BharatPe co-founder Shashvat Nakrani steps down as COO to explore new ideas and ventures

Indian fintech firm BharatPe's co-founder Shashvat Nakrani has stepped down from his day-to-day role and will move into a strategic advisory position from 1 May, 2026.

In a personal note, Nakrani said he would transition away from the role of chief operating officer (COO) to become a strategic advisor and continue as a board director. In this role, he will remain involved in key areas including fundraising, IPO plans, mergers and acquisitions, and long-term strategy.

He said the decision was driven by a desire to “explore new ideas and ventures”, adding that curiosity had long shaped his approach to building businesses.

“For me, building has always meant following curiosity, returning to first principles, and exploring ideas that may not always succeed, but are worth pursuing. That same curiosity led me to put everything else on hold, including college, at the age of 19 in 2018, when we founded BharatPe on the IIT Delhi campus. It was about bridging a gap we clearly saw around us,” Nakrani wrote.

Nakrani co-founded BharatPe with Bhavik Koladiya in 2017, and the company was incorporated in 2018. Ashneer Grover later joined as a third co-founder the same year. Both Koladiya and Grover left the company in 2022.

He remained with the company through those leadership exits and continues to hold a significant personal stake in BharatPe.

“For me personally, it’s a step towards exploring something new, while staying connected to what I have built. I will always care deeply about BharatPe and will continue to contribute to its journey in every way I can,” he added.

Nalin Negi will continue to lead the company alongside its board.