When people think of Formula One racing, images of blistering speed, global fame, and adrenaline-fueled competition immediately come to mind. Entrepreneurship rarely features in that picture. Yet Narain Karthikeyan, India’s first Formula One driver, proves that the skills honed on the racetrack can translate powerfully into the world of business.
After representing India on the world’s most elite racing circuits, Karthikeyan faced a turning point familiar to many athletes: what comes next? The answer arrived during one of the most disruptive periods in modern history. In 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic brought economies to a standstill, Narain observed a subtle but important shift in consumer behavior. With public transport restricted and budgets tightening, the demand for affordable personal mobility began to surge.
Sensing an opportunity, Karthikeyan joined hands with his childhood friend Christopher Anand Sargunam to launch DriveX. Conceived as a digital-first platform, DriveX aimed to simplify the fragmented used two-wheeler market. The startup offered customers a one-stop solution—buying, selling, exchanging, and servicing refurbished two-wheelers under a single, transparent system.
The founders’ timing proved spot-on. DriveX addressed a real problem with speed and clarity, earning strong traction in a short span. Its tech-driven approach, focus on quality refurbishment, and customer trust helped it stand out in a traditionally unorganized sector.
The company’s rapid growth soon caught the attention of industry heavyweight TVS Motor Company. In August 2022, TVS acquired a 48.27% stake in DriveX for ₹85.4 crore, validating the startup’s business model and growth potential. By October 2022, DriveX was valued at ₹176 crore. The partnership deepened further in December 2024, when TVS increased its stake to 87.38%, making DriveX a subsidiary of the automotive major.
Narain Karthikeyan’s journey from racing circuits to boardrooms offers valuable lessons. He spotted opportunity during uncertainty, acted decisively, and collaborated wisely with a trusted partner. Much like Formula One, entrepreneurship rewards those who read the track early, accelerate at the right moment, and never lose control at high speed.