In the competitive world of pharmaceuticals, where giants dominate the market, one man’s vision and relentless perseverance turned a modest Rs. 10 lakh investment into a Rs. 255 crore empire. Shiv Kumar Sharma, the Founder and CEO of Superior Pharmaceuticals (I) Pvt. Ltd., is a living testament to the power of determination, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
From a small printing unit to a diversified conglomerate spanning pharmaceuticals, biotech, ayurveda, and packaging, Sharma’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. His story is not just about business growth but also about creating employment, delivering affordable healthcare, and embodying the spirit of “Keep Moving…“—the core philosophy that drives his empire.
In this exclusive feature, Success Magazine delves into the life, struggles, and triumphs of Shiv Kumar Sharma, uncovering the principles that transformed a young entrepreneur into an industry leader.
The Early Days: A Spark of Entrepreneurship
Born and raised in Himachal Pradesh, Shiv Kumar Sharma was not handed success on a silver platter. At the tender age of 20, fresh out of school, he took his first steps into the business world as a sales and marketing executive. However, the entrepreneurial fire within him burned bright.
Within just seven months, he ventured out on his own, establishing Superior Graphics, an offset printing unit, under the mentorship of his elder brother, Rishie Sharma.
“The sole factor that drove me to be an entrepreneur was to generate employment—not just for myself but for society,” Sharma recalls.
This marked the beginning of a journey that would see him diversify into multiple industries, with pharmaceuticals becoming the crown jewel of his empire.
The Birth of Superior Pharmaceuticals
Inception & Growth
- 2000: The year Superior Pharmaceuticals was born.
- Initial Capital: Rs. 10 lakh.
- Present Turnover: Rs. 255 crore.
- Vision for 2030: Scaling to Rs. 5000 crore group.
Diversified Business Portfolio
Today, Superior Group is a conglomerate with multiple verticals:
- Superior Pharmaceuticals (Formulations & API)
- Dr. Mom Herboveda (Ayurveda Division)
- Superior Molecules (Critical Care)
- Superior Generics & Biotech
- Aastha Industries, Superior Appliances, BDR Packers
- Superior Graphics (The legacy unit that started it all)
The Challenges & Triumphs
Early Struggles
Like every entrepreneur, Sharma faced his share of hurdles:
- Market Resistance: Convincing clients to trust a new brand was tough.
- Financial Constraints: Limited capital meant strategic reinvestment was crucial.
- Competition: Competing with established pharma giants required innovation.
Key Learnings
- “Perseverance, Tenacity, and Consistency are non-negotiable.”
- “Work on SOLUTIONS, not problems.”
- “From dreaming to happening, own beliefs are a must.”
Sharma’s ability to adapt, innovate, and persist turned obstacles into stepping stones.
The Impact: Beyond Business
Affordable Healthcare for All
Superior Pharmaceuticals’ core mission is to provide high-quality, affordable medicines to the masses.
“We are part of the growth of our country and countrymen,” says Sharma.
Employment Generation
With multiple manufacturing units and a workforce boasting an average tenure of over 10 years, Superior Group is a major employment driver in Himachal Pradesh.
Government & Market Recognition
While Sharma humbly states that “the trust of our clients is our biggest award,” Superior Pharmaceuticals is recognized among India’s top ORG pharma companies, a testament to its credibility and excellence.
The Future: Scaling New Heights
Vision 2030: Rs. 5000 Crore Milestone
With expansions in API manufacturing, biotech, and ayurveda, Superior Group is poised for exponential growth.
Advice to Budding Entrepreneurs
Sharma’s golden words for aspiring business leaders:
- “Analyze the work and risk-taking capacity, then take risks and move on.”
- “Stay committed to your vision, no matter what.”
The Legacy of a Self-Made Visionary
Shiv Kumar Sharma’s journey from a 20-year-old entrepreneur with Rs. 10 lakh to the CEO of a Rs. 255 crore empire is a masterclass in resilience, strategic thinking, and unwavering belief.
His story is not just about financial success but about creating impact, empowering lives, and redefining the pharmaceutical landscape in India.
As Superior Group marches towards its Rs. 5000 crore vision, one thing is clear—Shiv Kumar Sharma’s legacy is just beginning.
