Reading time : 2 minutes
In a world where dreams often get crushed under the weight of circumstances, Amir Qutub’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance, vision, and hard work can rewrite destiny. From working as Airport cleaner to becoming the CEO of a global tech company, Amir’s inspiring journey from the narrow lanes of India to the boardrooms of Australia is a modern-day tale of grit and transformation.
Humble Beginnings in India
Amir Qutub was born and raised in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, in a modest middle-class family. His father worked in a local job and his mother managed the household. The family’s financial condition was tight, and resources were limited. But Amir was a curious child with a sharp mind and a hunger to make something of himself.
Despite being a bright student, he faced repeated challenges throughout his schooling. He couldn’t afford coaching like others and often studied using borrowed books. When he got admission into Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) for Mechanical Engineering, it was a proud moment for his family. But even in college, life didn’t get easier.
Struggles During Engineering
Amir wasn’t the topper in college. In fact, he often fell behind in attendance and struggled to meet academic expectations. But what made him different was his creative thinking and leadership qualities. He became active in student bodies, started initiatives like the AMU Journal and was keenly interested in technology and management — even though his degree was in mechanical engineering.
By the time he graduated in 2011, India’s job market was sluggish, and Amir had no offers from top firms. With few options in hand, he began working as a part-time peon and cleaner in local offices while applying for opportunities. “There were days when I cleaned floors during the day and studied online courses at night,” he recalls. “But I never saw any job as small. Every step taught me something.”
Leap of Faith to Australia
In 2012, Amir got the opportunity to pursue an MBA in Information Technology at Deakin University in Melbourne, Australia. He borrowed money and took loans to fund his education. When he landed in Australia, he was almost penniless, struggling to pay rent or buy food.
He worked as a cleaner and pizza delivery boy to survive. “I used to sleep for 3–4 hours, work different shifts, and study at night. It wasn’t easy, but I had come too far to give up,” says Amir. But his real break came when he interned at a small tech startup. Though he was given minor tasks, Amir proposed bold ideas, showed initiative, and helped revamp their digital presence. The startup was impressed and soon hired him as a full-time developer. His journey in tech had finally begun.
The Birth of Enterprise Monkey
In 2014, Amir founded Enterprise Monkey, a digital transformation company focused on helping businesses become smarter using web and mobile technology. Initially, he had no clients, no investors, and no team. But he had a dream — to build a tech company that could simplify business processes through smart solutions.
He began approaching small businesses in Geelong, offering them affordable digital solutions. One by one, his clients grew. His technical skills combined with a deep understanding of business needs made him stand out. Within a year, Enterprise Monkey had offices in Australia, India, and the UAE. Today, the company has worked with over 300 businesses globally — from startups to government agencies — delivering custom mobile apps, websites, enterprise platforms, and automation solutions.
Awards and Global Recognition
Amir’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He has received several awards and recognitions, including:
Young Business Leader of the Year at the IABCA Awards
Geelong Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Recognized as one of the Top 40 under 40 entrepreneurs in Australia
Appointed as a member of the Geelong Authority by the Minister of Planning, Government of Victoria
Founder of the Australian Smart Cities Group, working on urban tech solutions
His company also runs the Startup SuperSchool, a platform to educate young entrepreneurs and innovators.
Giving Back to India
Despite his global success, Amir never forgot his roots. He frequently visits India to mentor students and aspiring entrepreneurs, especially from underrepresented communities. He believes in “lifting while you climb” and has supported initiatives for youth skill development, digital literacy, and startup incubation.
In 2020, he co-founded an initiative in India to support small businesses impacted by COVID-19 by helping them go digital. His message to Indian youth: “Don’t chase jobs, chase problems to solve — the jobs and opportunities will follow.”
The Legacy of a Dreamer
Today, Amir Qutub stands tall — not just as a tech entrepreneur, but as a symbol of resilience. From mopping floors to leading digital transformation across continents, his life is proof that no background is too humble, and no dream too big.
He often says, “I wasn’t born with privilege, but I was born with possibilities. That’s all anyone needs.”
His journey continues to inspire countless young Muslim Indians, reminding them that with courage, vision, and relentless effort, you can transform even the darkest chapters of life into stories of triumph.