VSS Mani lacked both financial resources and prior business expertise. However, his determination and passion were his greatest assets.
VSS Mani, hailing from Tamil Nadu, embarked on his journey to become a Chartered Accountant by enrolling in the Commerce programme at Delhi University.
Due to his family’s challenging financial situation, VSS Mani discontinued his studies and pursued a career as a salesman.
VSS Mani aspired to establish his own business and gained experience by working in various positions.
In 1989, VSS Mani initiated the AskMe company in collaboration with his friends; however, the venture did not prove successful.
VSS Mani launched ‘Wedding Planner Magazine’ business in 1992, but unfortunately, this endeavour also faced failure.
After experiencing two consecutive business failures, VSS Mani took up an office job again.
While working at a company that dealt with yellow pages and phone directories, VSS Mani got the idea for Just Dial.
Facing the financial constraints, VSS Mani sold his wife’s jewellery to accumulate necessary funds. Then, he initiated the Just Dial venture from a rented garage.
By 1996, it became easier to install landline telephones in houses. With the increasing demand of landlines, VSS Mani’s Just Dial business also grew.
The valuation of Just Dial in 2007 was Rs 4,000 crore and it grew to Rs 6,000 crore in 2013.
Reliance Retail acquired 41 percent stake in Just Dial for Rs 3,497 crore.