Name of the beneficiary
Dr. Jay Merja
Project/Programme Name
PGDM- BE, 2013-2015
Present Turnover
Rs. 45 Cr Aprx
Initial Investment
Rs. 2,00,000
Employment Generated
250+
Name of the enterprise floated
- BYWAY
Awards Received
- EDII Emerging Entrepreneur Award 2020 (Special Jury), TEDx Speaker
Dr. Jay Merja’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament of resilience, innovation, and a deep desire to make a difference. Despite coming from a non-business family- his father is an IAS officer- Jay has carved his own path as a first generation entrepreneur. “My father once envisioned me as a government servant like him, but today, he is prouder than anyone of my journey,” Jay shares.
Driven by a clear vision Jay pursued this dream with unwavering focus. Hailing from Gandhinagar, he joined the prestigious PGDM-BE programme at EDII in 2013-15, which became the foundation for his entrepreneurial endeavours. “EDII helped me crystallize my plans to become a successful entrepreneur,” Jay recalls. “The methodologies, exposure, and opportunities to network at conferences and seminars prepared me for the challenges ahead.” His time at EDII also provided a platform to pitch his ideas to investors and develop the necessary skills for launching his ventures.
Jay started his entrepreneurial journey with MUVR.in, a technology-driven logistics company inspired by the Uber model. He later expanded his logistics portfolio with BYWAY, which manages last-mile logistics for leading e-commerce giants like Flipkart, Amazon, and Big Basket. Recognizing opportunities in diverse sectors, he launched Kleren Retail Ventures, which operates franchise clothing stores for brands like Van Heusen Innerwear and Upper Case Stores. He also established Rich Basket, a premium gourmet retail store in Ahmedabad, and ventured into real estate with Linea Group, focusing on innovative construction projects.
From an initial turnover of ₹6 lakh in his first year to a collective annual revenue of approximately ₹45 crore across all ventures, Jay’s journey exemplifies exponential growth. Starting as a one-person operation, he now employs over 200 individuals.
Beyond his entrepreneurial ventures, Dr. Jay Merja is deeply engaged in the global business ecosystem. A Ph.D. holder in Entrepreneurship—a rare combination for a practicing entrepreneur—Jay has represented India at the World Economic Forum’s annual meetings in China and Switzerland. Hiscontributions to Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and other international platforms underscore his commitment to fostering innovation and inspiring future leaders.
With operations spanning logistics, retail, and construction, Dr. Jay Merja continues to lead with a vision to innovate, empower, and make a lasting impact.