Ashneer Grover is a well-known Indian entrepreneur, investor, and former co-founder of BharatPe. He played a crucial role in establishing BharatPe as one of India's leading fintech companies before stepping down from his position as Managing Director on February 28, 2022. In addition to his business interests, he became a household name with the participation as a judge on Shark Tank India, where he invested in several start-ups.

Personal Details

Full Name: Ashneer Grover
Birthdate: June 14, 1982
Age : 42 years
Birthplace: Delhi, India
Hometown: Delhi, India
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hinduism
Zodiac Sign: Gemini
Profession: Entrepreneur, Investor
Schooling: B.Tech from IIT Delhi, MBA from IIM Ahmedabad
Marital Status: Married

Family and Personal Life

Father: Ashok Grover (Chartered Accountant)
Mother: Neeru Grover (Teacher)
Sister: Aashima Grover
Wife: Madhuri Jain Grover (Entrepreneur, Ex-Employee at BharatPe)
Children: Son – Avy Grover, Daughter – Mannat Grover

Education and Early Life

Ashneer Grover was born and raised in Delhi, where he completed his early education. He pursued a B.Tech in Civil Engineering from IIT Delhi and was selected for an exchange program at INSA Lyon, France, with a scholarship from the French Embassy. Later, he completed his MBA in Finance from IIM Ahmedabad in 2006.

Career Journey

Corporate Experience

In 2006, Grover began his employment with Kotak Investment Banking as vice president and continued there for a period amounting to seven years. Then, in 2013, he made his way to American Express as an official Director in the Corporate Development department. Ashneer later also made significant investments while involved at AmEx with India's fintech start-ups.

In 2015, he transitioned to Grofers (now Blinkit) as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO), where he played a key role in its expansion. However, he left in 2017 after disputes regarding ESOP options. He later worked at PC Jeweller Ltd. as Head of New Business, where he gained insights into digital payment solutions.

BharatPe – The Fintech Revolution

In founded with Shashvat Nakrani, BharatPe co-operated with Ashneer in 2018 primarily as a merchant-focused mobile UPI payments solution based on a QR code. Under his charge, BharatPe diversified into lending, digital gold, and investment services.

On Departure from BharatPe

In February 2022, Ashneer resigned, which was significant for Bharti because he served on its board even after it was most commonly seen as a successful company. He soon invoked a ₹4,000-crore exit package that the company instead declined. He also lost his plea for emergency arbitration in Singapore.

New Venture – Third Unicorn Pvt. Ltd.

In July 2022, Ashneer and his wife Madhuri Jain Grover began their new venture, Third Unicorn Pvt. Ltd., aiming to develop disruptive institutions.

Investment Portfolio and Startups

Ashneer Grover is an active investor in over 22 startups across verticals such as fintech, gaming, health, and co-working. Some of his most impressive investments are:

Fintech: Jupiter, Rupifi, Uni, India Gold
Gaming & Entertainment: Nazara, Park+
Healthcare: Meddo
Others: Vahan (Staffing), MyHQ (Co-Working Space)

Shark Tank India and Media Presence

The masses knew Ashneer through Shark Tank India, where he considered participating as a judge. Very direct opinions as well as intense business thoughts were the trademarks. Not surprising, then, that he has emerged as a dog as he invests in many great suitors from the emerging world.

Net Worth and Assets

Ashneer Grover’s estimated net worth is around ₹900 crores ($108 million). His income sources include:

Investments and startup funding
Equity in BharatPe and other companies
Brand collaborations and consulting

Luxury Assets & Lifestyle

House: Owns a lavish home in Panchsheel Park, Delhi, worth around ₹30 crores
Car Collection: Includes Mercedes-Maybach S650, Porsche Cayman, Audi A6, Mercedes-Benz GLS 350

Controversies

Paytm Rivalry: Faced legal challenges from Paytm and PhonePe over the use of the word "Pe" in BharatPe’s name.
Kotak Dispute: An audio leak controversy where Ashneer was allegedly heard using abusive language against a Kotak employee over Nykaa’s IPO share allocation.
BharatPe Financial Scandal: Allegations of financial misconduct, leading to his forced resignation from the company.

FAQs

Who is Ashneer Grover?
Ashneer Grover, an Indian entrepreneur and former co-founder of BharatPe, is an investor who gained notoriety for his presence on Shark Tank India.

What is Ashneer Grover's net worth?
His networth is around ₹900 crores, that is, $108 million.

In which startups Ashneer Grover has invested?
He has invested in over 22 startups, which include Nazara, Jupiter, MyHQ, Rupifi, and Vahan.

What is Ashneer Grover's new startup?
His recent venture is that Third Unicorn Pvt. Ltd. was incorporated in 2022.

Why did Ashneer Grover leave BharatPe?
He resigned after allegations of financial mismanagement and disputes with the board.