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A Chennai-based founder returned from the US with Rs. 90,000, left a job with a Rs. 1 crore salary, and built a startup without investors. He is now earning a similar income while prioritizing mental health and work-life balance. From a high-package salary to building a business from scratch, here’s the inspiring story of Vivek Thiruvengadam.
Vivek shared a LinkedIn post claiming he returned to India from the US after 14 years abroad to launch his startup.
“14 years of American dreams packed into suitcases, Rs. 90,000 in the bank, an 11-month-old baby in my hands, and I bought a one-way ticket from New York to Chennai on December 23rd, 2020. My wife looked at me like I had lost my mind,” Thiruvengadam wrote on LinkedIn, adding, “Because no big company was waiting for us in India. No office. No investors. No safety net. Just a laptop, internet connection, and the audacity to believe it would work.”
He also shared details about his current venture, a team of six that has ‘transformed 750+ lives.’ He is the founder and CEO of Qubit Fitness, a sustainable fitness company for working professionals.
Vivek shared in a LinkedIn post, “Who trades $120,000 (≈Rs. 1 cr) income in the US for Rs. 20 lakhs in India? Five years later, today, I am closing in on that $120k mark – but this time, I built it. It's my own. No investors. No shortcuts. Just a laptop and a mission. Would I have more money if I had stayed in the US? Absolutely. Would I have this life, this contentment? Never.”
One user posted, “Rock bottom isn't the end, it's the foundation, this approach will teach us what comfort never will.” Another asked, “I am a bit confused. Do you mean that after staying in the US for 14 years, you were left with just Rs. 90,000? Can you elaborate on what happened?” Thiruvengadam responded, “No, that was what was left on my Indian bank account when I started my business or when there is no paid salary. I had emergency funds that I had planned to save before starting my journey.”
Another user remarked, “Incredible story! Taking a leap like that with no safety net is true courage. It shows that the scariest thing isn’t starting small or growing big—it’s staying stuck. Thanks for inspiring others to make their move!” A fourth wrote, “Leaving the safety net behind... that hits close to home. I moved continents for a role once, no guarantees, just belief. Scary? 100%. Worth it? Every time.”
Also Read: This 24-Year-Old Turned Risk into Reward With a Viral Rs. 1 Crore Startup
According to his LinkedIn bio, Thiruvengadam completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Madras in 2003 and then obtained several certifications in Clinical Nutrition. He started his career in 2004 as a software engineer in Chennai and then worked in various roles in the US for at least 14 years. He started his own company in January 2021.
The description of Qubit mentions, “Working professionals often forget they have a body. Beyond mouse clicks and keystrokes, they barely lift a finger. At QubitFit, we help time-starved working professionals take small, irreversible steps to a fit and healthy life. Through regular 1:1 remote consultation, we keep them accountable for their health. Run by a community of fitness enthusiasts who were once desk huggers,” on LinkedIn.
“Don't chase guarantees. Chase excitement, chase meaning, chase life. Your future version is watching you right now. Make them proud,” Vivek shared in a LinkedIn post.
