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Shashvat Nakrani - The Progress Catalyst

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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.

Shashvat Nakrani - The Progress Catalyst (source: dnaindia.com)
Shashvat Nakrani

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 - The Progress Catalyst (source: news18.com)

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

Shashvat Nakrani - The Progress Catalyst (source: economictimes.indiatimes.com)

  • 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


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The Progress Catalyst

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Throughout history, there have been individuals who have made a profound impact on the world. These individuals have pushed the boundaries of what is possible, and have made the world a better place for all. We will keep exploring the lives and work of these progress catalysts, and show how their contributions have shaped the world we live in today.

 

The Progress Catalyst is a celebration of these individuals. It is a tribute to their courage, their vision, and their determination. It is a reminder that we all have the power to make a difference in the world.

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