Zachariah Jacob: Embracing Success With Faith & Fortitude
Zachariah Jacob
Co-Founder & Partner
Zach’s journey is a compelling story of innovation and empowerment. He is a trailblazer who defines his own destiny. From earning a Physics Honors degree at St. Stephen’s to becoming a lawyer, he didn’t stop there. He launched Mahabelly, Delhi’s favorite South Indian restaurant, Actus Legal, a full-service law firm and then founded his latest venture, Kapex, a fintech innovator transforming the commercial leasing space.
By providing tenants with access to funding for security deposits, Kapex frees up crucial capital, allowing businesses to use the money on growth instead of keeping it tied up with the landlords. This capital-efficient, innovative approach not only bridges the gap between landlords and tenants but also exemplifies Zach’s commitment to driving meaningful change in the industry.
CEO Insights is proud to spotlight Zach’s journey, exploring his path from St. Stephen’s College to become a leader; uncovering the inspirations and aspirations that fuel his groundbreaking work.
Can you tell us about your professional background and journey so far?
Originally from Kerala, I relocated to Delhi for higher education, majoring in Physics Honors at St. Stephen's College. Despite the intellectual enrichment that physics provided, I realised that my true calling lay elsewhere. An unexpected opportunity led me to take the entrance exam for the law faculty at the same university, influenced by a friend. Clearing the exam, I enrolled in law school without prior knowledge of the field and quickly developed a passion for it.
My participation extended beyond academics to extracurricular activities, including roles as convener of the placement cell and president of the law society.
During internships and nearing the completion of my law degree, I was recruited as a legal manager at the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI). The responsibilities included monitoring big-ticket lending, credit disbursement, and recovery of stressed assets. Although there were ample growth opportunities, I thought that an in-house position might restrict broader career exploration. This contemplation led to considerations of further studies or transitioning to a corporate law firm. That’s how the unchartered journey of entrepreneurship began.
What unique experiences did St. Stephen's College offer you?
The period at St. Stephen's College was transformative. Moving from a boarding school environment in Kerala to pursuing Physics Honors in Delhi was initially unexpected, as my parents had envisioned me becoming a doctor. While the college provided a rigorous academic environment, for me, the most significant learning happened outside the classroom.
The friendships I formed and the endless possibilities that emerged once I was free from the burden of expectations were invaluable. This environment fostered not only academic growth but also a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, building lasting relationships that continue to impact my life.
Take us through your foray into entrepreneurship.
A spirited conversation with my school and college friend, Thomas Fenn, rekindled an old college dream of starting a Kerala cuisine restaurant in Delhi. Despite lacking a background in the hospitality industry, we ventured into this endeavor and established Mahabelly in 2015. The restaurant quickly gained recognition, securing the Times Food Award for the best South Indian restaurant in Delhi multiple times.
Following this success, we opened outlets in Gurgaon and Sonipat, and expansion in other locations is underway. While managing the restaurant business, we noticed an industry gap related to the inefficient use of capital due to high security deposits.
Leveraging my background in lending and having the operational experience of leasing commercial spaces in grade-A malls, I identified that a substantial portion of initial investments, around 25 to 30 percent, was getting tied up in security deposits.
During internships and nearing the completion of my law degree, I was recruited as a legal manager at the Industrial Finance Corporation of India (IFCI). The responsibilities included monitoring big-ticket lending, credit disbursement, and recovery of stressed assets. Although there were ample growth opportunities, I thought that an in-house position might restrict broader career exploration. This contemplation led to considerations of further studies or transitioning to a corporate law firm. That’s how the unchartered journey of entrepreneurship began.
What unique experiences did St. Stephen's College offer you?
The period at St. Stephen's College was transformative. Moving from a boarding school environment in Kerala to pursuing Physics Honors in Delhi was initially unexpected, as my parents had envisioned me becoming a doctor. While the college provided a rigorous academic environment, for me, the most significant learning happened outside the classroom.
The friendships I formed and the endless possibilities that emerged once I was free from the burden of expectations were invaluable. This environment fostered not only academic growth but also a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, building lasting relationships that continue to impact my life.
