Kailash Katkar, a class 10 dropout, built Quick Heal Technologies, a global antivirus software company. His journey from repairing radios to leading a multinational corporation is a testament to his resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.
After leaving school in class 10, Kailash Katkar began working as a radio repair technician. Today, he is the owner of Quick Heal Technologies, a company worth Rs 3425 crore. Known for its antivirus software that protects computers and mobile devices, his company operates globally in countries such as the US, Japan, UAE, and across Africa. His journey serves as a powerful example of turning the impossible into reality. Let’s explore his inspiring story.
Background
Kailash Katkar was born in Rahimatpur village, Maharashtra, into a family facing financial difficulties, which led him to drop out of school after class 10. Following this, he moved to Pune and took up a job at a radio and calculator repair shop, earning just Rs 400 a month. Over time, he honed his skills in radio repair, sparking a growing interest in technology.
In 1991, Kailash used his savings of Rs 15,000 to open his own radio repair shop. At the same time, he supported the education of his younger brother, Sanjay Katkar, who was studying computer science. While running the shop, Kailash came across a computer for the first time in a bank. Impressed by it, he enrolled in a short-term course in computer repair and expanded his knowledge in both computer hardware and software.
Business ventures
While repairing computers, Kailash noticed that most issues were caused by computer viruses. Determined to address this, he teamed up with his brother Sanjay, a computer science expert, to develop an antivirus. In 1995, they created their first antivirus, which they sold for just Rs 700. This marked the beginning of their full focus on the antivirus business.
Quick Heal Technologies
From 1995 to 2007, their company operated under the name CAT Computer Services Limited. In 2007, it was rebranded as Quick Heal Technologies. Today, Quick Heal has established a strong presence in countries worldwide, with offices in Japan, the US, Africa, and the UAE. In 2016, the company was listed on the stock market, and its current market capitalisation stands at Rs 3425 crore.
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