VSS Mani’s story is a testament to the power of determination, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit. With just Rs 50,000 and a vision to revolutionize the way people search for information, Mani founded Just Dial in 1996, eventually transforming it into a multi-million dollar company and India’s leading local search engine.
Born in Jamshedpur, Mani faced financial constraints that hindered his pursuit of higher education. However, his desire to become an entrepreneur led him to work for a yellow pages company called United Database India. It was during this time that Mani conceptualized a program to search for relevant information online, connecting buyers and sellers. He initially founded a company called Ask Me but faced setbacks as mobile phones were not widely accessible at that time.
Undeterred by failure, Mani established Just Dial in 1996 at the age of 29, investing his meager savings of Rs 50,000. His aim was to transform the nation’s ecosystem for information search. Just Dial’s growth coincided with the introduction of the Telecom Liberalization Policy by the Indian government, which led to the expansion of landlines and the increasing popularity of mobile phones. Just Dial became the go-to platform for people seeking local services, acting as a lifeline for finding doctors, restaurants, and more.
Over the years, Just Dial evolved and introduced new products and services to enhance its offerings. Mani’s vision propelled the company to become a search plus engine, enabling users to not only search for information but also make direct purchases through the platform. In 2007, the official Justdial website was launched, followed by the introduction of JD Omni, a comprehensive business management solution for SMEs. JD Social, a platform for official social sharing, and JD Pay, a fast digital payment solution for users and merchants, were also introduced.
In 2021, Just Dial caught the attention of billionaire Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd, which acquired a controlling stake in the company for Rs 3,497 crore. This marked a significant milestone in the journey of Just Dial and cemented its position in the industry.
VSS Mani’s visionary idea behind Just Dial was to provide an e-strategy and e-tool for businesses without websites, enabling them to operate successfully in the digital age. His determination to overcome challenges and his relentless pursuit of innovation have propelled Just Dial to great heights.
The story of VSS Mani serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with passion, perseverance, and a clear vision, one can transform a humble startup into a multi-million dollar business. Mani’s journey also exemplifies the importance of seizing opportunities and adapting to the evolving needs of the market. With a Mukesh Ambani connection now, Just Dial is poised for even greater success in the future.
