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Vijay Shekhar Sharma, a renowned Indian technology entrepreneur and billionaire, holds the titles of founder, chairman, and managing director at One97 Communications since 1997, and its well-known consumer brand, Paytm, established in 2010. As of September 2022, Forbes estimated his net worth at US$1.1 billion. Sharma, hailing from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, became an envoy for the ICANN-supported Universal Acceptance Steering Group in India by January 2022. His journey commenced with creating indiasite.net during college, eventually making a landmark with Paytm's IPO in November 2021, raising $2.5 billion. Sharma, honored with prestigious awards like the Best Serial Entrepreneur and listed among Time Magazine's 100 most influential people, impacts various sectors including technology and finance. Despite facing regulatory challenges leading to his step down from Paytm Payments Bank's board in 2024, Sharma's multifaceted career includes environmental advocacy as the UN Environment's 'Patron for Clean Air'.
June 07, 1978 in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
47 years
Financial Technology
Service
India
Delhi
Bachelor of Science in Engineering, Delhi University
Mridula Parashar (Married: 2005)
1
Vijay Shekhar Sharma was born on June 7, 1978, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India. He was the third of four children born to Sulom Prakash, a school teacher, and Asha Sharma, a homemaker. Sharma displayed a passion for technology from a young age and excelled in his studies. He graduated with a B.Tech degree from Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University) at the remarkable age of 19.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Family
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is married to Mridula Parashar Sharma, and they have a child together. His father, Sulom Prakash, was a school teacher, while his mother, Asha Sharma, was a homemaker. Sharma's family has been a source of support and inspiration throughout his life.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Career Highlights
Sharma's entrepreneurial journey began in 1997 when he founded indiasite.net while still in college. He successfully sold the website for US$1 million two years later. In 2000, he established One97 Communications, a company that offered mobile content such as news, cricket scores, ringtones, jokes, and exam results. In 2010, Sharma launched Paytm, a digital payments and financial services company under One97 Communications. Paytm's success propelled Sharma to prominence in the fintech industry.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Companies
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the founder, chairman, and managing director of One97 Communications, the parent company of Paytm. Paytm is a leading digital payments and financial services company in India, offering a wide range of services such as mobile payments, e-commerce, banking, and wealth management.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Major Achievements
Sharma's major achievements include the founding and growth of Paytm, which became India's largest digital payments company. Under his leadership, Paytm went public in November 2021, raising $2.5 billion at a valuation of $19 billion, making it India's largest initial public offering at the time. Sharma is also an angel investor, supporting tech startups and contributing to the growth of the Indian startup ecosystem.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Awards & Achievements
Sharma has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the technology and business sectors.
Some of his notable awards include the Best Serial Entrepreneur Award at the Rural and Urban Development Summit and Awards 2022, Entrepreneur of the Year by AIMA in 2018, and being named one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people in 2017. He has also been recognized by The Economic Times, GQ, and Dataquest for his achievements.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Personal Life & Legacy
Sharma is known for his passion for technology and his commitment to driving positive change in society. He is inspired by Alibaba's founder Jack Ma and Masayoshi Son of Softbank. Despite his success, Sharma remains grounded and maintains a strong connection to his family and personal values. He is actively involved in philanthropic activities and has made significant contributions to various social causes.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma: Trivia
In February 2022, Sharma was arrested by Delhi police for hitting his car into a police officer's car. He was later released on bail. Additionally, Sharma was appointed as the UN Environment's 'Patron for Clean Air,' driving environmental action and awareness for the Breathe Life campaign.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma was born in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Started indiasite.net while in college, sold it for US$1 million two years later.
Founded One97 Communications, offering mobile content like news, cricket scores, ringtones, jokes, and exam results.
Launched Paytm, a digital payments and financial services company, under One97 Communications.
Named India's Hottest Business Leader under 40 by The Economic Times.
Won the CEO of the Year award by SABRE Award.
Received the Honorary doctorate from Amity University, Gurgaon.
Conferred with Yash Bharati, the highest state civilian award of the Government of Uttar Pradesh.
Named Businessman of the Year at GQ Men of the Year Awards.
Recognized as NDTV Indian of the Year.
Received the Impact Person of the Year Award.
Ranked by GQ in their listing of the 50 most influential young Indians.
Named Dataquest IT Man of the year.
Featured in Time Magazine's 100 most influential people.
Recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by AIMA.
Paytm went public, raising $2.5 billion at a valuation of $19 billion (India's largest initial public offering at that time).
Appointed as UA Ambassador in India by the ICANN-supported Universal Acceptance Steering Group.
Arrested by Delhi police for hitting his car into a police officer's car, later released on bail.
Received the Best Serial Entrepreneur Award at the Rural and Urban Development Summit and Awards.
Stepped down from his role as part-time non-executive chairman and board member of Paytm Payments Bank due to regulatory challenges.
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