Can you think about launching a technology-based company specializing in delivery services? Especially in a city like Mumbai? That’s what 13-year-old Tilak Mehta did. While the other kids around him were glued to their games, Tilak Mehta was laying the foundation for a startup at the age of 13.

Tilak founded Papers n Parcels (PNP), a local courier service that now works alongside the renowned Mumbai dabbawalas. He officially launched the company at the age of 17, but the idea emerged to him when he was only 13 years old. Several publications, including Forbes, The Economic Times, and India Today, describe him as the youngest CEO in India’s logistics industry at the time.

How It All Began

Tilak grew up in Mumbai. One day he faced a challenge when he attempted to have his books delivered to another part of the city. He needed them right away for a test. But when he tried to have them delivered the same day, he couldn’t. Same-day delivery service either didn’t exist or was too expensive—more than the books. This hectic situation lit a fire in him. Instead of waiting for someone else to solve the problem, he created his own solution.

Inspiration

The speed and cost-effective operations of Mumbai’s dabbawalas left a strong impression on Tilak. He started working alongside dabbawalas to set up a budget-friendly, tech-driven delivery service. This new business addressed a significant need in the city’s delivery system. 

The Making of Papers n Parcels

In 2018, Tilak launched Papers n Parcels with the help of his father’s funding and support of the dabbawalas’ well-established delivery network. This bold idea soon got public traction.

Expansion and Spotlight

Through Tilak’s steady hard work, Papers n Parcels hit a turnover of 100 crore. Today, the company runs with a team of over 200 staff and 300 dabbawalas. Together, they handle over 1,200 deliveries every single day.

Tilak actively engaged in TED talks, interviews, and public gatherings, showcasing his vision, confidence, and entrepreneurial skills. He also launched an app as part of scaling the business.

Tilak Mehta’s exceptional story proves that there’s no right age for entrepreneurship. He now stands as an inspiration for many Indian teenagers.

Awards

• The India Maritime Awards (3rd edition) named Tilak Mehta the youngest entrepreneur in the logistics space.
• In 2020, he received the Global Child Prodigy Award for his work in entrepreneurship.
• In 2018, he received the Forbes Leadership Award, becoming the youngest person in India to earn it.