This IAF Pilot Built a ₹1,670-Crore Company After a Career-Ending Injury
Squadron Leader Arisetty Vijay Kumar, widely known as Vijay Arisetty, exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity. A distinguished helicopter pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF), he transitioned from a life of high-stakes aerial missions to founding MyGate, a technology-driven security platform valued at ₹1,670 crore. This article explores his journey, from his military service marked by gallantry to his entrepreneurial success, highlighting how a debilitating injury became a catalyst for innovation.
Early Life and Education
Arisetty Vijay Kumar's path to the skies began with rigorous training at the National Defence Academy (NDA), India's premier institution for military officers. Commissioned into the IAF on December 18, 1999, as part of the 164th Course, he specialized as a flying pilot (F(P)) with Service Number 25858. His early exposure to aviation fostered a discipline that would define his career. Following his IAF service, a pivotal shift occurred when he pursued further education at the Indian School of Business (ISB) in Hyderabad, equipping him with business acumen essential for his later ventures.
Career in the Indian Air Force
Arisetty served over a decade as a helicopter pilot, assigned to the 122 Helicopter Flight (HF). His tenure involved sensitive rescue operations and peacekeeping missions both in India and abroad. He demonstrated exceptional skill in navigating challenging environments, often under extreme conditions. This period honed his leadership and decision-making abilities, qualities that later translated into his business endeavors.
The 2004 Tsunami Heroism
One of the most defining moments in Arisetty's military career occurred during the catastrophic Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004, which devastated the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Stationed at Air Force Station Car Nicobar, he faced immediate peril as massive waves engulfed the area, causing widespread destruction. Undeterred, Arisetty rushed to aid stranded personnel, guiding them to higher ground on the airfield runway, thereby saving numerous lives at great personal risk.
Subsequently, he piloted a helicopter for a continuous three-hour rescue mission alongside his commanding officer. Operating under limited safety margins and adverse conditions, he winched survivors from rooftops, balconies, and restricted areas. His actions not only rescued hundreds but also boosted morale among his peers, inspiring further efforts. For this display of raw courage and selfless devotion, he was awarded the Shaurya Chakra, one of India's highest peacetime gallantry honors, announced on August 15, 2005.
The Career-Ending Injury
Arisetty's promising flying career was abruptly halted by a severe shoulder injury sustained during a sports activity. This injury rendered him medically unfit for piloting duties, leading to his retirement from the IAF. The transition marked a profound change, as he left behind the structured life of military cantonments after 14 years of service. Rather than succumbing to setback, he viewed it as an opportunity to redirect his path.
Transition to Civilian Life
Post-retirement, Arisetty enrolled at ISB to acquire business knowledge. He subsequently joined Goldman Sachs as a Vice President, gaining valuable corporate experience. However, he experienced a sense of unease in this role, prompting him to identify gaps in urban security systems, particularly in gated communities. This insight drove him to leave the corporate sector in 2016 and embark on entrepreneurship.
Founding MyGate
In 2016, Arisetty co-founded MyGate with Abhishek Kumar (an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and IIM Ahmedabad, formerly at Goldman Sachs) and Shreyans Daga (from IIT Guwahati and ISB). The platform addresses inefficiencies in urban gated communities, such as outdated security protocols, poor resident-management communication, and mismanagement. MyGate's mobile application serves as a comprehensive tool, enabling visitor verification, delivery tracking, emergency alerts, package management, property transactions, and helpdesk ticketing. By integrating residents, security personnel, and society management, it transforms apartment gates into secure, efficient command centers.
Growth and Achievements of MyGate
Under Arisetty's leadership, MyGate has expanded significantly, safeguarding over 40 lakh homes across India. The platform processes 720,000 requests per minute and has handled over 6 billion entries, creating an ecosystem for safer urban living. Valued at ₹1,670 crore, the company reflects Arisetty's blend of military precision and strategic business thinking. His background in high-risk operations has instilled a focus on security and community empowerment, protecting residents from everyday threats much like his tsunami rescues.
Legacy and Insights
Arisetty's journey underscores the value of purpose-driven reinvention. As he reflected, setbacks can reveal new paths, emphasizing that true protection extends beyond crises to daily life. His story inspires, demonstrating how military discipline fosters entrepreneurial legacy, building not just a company but a foundation of safety for urban families.
In conclusion, Squadron Leader Arisetty Vijay Kumar's transformation from an IAF hero to a successful entrepreneur illustrates profound resilience. His contributions to national security and urban innovation continue to impact millions, proving that adversity can forge enduring success.
