Chennai-based Qubit founder shares journey after leaving Rs 1 crore US job to launch startup

Chennai-based startup founder Vivek Thiruvengadam, founder and CEO of Qubit Fitness, has shared a post on Instagram detailing his journey from quitting a high-paying job in the United States to launching his fitness startup in India. Thiruvengadam said he left behind a Rs 1 crore-a-year job in the US, returned to India with his family and started his business with Rs 90,000 in savings.

In his post, Thiruvengadam reflected on his six-year entrepreneurial journey, saying the decision was driven by a desire to be closer to family and build something meaningful rather than continue pursuing a higher-paying career abroad.

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A post shared by Vivek Thiruvengadam (@vivek.thiruvengadam)

Returned to India after 14 years in US

After spending 14 years in the US, Thiruvengadam and his wife moved back to Chennai with their 11-month-old daughter. He said the move was not a random decision but was based on his goal of creating something of his own while staying closer to family.

"It wasn't a random move. I wanted to be closer to family. To build something that mattered, not just earn more," he wrote.

Indian professionals returning from abroad to launch startups in India
A growing number of Indian professionals settled overseas are choosing to return home to explore entrepreneurship, driven by opportunities in India's startup ecosystem, remote work options, changing immigration rules and a desire to stay closer to family. Immigration experts say this trend has gained momentum in recent years as more professionals look at building businesses in India.


Launched Qubit Fitness with Rs 90,000 savings

Thiruvengadam started Qubit Fitness in January 2021 without an office, investors or a team. He began the venture with a laptop, his time and Rs 90,000 in savings.

During the first year, the company generated Rs 20 lakh in revenue, which he said was much lower than his previous annual earnings in the US. However, he said the experience strengthened his belief in the path he had chosen.

"Six years ago, I took a leap that made no sense on paper but made perfect sense in my heart. Sometimes, belief is your only business plan," he wrote.

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Entrepreneurship lessons from his journey

Over the following years, Thiruvengadam said the business expanded by adding more clients, improving systems and increasing its impact. Six years after returning to India, he said he reached the financial milestone he had once set for himself.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial journey, he said consistency matters more than talent, patience brings long-term rewards and earning through purposeful work provides a different sense of satisfaction.

He also thanked his family, clients and early supporters for their trust and encouragement, which he said helped him build the company.