I’d want to sneak into SpaceX or OpenAI offices, says Saahil Goel of Shiprocket

Founded in 2017, Shiprocket is on a mission to empower the businesses of Bharat. As one of the country’s largest e-commerce enablement platforms and shipping solution players, the Delhi-based startup has more than 25 courier partners on-board, permitting pan-India as well as international deliveries, across 24,000-plus pincodes.  

Recently, in a chat for Rapid Fire with YS Life, Saahil Goel, MD and CEO of Shiprocket, gives us a peek into his life, beyond his business. The MBA and MS graduate from the University of Pittsburgh, started his career as a Business Analyst at Max Life Insurance, later moving to work as a part of the founder’s team at Kasper Consulting. 

With a knack for coding and building websites since his school days, Goel is a musician at heart. He plays the guitar and has been a part of music bands across his school and college days. 

Edited excerpts from the conversation: 

YS Life [YSL]: What are the three words that best describe you?

Saahil Goel [SG]: You can call me adventurous, an avid reader, and curious.

YSL: If not Kartrocket and then Shiprocket, what would you have named your logistics business? 

SG: I would still choose the name Shiprocket. To me, Shiprocket is more than just a brand name—it's an identity and an emotion that embodies the power to realise and 'ship' one’s dreams into reality. There’s an inherent strength and dynamism in the name that captures our mission of enabling aspirations with impact and efficiency. 

YSL: The last book/movie/show that has inspired you?

SG: The movie The Pursuit of Happiness inspired me with its powerful message of achieving goals through unwavering determination, regardless of challenging circumstances. Equally impactful was the book Loonshots by Safi Bahcall, which is a must-read for startups in scale mode, brilliantly addressing how to maintain growth while nurturing transformative innovation.

YSL: What do you do for fun?

SG: For fun, I relish the opportunity to travel. I also enjoy playing the guitar and recording with my daughter (who also plays the guitar and sings).

YSL: What is your guilty pleasure?

SG: Spicy food, pickles, and whole green chilies. There's nothing quite like a meal that bites back—it keeps me awake and adds zest to life!

YSL: Four app shortcuts on your phone's home-screen? 

SG: Klipfolio, WhatsApp, Slack, Google Calendar.

YSL: An entrepreneur you do not mind getting stuck in an elevator with? 

SG: Undoubtedly, Steve Jobs. 

YSL: What's the first thing that you do in the morning? 

SG: I wake up around 7 am, then wake up my daughter and get her ready for school and go for a run. Drop the kids to school and then get ready for work.

YSL: What is the last thing that you do before hitting the bed?

SG: Scan the following day's calendar. Set a gentle alarm 30 minutes early, followed by 2-3 alarms at 5 min intervals for a guaranteed wake-up!

YSL: Fame or money? 

SG: Neither, really. I’m all about chasing impact, making my mark and leaving a lasting dent in the industry.

YSL: The one thing that you love about your job?

SG: Having the opportunity to create a product that directly solves problems for a massive audience, particularly for small and medium-sized businesses. It’s fulfilling beyond any job I have ever done.

YSL: The one thing that you hate about your job?

SG: Seeing brilliant ideas shelved due to strategic priorities. It's a necessary evil, but it is quite disheartening at times.

YSL: What’s your most prized possession?

SG: My most prized possession is the laptop I used during the early days of Shiprocket. It's more than just a device; it's a symbol of our humble beginnings and a testament to how far we've journeyed.

YSL: If not an entrepreneur then what?

SG: If I weren't an entrepreneur, I would likely be a hardcore techie or a musician or both (music engineer).  

YSL: If you were to become invisible for a day, what would you do?

SG: I'd sneak into the SpaceX or OpenAI offices. It'd be the perfect chance to silently observe and learn the secrets behind their trailblazing innovations—straight from the source!

(Disclaimer: The article was updated to make an addition)