a leading entrepreneur underscores his dedication to transforming the baby care industry.
Additionally, Ratan Tata’s investment in FirstCry, buying shares at an average price of Rs 84.72, has yielded significant gains, highlighting the company’s robust financial performance and market potential.