Take us through your foray into entrepreneurship.
A spirited conversation with my school and college friend, Thomas Fenn, rekindled an old college dream of starting a Kerala cuisine restaurant in Delhi. Despite lacking a background in the hospitality industry, we ventured into this endeavor and established Mahabelly in 2015. The restaurant quickly gained recognition, securing the Times Food Award for the best South Indian restaurant in Delhi multiple times.
Following this success, we opened outlets in Gurgaon and Sonipat, and expansion in other locations is underway. While managing the restaurant business, we noticed an industry gap related to the inefficient use of capital due to high security deposits.
Leveraging my background in lending and having the operational experience of leasing commercial spaces in grade-A malls, I identified that a substantial portion of initial investments, around 25 to 30 percent, was getting tied up in security deposits.
This realization led to the creation of Kapex, a FinTech marketplace designed specifically for addressing this gap in the existing commercial leasing ecosystem, which is not catered to by traditional lenders.
Collaborating with my two co-founders, Viswanathan Raju and Karthikeyan G, who are seasoned professionals from a fintech background, we developed this concept over the past six months, initially in stealth mode. Kapex aims to bridge the gap between lenders and tenants by involving landlords, thereby providing tenants with access to funding for their security deposits, enabling businesses to operate more nimbly and efficiently.
What are the unique traits of your leadership style, and how have you nurtured a conducive work culture that supports employee growth?
The leadership approach revolves around empowering individuals. Initially, we believed that micromanagement would ensure productivity and success, but it became apparent that this approach hindered growth. We have now adopted a decentralized model, team members are empowered to make autonomous decisions. Each department now has its own team leader, fostering a culture of accountability and ownership. This shift not only improved operational efficiency but also nurtured a sense of ownership among employees, encouraging them to excel and grow within the organization.
What fuels your daily routine as an entrepreneur?
The motivation each day comes from the impact created through entrepreneurship. The satisfaction derived from providing jobs, supporting families, and solving real-world problems is unmatched. This journey has prepared me to face any challenge, offering truly fulfilling experiences and surpass what any corporate designation could provide.
Zachariah Jacob, Co-Founder & Partner, Actus Legal, Mahabelly, & Kapex
An esteemed alumnus of St. Stephen's College, Zachariah is an inspiring leader and visionary, striving to redefine the commercial leasing model. With a robust growth pipeline, Zach aims to achieve significant milestones in both the hospitality and fintech sectors.
Collaborating with my two co-founders, Viswanathan Raju and Karthikeyan G, who are seasoned professionals from a fintech background, we developed this concept over the past six months, initially in stealth mode. Kapex aims to bridge the gap between lenders and tenants by involving landlords, thereby providing tenants with access to funding for their security deposits, enabling businesses to operate more nimbly and efficiently.
True success lies in meaningful contributions that leave a lasting legacy of innovation and impact
What are the unique traits of your leadership style, and how have you nurtured a conducive work culture that supports employee growth?
The leadership approach revolves around empowering individuals. Initially, we believed that micromanagement would ensure productivity and success, but it became apparent that this approach hindered growth. We have now adopted a decentralized model, team members are empowered to make autonomous decisions. Each department now has its own team leader, fostering a culture of accountability and ownership. This shift not only improved operational efficiency but also nurtured a sense of ownership among employees, encouraging them to excel and grow within the organization.
What fuels your daily routine as an entrepreneur?
The motivation each day comes from the impact created through entrepreneurship. The satisfaction derived from providing jobs, supporting families, and solving real-world problems is unmatched. This journey has prepared me to face any challenge, offering truly fulfilling experiences and surpass what any corporate designation could provide.
Zachariah Jacob, Co-Founder & Partner, Actus Legal, Mahabelly, & Kapex
An esteemed alumnus of St. Stephen's College, Zachariah is an inspiring leader and visionary, striving to redefine the commercial leasing model. With a robust growth pipeline, Zach aims to achieve significant milestones in both the hospitality and fintech sectors.