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Yashish Dahiya - The Progress Catalyst

Leading digital transformation in insurance

Yashish Dahiya is a trailblazing entrepreneur and business leader best known as the co-founder and chairman of Policybazaar, India’s largest online insurance aggregator. His leadership has transformed the insurtech industry, making insurance accessible, transparent, and customer-friendly. With a strong background in finance, technology, and strategy, Yashish has played a pivotal role in revolutionising India’s insurance sector through digital innovation.

Yashish Dahiya - The Progress Catalyst (source: leaderbiography.com)
Yashish Dahiya

Nationality: Indian

Date of Birth: 16 September 1972

Hometown: Delhi, India 

Spouse: Shikha Dahiya

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from IIT Delhi

  • MBA from Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad

  • Master’s degree from INSEAD Business School

Employment History: 

  • Co-founder & Chairman of Policybazaar

  • Former CEO of Policybazaar

  • Former Managing Director at First Europa

  • Former Managing Director at Ebookers Plc

  • Strategy Consultant at Bain & Company

  • Former Business Unit Head at Illinios Tool Works


With a career spanning corporate strategy, financial services, and technology-driven transformation, Yashish has built Policybazaar into a market leader, reshaping how Indians compare, buy, and manage insurance policies online.

 

Yashish Dahiya, a visionary in insuretech

Yashish Dahiya’s entrepreneurial journey began with a vision to make insurance simple, accessible, and cost-effective for millions of Indians. While working in Europe’s insurance industry, he realised that India lacked a transparent, consumer-friendly insurance marketplace. Recognising this gap, he co-founded Policybazaar in 2008, pioneering the online insurance aggregation model in India.


Under his leadership, Policybazaar has become a household name, helping customers compare health insurance, life insurance, motor insurance, and investment plans. The platform’s AI-driven tools, data analytics, and customer-centric approach have made it easier for individuals to make informed financial decisions.


Yashish successfully navigated Policybazaar through multiple funding rounds, attracting investors like SoftBank, Tiger Global, and Temasek, leading to its landmark IPO in 2021.

Impact Maker Yashish Dahiya

Yashish Dahiya - The Progress Catalyst (source: entrepreneur.com)

Yashish Dahiya’s contribution to India’s financial technology ecosystem extends beyond building a successful company—he has redefined the insurance buying experience. His mission to bridge the trust gap between consumers and insurers has helped millions of Indians access affordable and reliable insurance plans.


Through technology-driven solutions, he has enhanced policy transparency, reduced mis-selling, and increased financial literacy. His work has empowered consumers with the tools to compare insurance policies, understand benefits, and make data-backed decisions, making insurance more inclusive and accessible across India.

Change Maker Yashish Dahiya

Yashish’s entrepreneurial journey is a story of vision, resilience, and strategic thinking. When he launched Policybazaar, the online insurance space in India was virtually non-existent. He faced significant regulatory challenges, consumer scepticism, and industry pushback. However, through his innovative business model, deep consumer insights, and relentless execution, he successfully built a trusted digital insurance marketplace.


His ability to raise capital, expand Policybazaar’s market reach, and introduce customer-first innovations such as instant claims processing, telemedicine support, and personalised insurance recommendations has positioned the platform as India’s leading insurtech company.


Even after stepping down as CEO in 2022, Yashish continues to guide Policybazaar as Chairman, ensuring its growth and sustainability in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Progress Catalyst Yashish Dahiya

Yashish Dahiya’s impact goes beyond the insurtech revolution—he has inspired entrepreneurs, start-ups, and industry leaders to leverage technology for financial inclusion. His contributions to India’s digital economy and consumer empowerment serve as a blueprint for future fintech start-ups.


Beyond his corporate achievements, Yashish is a fitness enthusiast and Ironman triathlete, advocating for mental and physical well-being alongside professional excellence. His commitment to discipline, endurance, and lifelong learning reflects in both his business philosophy and personal life.

 

Achievements

Yashish Dahiya - The Progress Catalyst (source: planify.in)
  • Founded Policybazaar in 2008 – Built India’s largest online insurance marketplace, disrupting the traditional insurance sector.

  • Led Policybazaar to a successful IPO in 2021 – One of India’s most significant fintech listings.

  • Raised funding from global investors – Secured multi-million-dollar investments from SoftBank, Tiger Global, and Temasek, scaling Policybazaar’s market reach.

  • Expanded into new financial services – Launched PB Fintech, introducing lending, credit score management, and financial advisory solutions.

  • Champion of financial inclusion – Advocated for policy transparency, fraud reduction, and insurance accessibility for all income groups.


Awards & Recognitions

  • EY Entrepreneur of the Year (2019) – Recognised for transforming India’s insurance industry through digital innovation.

  • Distinguished Alumni Award by IIT Delhi (2022) – Honoured for his outstanding contributions to technology-driven financial services.

  • Recognised by Economic Times & Forbes as one of India’s top fintech entrepreneurs.

  • Named among India’s most influential business leaders for pioneering the insurtech revolution

 

Media References


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  • Best fintech entrepreneurs in India

  • Impact of Policybazaar on India’s insurance sector

  • Customer-first insurance model in India

  • Policybazaar funding and investors

  • Technology-driven insurance solutions

The Progress Catalyst

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Throughout history, there have been individuals who have made a profound impact on the world. These individuals have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, and have made the world a better place for all. We will keep exploring the lives and work of these progress catalysts, and show how their contributions have shaped the world we live in today.

 

The Progress Catalyst is a celebration of these individuals. It is a tribute to their courage, their vision, and their determination. It is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

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