Vijay Shekhar Sharma, a luminary in the realm of technology and business, has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s digital landscape. As the founder, chairman, and managing director of One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm, his journey from a modest upbringing in Uttar Pradesh to becoming a billionaire entrepreneur is a source of inspiration. With an estimated net worth of 100 crores USD, Sharma’s impact resonates far and wide.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 7, 1978, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Vijay Shekhar Sharma was raised in a humble household. His parents, Sulom Prakash Sharma, a school teacher, and Asha Sharma, a homemaker, instilled in him the values of diligence and perseverance from an early age. He commenced his education in Harduaganj, a small town near Aligarh.
What sets Vijay apart is his exceptional intellect. Embarking on his college journey at the age of 15, he earned a B.Tech degree in engineering from the Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University) by the age of 19. This early academic achievement laid the groundwork for his future endeavours.
The Entrepreneurial Odyssey
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s foray into entrepreneurship commenced during his college years when he launched the website indiasite.net in 1997. Remarkably, within two years, he sold the website for an impressive sum of US$1 million. Undeterred by early success, he ventured into his next endeavour.
In 2000, he founded One97 Communications, initially focusing on delivering mobile content such as news, cricket scores, ringtones, jokes, and exam results. Little did he anticipate that this venture would evolve into Paytm, one of India’s foremost digital payments and financial services platforms.
The Emergence of Paytm
In 2010, Vijay Shekhar Sharma introduced Paytm as a consumer brand under One97 Communications. Paytm revolutionised digital payments in India, rendering them convenient and accessible to millions. With a commitment to financial inclusion, Paytm empowered individuals across the nation to conduct digital transactions, pay bills, and recharge mobile phones effortlessly.
A Landmark IPO
In November 2021, Paytm achieved a historic milestone by going public, raising a staggering $2.5 billion at a valuation of $19 billion. This landmark event marked India’s largest initial public offering at the time, underscoring Paytm’s significance within the country’s fintech ecosystem.
Beyond Business
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s contributions extend beyond entrepreneurship. As an angel investor, he actively supports tech startups, fostering innovation within the industry. Furthermore, he recently joined the board of management at Netaji Subhas University of Technology in Delhi, where he will contribute to the university’s educational initiatives over the next three years.
Accolades and Philanthropy
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s exceptional contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including being recognised as the Youngest Indian Billionaire by Forbes magazine. He was bestowed with the Entrepreneur of the Year award by AIMA in 2018 and was featured in Time Magazine’s list of the 100 most influential people in 2017. His achievements have been celebrated by esteemed publications such as The Economic Times and GQ.
On a personal front, Vijay Shekhar Sharma is married to Mridula Parashar Sharma, and together they are proud parents. He draws inspiration from visionaries like Alibaba’s Jack Ma and Softbank’s Masayoshi Son. In February 2022, Sharma faced a legal obstacle when he was arrested for a traffic incident but was later released on bail.
Furthermore, beyond his professional pursuits, Vijay Shekhar Sharma has been appointed as the UN Environment’s ‘Patron for Clean Air.’ In this capacity, he advocates for environmental action and awareness, aligning with the objectives of the United Nations Environment’s global Breathe Life campaign.
Conclusion
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s remarkable journey from a humble background to becoming a tech billionaire epitomises unwavering determination, innovation, and a commitment to transforming India’s digital landscape. His vision and contributions continue to leave an indelible imprint on the nation’s technology and business sphere, inspiring generations to come.