Akshay Ruparelia: The Young Entrepreneur Revolutionising the UK Property Market
Akshay Ruparelia is a name synonymous with youthful innovation and entrepreneurial success in the UK. Rising from humble beginnings, this British-Indian entrepreneur has disrupted the traditional real estate market through his pioneering company, Doorsteps.co.uk. His story is one of determination, ingenuity, and social impact, inspiring a new generation of business leaders. This article explores the life, career, and accomplishments of Akshay Ruparelia, touching upon his early years, his meteoric rise with Doorsteps, recent media appearances including This Morning, his ventures, family background, and ongoing influence in the business world.
Early Life and Background
Born on 16th July 1998 in Hemel Hempstead, England, Akshay Ruparelia grew up in a supportive family environment. His parents, both of Gujarati Indian heritage, played a vital role in shaping his values and work ethic. Notably, both his parents are deaf, which meant Akshay learned British Sign Language to communicate fluently with them from a young age. This unique experience cultivated empathy and resilience in him, qualities that later proved essential in his business journey.
Akshay attended Queen Elizabeth’s Boys School in Barnet, where he excelled academically. He earned top grades in A-levels including Maths, Economics, and Government & Politics, showcasing his intellectual versatility. Although accepted into the prestigious University of Oxford, Akshay chose to defer his place to focus on building his startup, a decision that would lead to transformative success.
The Birth of Doorsteps.co.uk
Akshay founded Doorsteps.co.uk in late 2016 while still in his final year of school. Frustrated by the exorbitant fees and outdated practices in the traditional real estate market, he sought to create a technology-driven platform that made buying and selling homes affordable, transparent, and accessible. Doorsteps introduced a disruptive pricing model, charging a fixed fee far below the industry norm, saving customers thousands in commission fees.
Under his leadership, Doorsteps quickly scaled. Within three years, the company sold over £1 billion worth of property across the UK, becoming one of the fastest-growing estate agencies nationally. The innovative hybrid model combined the efficiency of online services with personalised support, earning multiple industry awards including Startup of the Year 2017 and Best Emerging Online Agent 2018.
Akshay’s hands-on approach saw him juggling schoolwork and property negotiations simultaneously, proving his dedication and business acumen. His ability to spot market gaps and leverage technology reshaped how real estate transactions are conducted in the UK.
Akshay Ruparelia’s Age and Current Status
As of 2025, Akshay Ruparelia is 27 years old. Despite his youth, his accomplishments have already earned him a place among the UK’s most influential entrepreneurs. In April 2021, after nearly five years as CEO, Akshay stepped down from Doorsteps to pursue new ventures, signalling his desire to broaden his impact beyond real estate.
Media Presence and This Morning Appearance
Akshay’s entrepreneurial journey has attracted significant media attention. He has appeared on popular UK television shows, most notably ITV’s This Morning, where he shared insights into how he built his multi-million-pound business while still in school. His candid discussions about challenges, strategies, and his vision for entrepreneurship resonated with audiences nationwide.
Through these appearances, Akshay has not only promoted his businesses but also championed the cause of young entrepreneurs, advocating for accessible opportunities and inclusive economic growth.
Business Ventures Beyond Doorsteps
Following his departure from Doorsteps, Akshay expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio:
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Brdge AI: Founded in 2024, this venture aims to bridge the gap between emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, and practical business applications. As CEO, Akshay leads consultancy, venture studio initiatives, and private equity investment to empower startups and SMEs to adapt and thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
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1 Club: Launched in 2022, 1 Club is the world’s first invite-only digital network for visionary leaders, fostering collaboration, personal development, and social impact across industries and geographies.
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AKR Growth: A social enterprise dedicated to helping disadvantaged young people secure employment through apprenticeships, training, and SME consulting. This organisation reflects Akshay’s commitment to social mobility and community upliftment.
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Advisory Roles: Akshay sits on several influential boards and advisory councils including the Prince’s Trust RISE programme, Jobs Foundation, and the Royal Association for Deaf People, reinforcing his advocacy for entrepreneurship and social equity.
Family and Personal Life
Akshay’s family background is an integral part of his story. Being the son of deaf parents, he grew up in an environment that emphasised communication, patience, and determination. His mother works as a teaching assistant for deaf children, while his father is employed as a care worker. This personal context deeply influenced Akshay’s outlook on life and business, fostering his passion for inclusion and community support.
Akshay Ruparelia and Companies House
Records from Companies House, the UK’s official registrar of companies, confirm Akshay’s directorship and founding roles in several enterprises, including Doorsteps.co.uk, Brdge AI, 1 Club, and AKR Growth. These filings underscore his active involvement in steering diverse business projects and maintaining transparency in corporate governance.
Conclusion
Akshay Ruparelia stands as a beacon of youthful entrepreneurship, demonstrating that innovation, resilience, and a clear mission can disrupt even the most entrenched industries. From his revolutionary approach with Doorsteps.co.uk to his ongoing ventures in AI, social enterprise, and leadership networks, Akshay continues to inspire and influence the UK’s business landscape. His story is not only one of financial success but also of social responsibility, highlighting the power of business to create positive change.
As he continues to expand his impact, Akshay Ruparelia remains a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs worldwide, proving that with vision and dedication, barriers can be broken and new paths forged.
