Building the Gujarathi Empire: From Merchant Navy to a Global Business

In this interview, you'll discover how Ashutosh Gujarathi transitioned from life at sea to founding a global business empire across shipping, IT, and commodities—with insights into grit, growth, and resilience.

Can you share a brief note about yourself?

My name is Ashutosh Gujarathi, ex-Merchant Navy officer. I graduated in Marine Engineering in 2014 and then sailed on merchant vessels. From the very beginning, I had a wish to start my own business, so I left sailing in 2016 and started Gujarathi Empire. Today, you can see our diversified portfolio and business activities. We are involved in Ship Chartering, Commodity Supply, Information Technology, and we also have our own foundation for social activities. We have overseas offices worldwide to cater to our clients and shipping operations. We are proud of the progress we've made, and very soon you will see one of our companies going for public listing.

Why did you choose to start a business?

I was born and brought up in a business family and have seen how our family business progressed. I knew I needed freedom in the way I work. I’m a good leader and, since childhood, I’ve seen myself planning and executing ideas—this gives me a unique kind of confidence. Even the name of our company reflects our vision to build our own empire. I’ve done the thrilling job of working in the Merchant Navy, but it never excited me the way business challenges do in my day-to-day life.

How did you start your business?

When I think back to the early days, I still get goosebumps. I sacrificed a lot, had no money in my pocket, and was working purely on hope for a better future. Very few people stayed with me and believed in me. I made mistakes but learned quickly, and I'm still learning today. Those days were very tough for me and my family. But I managed to build relationships, and now we’re seeing the rewards of what we planted years ago.

Did you have any support in your journey?

Yes, there was a lot of support, first from my family and close friends. I also have personal and business mentors with whom I discuss things regularly. If I start naming them, it would be unfair to others—but I am thankful to everyone who supported me.

What is your greatest challenge as a business owner?

Despite the challenges, we have to remain calm and stay focused. Managing teams can be difficult, and there is no one to motivate us—we have to keep pushing our limits ourselves.

I always said I would do it, and today, here we are. We’ve done it—and there’s still much more to achieve.

Reflecting on your path to entrepreneurship, what key piece of advice would you offer to aspiring founders?

Nowadays, we often see founders chasing numbers and funding as a shortcut to a great life, but that’s not what entrepreneurship is really about. You need patience—the rewards won’t come immediately. For at least the first 3 years, you have to survive, struggle, and push through. Once you cross that phase, people start recognizing you for the products and services you offer.

Keep learning and never assume you know everything. Being humble and polite will always make your journey smoother.