Ashneer Grover is a renowned entrepreneur and a key figure in India’s startup ecosystem. As the co-founder and former Managing Director of BharatPe, he transformed digital payments for small businesses in India. His journey, though filled with challenges, highlights his innovative approach and resilience.
Born in India, Ashneer Grover excelled academically from a young age. He graduated from the prestigious **Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi**, followed by an MBA from the **Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad**. This solid academic foundation became the bedrock for his successful career in the corporate and entrepreneurial world.
Career Milestones:
Before starting BharatPe, Grover gained extensive experience in top companies. His journey included:
– Kotak Investment Bank**: Where he honed his skills in financial services.
– American Express**: Where he deepened his understanding of global financial operations.
– Grofers (Blinkit)**: Where he contributed significantly to the company’s expansion in the online grocery sector.
Through these experiences, Ashneer not only developed his business acumen but also gained insights that later fueled his entrepreneurial journey.
The Creation of BharatPe:
In 2018, Ashneer co-founded BharatPe with Shashvat Nakrani, aiming to revolutionize digital payments for merchants. The platform’s UPI-based system simplified transactions for small businesses, empowering them to accept payments seamlessly. Furthermore, BharatPe quickly became one of India’s leading fintech platforms, raising significant investments and gaining widespread recognition.
A Star on Shark Tank India:
Ashneer became a household name as a judge on **Shark Tank India**, where entrepreneurs pitched their ideas to investors. His candid feedback, sharp insights, and at times controversial remarks resonated with audiences. As a result, he became a popular yet polarizing figure on the show.
Challenges and Controversies:
Like many entrepreneurs, Ashneer’s journey has not been free from challenges. Notably, his tenure at BharatPe ended amidst allegations of financial misconduct, leading to his resignation in 2022. Additionally, his outspoken nature occasionally sparked controversies, such as his recent interaction with Salman Khan on Bigg Boss 18.
To which Salman replied, “Maine aapko mere baare mein kehte huye suna hai kuch.” “Humne toh isko itne mein sign kardiya,” the saying goes. Aapne galat de diya bhi uska figure di. Phir yeh dogalapan kya hai. When you mentioned me, I heard it. “This is how much we paid for him,” you stated. You also provided an incorrect number.)
In response, Ashneer said, “I believe that was one of my best decisions. Aapko jo humne brand ambassador dia.”
Despite these incidents, his resilience and commitment to innovation remain noteworthy.
Life Beyond BharatPe:
Since his departure from BharatPe, Ashneer has channeled his energy into public speaking, sharing insights through interviews, and inspiring budding entrepreneurs. Moreover, his ability to persevere and adapt continues to make him a respected figure in the startup world.