Interview with Amit Jain: Co-founder and CEO of CarDekho
Q: Amit, could you tell us what inspired you to start CarDekho?
Amit Jain: CarDekho was inspired by a personal experience my brother and I had while buying a car. We realized how difficult it was to get reliable information and compare options. We wanted to simplify this process for people by creating a platform where they could find comprehensive information, reviews, and comparisons to make informed decisions easily.
Q: What challenges did you face in the initial stages of CarDekho, and how did you overcome them?
Amit Jain: One of the biggest challenges was building a network of dealerships and gaining their trust. The auto industry in India wasn’t very tech-savvy at the time, so we had to educate our partners about the value of an online presence. We focused on building credibility by creating a transparent, user-friendly platform, and that approach slowly gained traction.
Q: How did you ensure that CarDekho stood out from other auto platforms?
Amit Jain: From the start, our goal was to provide a one-stop solution for car buyers. We added features like expert reviews, 360-degree views, and virtual test drives, making the process much more interactive. We also created a seamless platform where users could not only compare cars but also explore financing, insurance, and resale options. This ecosystem approach really helped us stand out.
Q: Could you share a turning point that was pivotal for CarDekho’s growth?
Amit Jain: A major turning point was when we introduced used car listings on the platform. The pre-owned car market in India is huge, and by catering to it, we expanded our user base significantly. Another milestone was partnering with several financial institutions to offer car loans directly on the site, which allowed us to serve our customers better.
Q: What valuable lessons have you learned on your journey as an entrepreneur?
Amit Jain: Agility and resilience are essential. The auto industry is evolving rapidly, and it’s crucial to stay adaptable. I’ve also learned the importance of listening to users; their feedback has helped us shape CarDekho into a more intuitive and user-centric platform. Lastly, building a team that shares the same vision is invaluable.
Q: What’s next for CarDekho, and where do you see the brand going in the future?
Amit Jain: We’re excited to deepen our presence in the used car market and expand into more regions. Additionally, we’re focusing on making the car-buying experience more digital, from financing to insurance and even car delivery. Our goal is to make CarDekho the go-to platform for everything automotive in India and beyond.
