Hey, I’m Akshay

Hey, I’m Akshay

Co-Founder & CEO at

brdge AI

Hey, I’m Akshay

Co-Founder & CEO at

brdge AI

&

1Club

Akshay began his business journey at 16, having developed an understanding of how businesses and business disruption work, as well as a keen interest in non-conventional business models.

At 17, Akshay successfully identified a profitable opportunity within the real estate market, founding his first business Doorsteps, an innovative customer-centric online estate agency that sold over £1 billion worth of houses and saved its customers £15 million in fees in just three years.

Since then, Akshay has continued to grow his skills and expertise, devoting himself to building revolutionary businesses from the ground up, all while keeping the interests of consumers at the forefront of his efforts.

Starting out as a free school meal pupil, Akshay has proven his prowess as a businessman, raising over £1.5 million in equity funding by 20 for his first venture. In 2021, Akshay was the youngest to be featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe in the Technology list, and he has also become renowned for disrupting the market with a 500% growth in just four years.

Driven by a desire to help young individuals such as himself, Akshay started his own social enterprise - AKR Growth helping young and disadvantaged people into employment and eventually as an OFSTED regulated training provider.

Having grown up as a carer to his two deaf parents, the young entrepreneur is part of the Royal Association for Deaf people, whose mission is to create a future of opportunity and equality for those who are hearing-impaired. Akshay is also a board member of the Prince’s Trust RISE Campaign, focusing on improving the lives of young people in the UK by helping them into employment, education and shaping a brighter future. He also sits on the advisory council of the Jobs Foundation - a charity that champions the role of business as a force for good and working closely with government to alleviate poverty with a business focus.

Akshay’s passion project to grow and work with other entrepreneurs found itself in starting 1 Club - a decentralised Private Members’ Club - named top 7 in London by the Evening Standard.

Akshay’s keen interest in the potential of technological innovation later motivated him to build an Emerging Tech Consultancy & Venture Studio - developing GenAI/Blockchain solutions for startups, scaleups and SMEs, including services-for-equity, with global offices.

Speaking Engagements:
Covering topics such as business disruption, start-ups, youth empowerment, the world of technology and being a carer: Akshay has previously spoken for top clients such as Snapchat, NatWest, Amazon, Future Summits and the 21st Century Icon Awards.
Sharing the challenges and experiences he has endured throughout his entrepreneurial journey and beyond, Akshay Ruparelia is a fantastic speaker who will inspire personal development, commitment and motivation in all audience members.

See my full experience on Linkedin

How can I help you?

Start-Up Consultancy

Business Coaching & Development

Board Advisor

Event speaking

Read some of my featured press appearance

Companies I’ve worked with

Loved by Businesses & Leaders worldwide

Sharon Rai

Entrepreneur Development Manager - Natwest

From the first time of watching Akshay being interviewed on BBC, through to personally interviewing him recently about his entrepreneurial journey I have witnessed an individual who is driven, determined and resilient. Akshay isn’t afraid to roll his sleeves up, he openly shares his experiences and I cannot wait to see what milestones he achieves in the next few years, as I’m pretty the average person would take a lifetime to do the same.

Adam Flanagan

Future Summits/Prospect 100

I came across Akshay through his appearance on This Morning in which he discussed his motivation for starting Doorsteps and the personal adversity he had overcome. I remember showing the video to my family and friends as I found it to be truly inspirational. Running a youth entrepreneurship conference, I knew Akshay would be the perfect speaker as not only is his story inspirational but he is also young enough for a teenage audience to relate to him easily. I was delighted when he agreed to fly over to Belfast to speak at the event, and can easily say he is one of the best speakers we have ever secured!

Tarun Ghulati

President & CEO – 21st Century Icon Awards

Akshay's remarkable story is one of tenacity, grit and determination. Akshay is not one to be deterred by hindrances and hardships. He has viewed each obstacle as an opportunity which led to the setting up of Doorsteps.co.uk. Much has been said about Akshay's success to date, but not enough about the tremendous hard work he puts in each day. My interactions have revealed a very mature, intelligent, enthusiastic and energetic young man who works tirelessly with lots of passion. Akshay won the Tenacious Property and Construction Award Under 20 at the 21st Century Icon Awards in 2017. This was against ...

Sharon Rai

Entrepreneur Development Manager - Natwest

From the first time of watching Akshay being interviewed on BBC, through to personally interviewing him recently about his entrepreneurial journey I have witnessed an individual who is driven, determined and resilient. Akshay isn’t afraid to roll his sleeves up, he openly shares his experiences and I cannot wait to see what milestones he achieves in the next few years, as I’m pretty the average person would take a lifetime to do the same.

Tarun Ghulati

President & CEO – 21st Century Icon Awards

Akshay's remarkable story is one of tenacity, grit and determination. Akshay is not one to be deterred by hindrances and hardships. He has viewed each obstacle as an opportunity which led to the setting up of Doorsteps.co.uk. Much has been said about Akshay's success to date, but not enough about the tremendous hard work he puts in each day. My interactions have revealed a very mature, intelligent, enthusiastic and energetic young man who works tirelessly with lots of passion. Akshay won the Tenacious Property and Construction Award Under 20 at the 21st Century Icon Awards in 2017. This was against ...

Adam Flanagan

Future Summits/Prospect 100

I came across Akshay through his appearance on This Morning in which he discussed his motivation for starting Doorsteps and the personal adversity he had overcome. I remember showing the video to my family and friends as I found it to be truly inspirational. Running a youth entrepreneurship conference, I knew Akshay would be the perfect speaker as not only is his story inspirational but he is also young enough for a teenage audience to relate to him easily. I was delighted when he agreed to fly over to Belfast to speak at the event, and can easily say he is one of the best speakers we have ever secured!

Be confident in your vision and be purposeful in your actions.

- Akshay Ruparelia

Akshay Ruparelia

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