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He worked many jobs over time, including packing biscuits in a factory, selling coconuts outside a hospital, working at toll booths, making deliveries for Amazon, etc.
This led to the creation of Gupiyo, a name inspired by the guppy fish, which is known for its ability to adapt to different environments. Image: Instagram
In the booming corporate landscape of Bengaluru, parking has quietly become one of the most persistent problems. Large campuses, limited space and long walking distances have turned a basic necessity into a daily struggle for thousands of employees. The solution to this challenge is a start-up called Gupio, founded by 30-year-old Gurumurthy, whose entrepreneurial journey is as remarkable as the solution he creates.
Gurumurthy’s story begins in Hanumasagar Tanda in Karnataka’s Davanagere district, where he grew up in extreme poverty. His uncle played a crucial role in the beginning, bringing him to NR Pura, 150 km away, and supporting his education till SSLC. However, due to financial pressure at home, Gurumurthy had to leave his 8th grade studies and work as a daily wage labourer.
After a year, his uncle convinced the family to send him back to school. This time, Gurumurthy took a firm decision – he would continue his education and also earn money for it himself. That choice will define the years to come.
Working weekends, study weekdays
He followed a strict routine during his studies. Every Friday evening, he would travel from Shivamogga to Bengaluru by train and work in a marriage hall till Saturday and Sunday. By the weekend, he would earn around Rs 1000, which helped finance his education.
After this he will return to Shivamogga on Monday morning and go to college. Despite this effort, financial difficulties forced him to stop his education after PUC (12.)th). Having studied entirely through the Kannada medium, he once dreamed of becoming a chartered accountant, but circumstances did not allow him to pursue it.
After this Gurumurthy went to Bengaluru in search of work. He held many jobs over time, including packing biscuits in a factory, selling coconuts outside a hospital, working at toll booths, delivering for Amazon, and working as a salesman at Croma.
Limited English communication initially cost them their opportunities, but they gradually improved through customer-facing roles in mobile showrooms and retail jobs. Each role enhanced his understanding of people, work, and existence.
At one time, under family pressure, he appeared for the police recruitment examination. He passed the physical test and appeared in the written examination, but he decided to withdraw from the examination before the result was declared. He felt strongly that his future lay in building a business rather than working in a government job.
From a dropped idea to a practical solution
His first business idea was to create a technology-enabled garage where customers could monitor vehicle servicing through live CCTV. Due to lack of funds this idea could not come to fruition.
He then turned his attention to a more immediate problem – parking management at corporate locations. This led to the creation of Gupiyo, a name inspired by the guppy fish, which is known for its ability to adapt to different environments. The company was built on the idea of ​​providing customized parking solutions based on customer needs.
Making Gupio with Rs 7500 and tireless efforts
Getting your first customer requires persistence. Gurumurthy approached a corporate parking security manager repeatedly for about three months before securing his first contract.
The company started with an initial investment of Rs 7500 from his own savings. The additional amount came from a bank loan taken in July 2023 by pledging his wife’s gold jewellery. In the first three months, he was the only employee, handling the operations, coordination and execution himself.
Today, Gupio works with many leading companies in Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai and Delhi. The start-up provides organized parking solutions near workplaces and arranges pick-up and drop services when parking spaces are away from the office premises.
The company now has 130 employees across India and handles around 3000 cars and 6000 bikes every day. Its turnover has reached Rs 6 crore, and it has started expanding into technology-driven services, including a vehicle monitoring facility introduced earlier this year.
Personal life built in adverse circumstances
Along with his professional journey, Gurumurthy also built a personal life through determination. He married his college sweetheart despite opposition from both their families and today has two children, a 5-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.
His past continues to shape his decisions. Recalling his struggles for food and education, Gurumurthy has ensured that all Gupio employees are provided free food, accommodation and meals. This helps them save their earnings and create financial stability.
Gurumurthy’s journey is not based on sudden success but on sustained effort over time. From working as a daily wage laborer to leading a budding start-up, his story shows how perseverance and clarity of purpose can slowly create opportunities even in difficult circumstances.
March 26, 2026, 17:15 IST
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