Age is just a number, and Tilak Mehta, at just 16 years old, is a testament to this. The young entrepreneur from Mumbai has proved that passion, determination, and hard work can overcome any obstacle, regardless of one’s age or experience.
Tilak is the founder of Papers n Parcels, a digital courier service that offers one-day delivery services in Mumbai. The idea behind the company was simple: to provide a fast, reliable, and cost-effective courier service that would cater to the needs of thousands of people in Mumbai.
Papers n Parcels offers door-to-door pickup and delivery services for everything from pens to important paperwork. The company collaborates with the Mumbai Dabbawalas, a community of lunchbox deliverymen who are known for their efficient delivery system. By leveraging their network, Papers n Parcels is able to deliver around 1,200 parcels every day, ensuring that packages reach their destinations on the same day.
But how did a 16-year-old come up with such a brilliant idea and execute it successfully? For Tilak, it all started with a curiosity to solve a problem. He noticed that there was a need for a faster and more efficient courier service in Mumbai, especially for small packages that needed to be delivered on the same day. Tilak saw an opportunity to bridge this gap by using technology and innovative solutions.
With this idea in mind, Tilak began working on Papers n Parcels in 2018. He taught himself how to code and developed the app for the courier service, which he launched in 2019. Since then, the company has grown rapidly, and it now has more than 50 employees and several thousand customers.
For Tilak, building Papers n Parcels has been a learning experience. He has faced many challenges along the way, such as funding, logistics, and marketing. But he believes that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn and grow. Tilak says, “I learned that if you have a clear goal in mind and are willing to work hard towards it, then success is not far away.”
Tilak’s story is an inspiration to young entrepreneurs everywhere. He proves that age is not a barrier to innovation and entrepreneurship. With passion, determination, and hard work, anyone can make a difference and create a successful business.
But Tilak also acknowledges that he did not do it alone. He had the support of his family and friends, who believed in his idea and encouraged him to pursue it. He also received support from the startup ecosystem in India, which is increasingly welcoming to young entrepreneurs like Tilak.