Full Name: Vijay Shekhar Sharma
Born: July 8, 1978 – Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India
Known For: Founder & CEO of Paytm (Pay Through Mobile)
Industry: Fintech, Digital Payments, Entrepreneurship
Story:
Born to a humble school teacher in a small town, Vijay Shekhar Sharma learned English by translating books word by word. At age 15, he joined Delhi College of Engineering and soon built a small tech startup. But it was in 2010 that he founded Paytm, starting as a mobile recharge platform.
In 2016, when India demonetized ₹500 and ₹1000 currency notes, Sharma’s vision of a cashless India took off. Paytm became a household name, used for everything from grocery bills to online shopping.
He once had just ₹10 in his bank account, struggled with debts, and was rejected by investors. But with relentless belief and innovation, he built one of India’s most valuable fintech brands.
Key Achievements:
- Founder of Paytm, India’s leading digital wallet and payments app
- Pioneered QR-code based payments across India
- Took Paytm public in 2021 (one of India’s largest IPOs)
- Featured in Time’s 100 Most Influential People (2017)
Famous Quote:
“If you don’t give up, you still have a chance. Giving up is the greatest failure.”
Legacy:
Vijay Shekhar Sharma’s story is one of persistence, disruption, and bold vision. From rural India to the boardrooms of global investors, he proved that with courage and innovation, even the most ordinary beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact.
