Who is Ashneer Grover?
Ashneer Grover is best known as the co-founder of BharatPe, a shark at Shark Tank India season 1, and a tough and honest feedback provider! He has also worked with other major companies like Yes Bank, Grofers, and Paytm, which gave him valuable experience in the finance and technology sectors.
Early Life and Education
Ashneer Grover was born on June 14, 1982, in Delhi. His father was a Chartered Accountant, and his mother was a teacher. His interest in academics pursued him a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, one of India’s most prestigious engineering schools. His hard work and dedication earned him the second rank in his department.
After completing his engineering degree, Ashneer went on to pursue a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, one of the top business schools in the country. He also had the opportunity to study at INSA Lyon University in France as part of a student exchange program.
Ashneer’s Financial Learning Journey
Ashneer’s professional journey began with Kotak Investment Bank, where he worked as a Vice President. This role gave him a solid foundation in finance, which he later built upon during his time at American Express, where he served as the Director of Corporate Development. In 2018, Grover’s financial journey took a bold step by co-founding BharatPe, a fintech startup that offers digital payment solutions to small and medium-sized businesses. Under his leadership, BharatPe has raised over $900 million in funding by 2021, achieving a valuation of $2.85 billion.
Ashneer’s clear vision and strong leadership made BharatPe a billion-dollar company in 2020. His efforts helped the company grow, now serving over 6 million merchants in more than 35 cities across India.
The Rise of Doglapan: Shark Tank India Season 1
In 2021, Ashneer Grover became well-known as a judge on the first season of Shark Tank India. His sharp business advice and honest feedback made him stand out. While he was known for being direct, his guidance was very helpful for the entrepreneurs on the show.
In December 2022, Ashneer wrote a book called Doglapan: The Hard Truth About Life and Start-Ups. The book shares his personal experiences and the challenges he faced in his career. It became a bestseller, showing his deep understanding of the startup world.
The way Forward
In 2022, Ashneer stepped down as the Managing Director (MD) of BharatPe because of a controversial audit report. However, instead of letting this setback define him, he used it as an opportunity to explore new avenues. He went on to found Unicorn Dreams, a venture focused on building and investing in startups. He also teased plans for Doglapan 2.0 and a potential movie adaptation of his book, showcasing his relentless drive to keep pushing forward.
An influencing and inspiring figure
Ashneer, after Shark Tank India, has gained a lot of fame through social media platforms; his followers on various platforms have reached 24.6 lakh, a significant figure. He continues to influence and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. As of 2024, his net worth is estimated at $108 million (INR 900 crore), a reflection of his achievements. More importantly, Ashneer’s story continues to inspire others to dream big, work hard, and turn their visions into reality.
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