Shashvat Nakrani - The Progress Catalyst
A fintech visionary & entrepreneurial prodigy
Shashvat Nakrani is a young fintech entrepreneur and co-founder of BharatPe, one of India’s fastest-growing digital payments platforms. As one of the youngest billionaires in India, he has played a pivotal role in reshaping the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) ecosystem, empowering millions of small and medium-sized businesses with seamless digital transactions. His entrepreneurial journey exemplifies innovation, problem-solving, and financial inclusion, making him a leading figure in India’s fintech landscape.
Nationality: Indian
Date of Birth:14 July, 1998
Hometown: Bhavnagar, Gujrat, India
Parents: Mansukhbhai Nakrani
Spouse: Not married
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Textile Technology from IIT Delhi (dropped out, completed subsequently)
Employment History:
launched a startup called, bookmyhaircut.com during his college days.
Co-founder of BharatPe, during the third year of his graduation
Shashvat’s visionary leadership and technological expertise have helped BharatPe become a key enabler of financial services for merchants and businesses across India, driving the country’s digital payment revolution.
Shashvat Nakrani, revolutionising fintech in India
Shashvat Nakrani co-founded BharatPe in 2018, recognising a massive gap in India’s merchant payment ecosystem. While digital wallets and UPI were already gaining popularity, small business owners lacked a cost-effective, interoperable payment solution. To bridge this gap, he designed BharatPe’s QR code-based payment system, allowing merchants to accept payments from any UPI app without incurring transaction fees.
His merchant-first approach quickly gained traction, making BharatPe a game-changer in India’s fintech industry. The platform now offers a suite of financial services, including loans, BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later), and credit lines, empowering over 10 million businesses nationwide.
Impact Maker Shashvat Nakrani
Shashvat Nakrani’s contribution to financial inclusion has been groundbreaking. By eliminating the complexities and costs associated with digital transactions, he has enabled millions of small business owners—especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities—to seamlessly transition to cashless payments.
His efforts have played a key role in India’s digital economy growth, supporting the government’s vision for a cashless society. BharatPe’s success has also encouraged other fintech start-ups to innovate and expand in the merchant payments space, further strengthening India’s fintech ecosystem.
Change Maker Shashvat Nakrani
Shashvat’s journey is a testament to vision, risk-taking, and perseverance. At just 19 years old, he left IIT Delhi to pursue his entrepreneurial dream, a decision that led to the creation of one of India’s most valuable fintech start-ups.
Facing intense competition from established players like Paytm and PhonePe, he positioned BharatPe as a merchant-centric alternative, ensuring zero transaction fees, easy credit access, and seamless interoperability. His ability to secure investments from global firms like Sequoia Capital, Ribbit Capital, and Tiger Global has played a crucial role in BharatPe’s meteoric rise.
Progress Catalyst Shashvat Nakrani
Beyond building a fintech unicorn, Shashvat Nakrani’s work has inspired a new generation of young entrepreneurs. His story proves that age is no barrier to success and that disruptive ideas can transform industries. By leveraging technology, data analytics, and AI-driven financial solutions, BharatPe continues to optimise payment infrastructure and credit access, paving the way for a more inclusive digital economy.
Achievements
Co-founded BharatPe in 2018 – Developed India’s first zero MDR (Merchant Discount Rate) UPI-based payment solution for small businesses.
Empowered over 10 million merchants – Revolutionised digital payments and small business financing in India.
Raised over $900 million in funding – Secured investments from Sequoia Capital, Coatue Management, Tiger Global, and Ribbit Capital.
Expanded BharatPe’s financial services – Launched merchant credit lines, BNPL services, and lending solutions to drive business growth.
Awards & Recognitions
Youngest billionaire in India (2021) – Featured in IIFL Wealth Hurun India Rich List as the youngest self-made billionaire at 23 years old.
Featured in India’s Top Fintech Entrepreneurs – Recognised by Economic Times, Forbes, and Business Standard.
Key Contributor to India’s Digital Payment Revolution – Credited for helping drive UPI adoption among small businesses.
Media References
Hindustan Times – How 23-year-old Shashvat Nakrani made it to India’s rich list
Leader Biography – Shashvat Nakrani’s entrepreneurial journey
DNA India – Meet Shashvat Nakrani, who built a ₹24,335 crore fintech empire
Planify – Shashvat Nakrani's portfolio
Economic Times – India’s top 10 youngest entrepreneurs in 2024
News18 – 23-year-old co-founder of BharatPe
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