Indian-Origin Payal Kadakia Founder of First Billion-Dollar South Asian Woman’s Company

Forbes has unveiled a list recognizing South Asian women who are transforming business and culture in America, leveraging their influence to create positive impact. Among the well-known names on the list, such as Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and Chanel CEO Leena Nair, is a name that might not be as familiar to many—Payal Kadakia.

Despite being relatively unknown—she doesn’t even have a comprehensive Wikipedia page—Payal Kadakia has achieved a level of success that most startup founders aspire to. According to Forbes, her company, ClassPass, became the first billion-dollar business led by a South Asian woman.

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Here’s a quick look at Payal Kadakia and her journey

Payal Kadakia, an Indian-American entrepreneur, is best known for founding ClassPass, the first billion-dollar company created by a South Asian woman.

ClassPass is a subscription service offering users access to a wide range of fitness studios, gyms, salons, and spas across the globe.

Born in Randolph, New Jersey, to Indian immigrant parents who were both chemists, Kadakia grew up in a family that prioritized education and cultural values.

A trained dancer, Kadakia started learning traditional Indian dance at the age of three. Her passion for dance played a key role in inspiring her successful entrepreneurial path.

As per CSQ, the concept for ClassPass came to Kadakia in 2011 when she faced difficulties finding a dance class after work while living in New York City.

In addition to founding ClassPass, she is also the founder and artistic director of The Sa Dance Company, where she works to promote Indian dance forms.

Kadakia graduated from MIT in 2005 with a degree in management science and a minor in economics. Before founding ClassPass, she worked at Bain & Company and Warner Music Group. She married lawyer Nick Pujji in 2016.

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