Subhasish Chakraborty’s rise from a middle-class background in Kolkata to becoming the founder and Chairman of DTDC, a company valued at Rs 2,000 crore, is a remarkable tale of perseverance and innovation. Born and raised in Kolkata, Subhasish studied chemistry at Ramakrishna Mission Residential College. While in college, he worked with Peerless, a large insurance company, which later sent him to Bangalore in 1981 to expand their business.
The Birth of DTDC
In 1987, Chakraborty left the insurance sector and ventured into chemical distribution. However, the business struggled due to postal service inefficiencies. Recognizing a significant gap in postal services, he founded DTDC (Desk to Desk Courier & Cargo) on July 26, 1990, aiming to address this void.
Overcoming Challenges
The early days of DTDC were challenging. With an initial investment of just Rs 20,000, Chakraborty faced numerous obstacles, including banks’ reluctance to offer loans. To keep the business afloat, he sold his mother’s jewellery. Despite these hardships, Chakraborty’s perseverance paid off.
Innovative Success
A pivotal moment came in 1991 when Chakraborty introduced the franchise model to DTDC. This strategic move significantly contributed to the company’s growth. By covering 14,000 PIN codes and expanding to 220 global destinations, DTDC became a major player in the courier industry.
Expanding the Business
DTDC’s success continued as it secured high-profile clients such as Wipro, Infosys, and Tata Group. By 2006, the company boasted 3,700 franchises and generated Rs 125 crore in earnings. An investment of Rs 70 crore from Reliance Capital further boosted DTDC’s valuation to Rs 180 crore. By 2010, the company’s sales had surged to Rs 450 crore.
Innovations in the Industry
In 2013, DTDC made headlines by acquiring a 70% stake in Nikkos Logistics and launching DotZot, India’s first dedicated delivery network for e-commerce.
Subhasish Chakraborty’s journey is a testament to how vision and tenacity can transform challenges into opportunities, leading to extraordinary success in the business world.
