While his peers at the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Bangalore prepare for high-stakes corporate placements, 25-year-old Zaid Khan walks the campus corridors with a multi-crore business already running under his name. Khan has established Zedital Media Private Limited, a branding and advertising firm now estimated to be worth ₹5 crore, a remarkable achievement for someone still completing their MBA.
From Traditional Pressures to Digital Entrepreneurship
Khan’s journey to entrepreneurship diverged significantly from the traditional path expected in his middle-class upbringing, where career security often meant medicine or engineering. Despite pressure to prepare for medical entrance exams, Khan chose to explore digital platforms, initially freelancing with YouTube creators.
This gamble paid off when a major freelancing project with a California-based influencer brought in ₹1.24 lakh, a pivotal moment that demonstrated the viability of non-traditional careers in the digital realm. To complement his practical experience, Khan pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and Journalism from 2019 to 2022, earning regional accolades like Youngest Entrepreneur of Uttarakhand before securing admission to IIM Bangalore's Business Administration program in September 2024.
Zedital Media: Services and Philosophy
Today, Zedital Media Private Limited specializes in branding, reputation management, and media advertising. The agency offers strategic services including Online Reputation Management (ORM), Content Distribution Management (CDM), and LinkedIn Profile Amplification Management (PAM, serving clients seeking high-visibility personal and enterprise branding.
Speaking on The Crore Club podcast, Khan shared the operational ethos that enabled him to scale his business before completing his degree. He advises young creators to demystify monetization early by taking small, tangible steps rather than waiting for large investments.
"I think the first thing is to start selling something — whether it's a skill, a piece of advice, or any service — even if it's just for ₹100 or ₹200. It helps build confidence," Khan stated.
For Khan, the fundamental leverage in modern business lies in visibility and audience trust, surpassing traditional capital structures. He firmly believes that content serves as the new digital currency, and building a strong online presence is paramount for creating opportunities.