Success stories often come wrapped in long hours, calculated risks, and relentless passion. In a recent conversation between entrepreneur Mike Mann and Divyank Turakhia, a self-made billionaire with a trail of successful ventures, we got a glimpse into the mindset that fuels high-impact entrepreneurship.
The Thrill of Adventure: Wing Walking and Risk-Taking
Divyank Turakhia isn’t just known for his business acumen—he’s an adventurer at heart. In the conversation, he shared his experience with wing walking—standing atop a biplane mid-flight while performing aerobatics. While most would consider it a reckless thrill, Divyank sees it as a calculated risk, much like his approach to business.
Risk-taking, whether in aviation or entrepreneurship, is all about understanding the variables and ensuring safety nets are in place. For Divyank, this adventurous spirit extends to his business philosophy—embracing uncertainty while maintaining meticulous planning.
Navigating the COVID-19 Vaccine Debate
The discussion took a serious turn when Mike asked about Divyank’s experience with the COVID-19 vaccine. Having taken the Pfizer vaccine, Divyank described mild side effects and emphasized the importance of scientific data over misinformation. He highlighted the global challenge of vaccine hesitancy, especially among older generations, and his ongoing efforts to educate his father about its benefits.
His perspective reinforced the need for logical decision-making, not just in business but in health and life. By analyzing long-term risks versus short-term concerns, he advocates for making choices that offer the highest probability of success and well-being.
From Humble Beginnings to Global Success
Born and raised in Mumbai, Divyank’s journey wasn’t paved with privilege. He grew up in a one-bedroom apartment shared with eight family members. His entrepreneurial story began with Directi, a company he co-founded with his brother. Over the years, he built and scaled multiple businesses, including:
Directi – A web hosting and domain registration company.
Skenzo – A domain advertising firm.
Media.net – A contextual advertising company, later sold for $900 million.
His strategy was simple yet powerful: specialize, iterate, and improve. He believes in identifying underserved customer segments in large markets and continuously refining solutions to meet their needs.
Lessons in Entrepreneurship
Divyank’s story is a goldmine of business wisdom. Some key takeaways from the conversation include:
Start Now, Perfect Later – Waiting for the perfect time or perfect idea is futile. The best opportunities arise from continuous learning and adaptation.
Late Movers Can Win – First-mover advantage is often overrated. Google wasn’t the first search engine, Facebook wasn’t the first social network, and Amazon wasn’t the first e-commerce giant. It’s execution that matters.
Incremental Improvement is Key – Success isn’t about massive leaps but about making small, consistent improvements over time.
Know Your Strengths – Not everyone needs to be a programmer or a salesperson. Focus on what you do best and outsource or delegate the rest.
Leverage Industry Shifts – Times of disruption, like COVID-19, create unique opportunities for new businesses to emerge and thrive.
Beyond Business: A Life Well-Lived
Post-exit from Media.net, Divyank has taken time to explore investments, travel, and meet people outside the tech ecosystem. His next steps remain uncertain, but his curiosity and drive for innovation ensure that whatever he chooses will be impactful.
The conversation with Mike Mann was not just a reflection on past successes but a masterclass in entrepreneurial thinking. Whether you’re a startup founder, an investor, or someone looking for inspiration, Divyank’s journey proves that success is a mix of courage, strategy, and lifelong learning.
What’s Your Next Move?
Divyank’s story leaves us with an important question—what’s stopping you from taking your next big step? Whether in business, personal growth, or learning, now is always the best time to start.
