Narain Karthikeyan is a prominent international figure in the world's motorsports circuit, holding the historical prestige of being the first Indian to compete in the Formula One Championship. His career is a powerful blend of elite athletic achievement and successful entrepreneurship in sustainable technology and digital commerce. Awarded the Padma Shri—India's fourth highest civilian honor—his life story is rooted in a family legacy of racing and a 100-year-old business house with diverse commercial interests.
Shifting gears from racing to entrepreneurship was a natural progression for Karthikeyan. He co-founded Leap Green Energy, a multifaceted renewable energy company, and most recently, joined forces to found DriveX. DriveX is a digital-first company focused on the sale, trade, and distribution of pre-owned motorcycles and scooters. Within two years of its formation, the company was valued at ₹178 crore, backed by the TVS Group, underscoring his success in the technology and commerce sectors.
His high-profile racing career included competing for several teams worldwide before ending his single-seater career in 2019. He has since worked extensively with automotive OEMs in manufacturing and development, establishing himself as the brand ambassador of Tata Motors. His role as Founder & Managing Director at DriveX involves overseeing critical areas, including operations, production, sales and marketing, and technology.
As a speaker, Karthikeyan draws inspiration from his family's racing legacy and his own experience of accomplishing the impossible in motorsports. He provides audiences with a strategic, firsthand look at entrepreneurship, innovation, and the discipline required to transition from the competitive world of F1 to building and scaling a successful digital-first commerce platform.
