Vijay Shekhar Sharma represents India’s move to digital. He founded and leads One97 Communications and its main brand Paytm causing a revolution in how many Indians handle their money, pay their bills, and buy things online. His path from a small Uttar Pradesh village to the top of the tech world inspires lots of people making him a key business leader in India today.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Vijay Shekhar Sharma |
| Date of Birth | June 7, 1978 |
| Age (as of June 2025) | 47 years |
| Birthplace | Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Education | B.Tech, Delhi College of Engineering (DTU) |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Founder & CEO of Paytm |
| Net Worth (2022) | ~$1.1 Billion USD |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Mridula Sharma |
| Children | 1 (Son: Vivaan Sharma) |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | ~70 kg |
| Major Awards | Time 100 (2017), AIMA Entrepreneur of the Year (2018) |
| Popular Social Media | Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram @vijay shekhar sharma |
| Key Interests | Music, Reading, Adventure Sports, Mentoring Startups |
Early Life & Background
Birthplace & Family
Vijay Shekhar Sharma was born on June 7, 1978, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh. He came from a simple family—his dad, Sulom Prakash Sharma, worked as a teacher, while his mom, Asha Sharma took care of the home. Vijay is the third of four kids, and growing up in a small town taught him to value hard work and never give up.
Education
A smart kid from the start, Sharma finished school in Harduaganj and started college when he was 15. He got his B.Tech from Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University) at 19 showing how clever he was and how much he loved tech.
Career Journey
Early Ventures
urial spirit ignited while he was still in college. In 1997, he launched indiasite.net, a website he later sold for $1 million—a remarkable feat for a young student. He also co-founded XS Communications, a content management company, during his college years.
Founding One97 Communications & Paytm
In 2000, Sharma founded One97 Communications, initially offering mobile content like news and ringtones. The real game-changer came in 2010 when he launched Paytm, starting as a mobile recharge platform. Paytm quickly evolved into a comprehensive digital payments ecosystem, offering everything from bill payments and money transfers to e-commerce and banking services.
Major Milestones & Achievements
- Paytm became a household name during the 2016 demonetization, when digital payments surged across India.
- In November 2021, Paytm went public, raising $2.5 billion at a $19 billion valuation—the largest IPO in India’s history at the time.
- Sharma has been recognized globally, including being named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in 2017 and winning Entrepreneur of the Year by AIMA in 2018.
Angel Investor & Board Roles
Beyond Paytm, Sharma is an active angel investor, supporting numerous tech start-up’s and contributing to India’s startup ecosystem. He has also served on the board of management at Netaji Subhas University of Technology in Delhi.
Personal Life
Family & Relationships
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is married to Mridula Sharma, and together they have a son named Vivaan Sharma. Despite his demanding career, Sharma values family time and often shares moments with his loved ones.
Lifestyle
Sharma’s journey reflects resilience and humility. He openly discusses overcoming language barriers and financial challenges, inspiring many with his down-to-earth attitude and relentless drive.
Physical Appearance
- Height: Approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm)
- Weight: Around 70 kg
- Unique Traits: Sharma is often seen sporting a cheerful smile and a casual, approachable style. His energetic presence and humble demeanor make him stand out as a relatable business leader.
Net Worth & Income
As of September 2022, Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s net worth was estimated at around $1.1 billion, according to Forbes. His primary income sources include his stake in One97 Communications (Paytm), investments, and various business ventures. Sharma has also secured lucrative brand deals and partnerships, further boosting his earnings.
Social Media Presence
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is active on platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn, where he shares insights on technology, entrepreneurship, and personal experiences. His engagement style is candid, motivational, and often interactive, making him popular among young entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts.
Hobbies & Interests
- Music: Sharma enjoys listening to music as a way to relax and unwind.
- Reading: He is passionate about books, especially those on technology and innovation.
- Adventure: Known for his adventurous spirit, Sharma has tried bungee jumping and river rafting.
- Mentoring: He frequently mentors startups and young entrepreneurs, reflecting his passion for nurturing talent.
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and believing in one’s dreams. From humble beginnings to becoming a billionaire entrepreneur, his journey continues to inspire millions across India and beyond.
1. Struggled with English in College
Despite being a tech prodigy, Vijay Shekhar Sharma initially struggled with English when he moved to Delhi for college. He came from a Hindi-medium background and often couldn’t understand lectures. To overcome this, he used second-hand English books and Hindi-to-English dictionaries, teaching himself the language through sheer determination.
2. Inspired by Silicon Valley Legends
Sharma has often cited Steve Jobs and Yahoo’s founders as his early inspirations. He dreamed of building a company like Yahoo from his hostel room, even writing “Yahoo of India” on his dorm wall as motivation.
3. Once Lived on Just ₹10 a Day
During his early entrepreneurial days, Sharma faced severe financial hardships. There was a time he survived on just ₹10 a day, skipping meals and walking long distances to save money. He even borrowed money from friends to keep his start-up dreams alive.
4. First Venture Was a Failure
Before Paytm, Sharma’s first company, XS Corps, failed to take off. This early setback taught him valuable lessons about resilience, business, and the importance of timing in the tech industry.
5. Gave Away Equity to Employees
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is known for his generosity towards his team. He has given away a significant portion of Paytm’s equity to early employees, making several of them crorepatis (millionaires) when the company went public.
6. Avid Marathon Runner
Sharma is passionate about fitness and has participated in several marathons. He believes that running helps him clear his mind and stay focused, drawing parallels between endurance sports and entrepreneurship.
7. Advocate for Financial Inclusion
Beyond business, Sharma is deeply committed to financial inclusion in India. He has launched several initiatives through Paytm to bring banking and digital payments to rural and underserved communities.
8. Collector of Rare Gadgets
A true tech enthusiast, Sharma collects rare and vintage gadgets. His personal collection includes old mobile phones, computers, and tech memorabilia, reflecting his lifelong passion for technology.
9. Loves Poetry and Hindi Literature
Sharma has a deep appreciation for Hindi poetry and literature. He often quotes famous poets in his speeches and draws inspiration from classic Hindi works.
10. Open About Failures and Mental Health
Unlike many high-profile CEOs, Sharma openly discusses his failures, stress, and mental health challenges. He encourages young entrepreneurs to embrace setbacks and seek help when needed, helping to break the stigma around mental health in the start-up world.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Vijay Shekhar Sharma?
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is the founder and CEO of One97 Communications and Paytm, a leading digital payments and financial services company in India.
When and where was he born?
He was born on June 7, 1978, in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
What is Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s net worth?
His net worth was estimated at $1.1 billion as of September 2022.
Is Vijay Shekhar Sharma married?
Yes, he is married to Mridula Sharma, and they have a son named Vivaan.
What are his educational qualifications?
He holds a B.Tech degree from Delhi College of Engineering (now Delhi Technological University).
What are some of his hobbies?
He enjoys music, reading, adventure sports, and mentoring startups.
What awards has he won?
Sharma has received several awards, including Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people (2017) and Entrepreneur of the Year by AIMA (2018).