In the Fast Lane: From Law School to Building Tatkalorry, Nikita Maheshwari’s Story of Grit and Growth

Today on the eChai Startup Stream, we feature Nikita Maheshwari, Co-Founder of Tatkalorry. From starting out in law school to building a fast-growing logistics venture, her journey reflects the persistence, clarity, and courage that define many of today’s inspiring founders.

“I am a graduate in law from a National Law University. Being in the top 20% of my class gave me an opportunity to opt for a white-collar high paying desk job. However, coming from a service family the idea of employment generation and risk-taking always fascinated me as a perfect anti-thesis of the service life that I had seen my parents lead. Today the opportunity and ability to positively influence a greater number of lives gives me immense satisfaction which is why I chose a labour-intensive industry which requires a lot of human capital.”

Tilebazzar: The First Attempt

“While I was pursuing my Masters in Business Entrepreneurship I could not help but be influenced by a barrage of tech-oriented start-ups. However, as I developed keen understanding in business I realised that tech-start-ups more or less enhance an already existing thriving business. Less and less number of young entrepreneurs for core-manufacturing industry related and allied business with the ability to transform any sector from grass-roots. My belief in entering such a core area was fortified by the vision of our Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the Make in India campaign. With resources of the Government being channelized in promoting manufacturing industries, I was motivated to contribute by supporting such splurge in manufacturing by developing an effective logistics and supply chain management system.”

“Starting Tatkalorry at 24, I definitely had my "uh-oh" moments! My biggest blind spot? Funding wasn't the golden ticket I thought it was. Back in 2015-2016, everyone seemed to be getting funded, and I thought starting up and scaling would be a breeze. Turns out, VCs were mostly looking for purely tech platforms, not so much for "tech-supported" core industry startups like mine. That was a tough pill to swallow – money isn't cheap or easy, especially when you're pioneering! So, the quick lesson was: generate revenue and self-fund as much as possible.”

“The second biggie was understanding the power of solid systems and policies. I learned the hard way that without clear rules in place, growth can actually be destructive. It's like building a house of cards; one strong gust (of growth!) and it all tumbles down. Getting those foundational policies right is key to preventing a complete meltdown.”

“Well, I had a secret superpower: my "nomadic" childhood! Moving schools 7 times in 14 years taught me to be a lightning-fast adapter. New environment, new rules – I learned to observe, adjust, and make quick decisions. Plus, my time on various committees at GNLU hammered end-moment management and on-the-fly problem-solving. That combo of quick decision-making, multitasking, and crisis handling was my crash course in startup survival!”

“You know, what really clicked for us right from the start, allowing us to grow to 13 cities and see so many customers come back, was a pretty simple philosophy: we actually listen to our customers. Seriously, that's it. Even if they're angry or frustrated, we've found that if you genuinely listen to them, they'll almost always come back. Sab customer ko ek hi dukh hai ki service company unki baat nahi sunti hai. They just want someone to hear them out, and aadha gussa wahin thanda ho jata hai. On top of that, we make sure we deliver on time, 95% of the time. We keep that 5% margin for error for those unforeseen circumstances, but our commitment to listening and being reliable has been our biggest strength.”

“One story that truly stays with me, and honestly, warms my heart to this day, is about one of our vendors. When he first started working with us, he was a driver for one of our rented pickups, using a very basic, old Samsung phone. Over six years, through his hard work and our association with Tatkalorry, he managed to buy two pickups of his own, and then even a truck. His personal growth was incredibly inspiring for all of us. While he's not with Tatkalorry anymore, seeing him achieve so much really reinforces what's possible.”

At headquarters, she has created a culture where education and ambition are celebrated.

“Beyond individual stories, something else we're incredibly proud of is our team at the Head Office. 60% of our team members are women, and what's even more remarkable is that 30% of them are actively pursuing their master's degrees from local colleges. We fully support them, offering leaves whenever they need to attend classes or study. It's my personal belief that there's simply no replacement for education when it comes to the growth of our society, and seeing more and more women pursuing higher education is just top-tier stuff. It's truly humbling to be a part of their journey.”

“Founders in metros often misunderstand one crucial thing about building in Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets: tech alone isn't the magic bullet. Unko lagta hai ki technology sab kuch solve kar degi, but yeh galatfaimi hai… For them, margins and earnings matter more than convenience… You need to clearly demonstrate how it will save them money on a per-unit basis. That's the language they understand, that's what truly resonates.”

“Another vital point often overlooked is that in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, your entire foundation rests on the shoulders of blue-collar workers… If you pay them decently and, more importantly, genuinely listen to their concerns… these Tier 2 and Tier 3 workers will form such a strong foundation for your business that koi bhi growth storm use hila nahi payega. Their loyalty and hard work are your biggest assets in these markets.”

“Honestly, for me, the most wonderful and often overlooked thing is simply getting 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep… Alongside that, a 30-minute walk—either late at night or early in the morning—really helps clear my head… But the absolute best strategy I've been practicing for the last 15 years… is making a conscious effort to not take my office home. Office ka baggage ghar ke bahar hi rakho. This way, I get to spend quality time with my friends and family ke saath baith ke Khana khana zindagi jeene ke liye ek bahut bada sukh aur khushi ka strot hai, we don't appreciate it enough!”

“After more than five years in the trenches, several founder myths have shattered for me… Monetary gratification is deeply delayed… Not every founder is extraordinary… Office parties don't stop attrition… Your CA won’t save your company… Extensive social media marketing alone will not bring in revenue. You need to choose the marketing path that genuinely aligns with your company's unique strengths and target audience.”

“In India's traditional sectors like logistics, technology's role isn't about immediate, sweeping changes. It's a nuanced evolution… We're talking a 25-year horizon… Crucially, mere technology cannot perform magic in traditional sectors. These industries operate with deeply ingrained, often localized business patterns… For technology to truly succeed in India, it must be culturally adaptive.”

Her Biggest Win Isn’t an Award

“You know, with all the awards, podcasts, and meeting incredible people… it always comes back to my parents… When my father sends me a simple, beautiful text saying, ‘Moli aur tum humara garv ho!’ and my mother says, ‘Motumal ekdum sar uncha rakhta hai humara!’ — that’s my ultimate reward. Their quiet pride has always been my loudest applause.”

“Things will rarely go according to your plan. And that's fantastic!… Flexibility is your superpower… They will try to scare you… But if you truly believe, look them in the eye and declare: Darling, it is going to work out!… Allow yourself to fall and make mistakes… Cultivate a safe space… Learn to be comfortable with discomfort… And never underestimate the power of joy — a giggle, a smile, good food, and even dancing in the refrigerator light.”

For her, that is the true measure of success. From Tilebazzar to Tatkalorry, from law books to logistics yards, she has walked the long road, not just to build a company, but to build pride.