Rohit
Ashneer Grover is one of the most recognized names in India’s startup world. Known for his sharp business sense and fearless attitude, he became famous not just for building BharatPe but also for his honest and outspoken personality. His journey from a middle-class boy in Delhi to a fintech pioneer and TV personality is full of valuable lessons about ambition, courage, and resilience.
Behind his success lies a story of hard work, determination, and the will to rise after every fall.
Early Life – A Middle-Class Beginning
Ashneer Grover was born on June 14, 1982, in New Delhi, India, where he spent most of his childhood and early years. His father worked as a chartered accountant, and his mother was a school teacher. Growing up in a disciplined and education-focused home, Ashneer learned the value of persistence and financial understanding early in life.
He completed his schooling in Delhi and went on to study Civil Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi—one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. During his time at IIT, he was selected for an exchange program at INSA Lyon in France, which gave him exposure to international education and innovation.
After his engineering degree, Ashneer pursued his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, one of the top business schools in India. This mix of technical and business knowledge laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial career.
The Corporate Chapter – Gaining Experience
Ashneer’s career began in 2006 when he joined Kotak Investment Banking as Vice President. Over the next seven years, he worked on several major IPO deals and learned how companies raise funds, scale operations, and build financial strategies. This experience gave him a deep understanding of business structures and financial systems.
He later joined American Express as the Head of Corporate Development. Here, he worked closely on partnerships and product strategy, which exposed him to the digital payments ecosystem. These corporate roles helped him build the business acumen and confidence to eventually start his own venture.
The Leap into Entrepreneurship – Founding BharatPe
By 2018, India’s digital payment industry was booming, but most small merchants were still hesitant to adopt UPI payments. The reason was simple: existing payment apps charged fees for every transaction, making digital payments unattractive for small shopkeepers.
Ashneer saw this gap and decided to create a solution that would make digital payments easier and completely free for merchants. He partnered with Shashvat Nakrani, a young IIT Delhi student, to launch BharatPe.
BharatPe introduced zero merchant discount rates (MDR), meaning no fees on transactions, and a single QR code that worked across multiple apps like Google Pay, PhonePe, and Paytm. This innovation quickly made BharatPe the preferred payment solution for millions of small businesses across India.
In just a few years, BharatPe became a unicorn startup valued at over $2.8 billion. Under Ashneer’s leadership, it transformed the way small shopkeepers accepted payments and managed credit, bringing financial inclusion to a large section of society.
A Public Personality – Shark Tank India
Ashneer became a household name when he appeared as a judge on the first season of Shark Tank India in 2021. His straightforward opinions and no-nonsense feedback made him one of the most talked-about judges on the show.
While some found his style harsh, many admired his honesty and practical business insights. He encouraged entrepreneurs to focus on profitability, discipline, and long-term strategy rather than short-term excitement. His direct and fearless communication made him one of the most memorable faces on Indian television.
Shark Tank India turned Ashneer from a startup founder into a national figure. He became known not just for his success but for representing a new kind of Indian entrepreneur—bold, confident, and unfiltered.
The Controversy – Challenges and Fallout
In early 2022, BharatPe faced a major internal conflict. There were allegations of financial mismanagement involving Ashneer and his wife, Madhuri Jain Grover, who was also part of the company. This led to a board investigation and eventually to Ashneer’s resignation from the company he had built from scratch.
The situation received massive media attention and divided public opinion. While some criticized him, others saw him as a victim of corporate politics. Ashneer, however, remained calm and transparent, often speaking publicly about his experience. He accepted the setback but never let it define his story.
The Comeback – Third Unicorn and CrickPe
Ashneer Grover’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop with BharatPe. In 2023, he launched his new venture, Third Unicorn Pvt. Ltd. The company introduced CrickPe, a fantasy cricket platform that stood out for a unique reason—it allowed real players to earn a share from the fantasy games created around them.
This was the first time a fantasy sports app in India rewarded actual cricketers. The idea once again showed Ashneer’s innovative mindset and his ability to think differently in a crowded market.
CrickPe’s launch reinforced his reputation as a resilient entrepreneur who can rebuild stronger after every challenge.
The Bestseller – Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups
In 2022, Ashneer released his autobiography titled “Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups.” The book became a bestseller soon after its release.
Written in his trademark straightforward style, the book narrates his journey—from childhood to BharatPe, to his exit and beyond. It offers honest insights into the startup ecosystem and the lessons he learned along the way. Readers appreciated its simplicity and honesty, calling it one of the most real and relatable books on Indian entrepreneurship.
Ashneer Grover – Quick Facts Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ashneer Grover |
| Date of Birth | June 14, 1982 |
| Birthplace | New Delhi, India |
| Education | IIT Delhi (B.Tech), INSA Lyon (Exchange Program), IIM Ahmedabad (MBA) |
| Known For | Co-founder of BharatPe, Judge on Shark Tank India |
| Companies Founded | BharatPe (2018), Third Unicorn (2023) |
| Latest Venture | CrickPe – Fantasy Cricket App |
| Book | Doglapan: The Hard Truth about Life and Start-Ups |
| Spouse | Madhuri Jain Grover |
| Children | Two |
| Net Worth (2025) | Around ₹700 crore |
Personal Life and Values
Ashneer is married to Madhuri Jain Grover, and they have two children. Despite being in the spotlight, he often speaks about maintaining balance between personal and professional life. He credits his family for being his constant support system through both his rise and his controversies.
Even after leaving BharatPe, Ashneer continues to mentor young entrepreneurs, invest in startups, and speak at various business forums. His advice often emphasizes practical thinking, financial awareness, and self-belief.
Achievements and Legacy
- Built one of India’s leading fintech companies, BharatPe
- Became a recognizable face on national television through Shark Tank India
- Authored a bestselling book, Doglapan
- Founded Third Unicorn and launched CrickPe
- Inspired a new generation of entrepreneurs to pursue bold ideas
Ashneer Grover’s legacy lies not just in the companies he created but in the fearless mindset he represents. His journey has shown millions of Indians that setbacks can become stepping stones if faced with courage and clarity.
FAQ – (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is Ashneer Grover best known for?
He is best known as the co-founder of BharatPe and one of the judges on Shark Tank India.
2. Why did Ashneer leave BharatPe?
He resigned in 2022 following internal disputes and allegations within the company.
3. What is his new startup?
His new venture is Third Unicorn Pvt. Ltd., which launched the fantasy cricket app CrickPe.
4. What is his book “Doglapan” about?
It is an honest autobiography detailing his entrepreneurial journey, challenges, and lessons learned.
5. What is Ashneer Grover’s estimated net worth?
As of 2025, his estimated net worth is around ₹700 crore.
You Might Also Love This:
- Famous Women Personalities in India
- Murari Lal Jalan Jet Airways: The Man Who Tried to Make It Fly Again
Conclusion:
Ashneer Grover’s story is one of courage, determination, and self-belief. From building a unicorn to facing public controversies and then returning with a new venture, he has shown that success is not a straight road—it’s a journey of ups and downs.
He remains an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of making a mark in the business world. His life proves that no matter how hard things get, persistence and confidence can turn any setback into a comeback.
