Kunal Shah is the founder and CEO of CRED, a members-only credit card bill payment rewards platform. Known for his innovative approach in the fintech industry, Shah previously founded FreeCharge, which he sold to Snapdeal in 2015. Under his leadership, CRED has rapidly grown, processing a significant portion of India's credit card payments and achieving unicorn status in record time.
Who is the CEO of CRED?
Starting his career at a young age, Kunal Shah has always been driven by a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship. He holds a BA in Philosophy from Wilson College, Mumbai, and briefly pursued an MBA before dropping out to focus on his ventures. Shah's journey began with a small SaaS company called PaisaBack, which eventually led to the creation of FreeCharge, a platform that revolutionized cashback and promotional discounts for retailers. After selling FreeCharge to Snapdeal in 2015, Shah founded CRED in 2018. Under his leadership, CRED has grown to become a major player in the fintech industry, known for its reward-based credit card payments app and significant user base. Shah's role as CEO at CRED is marked by his commitment to enhancing financial literacy and transforming the credit card payment experience in India.
Work History
Throughout his career, Kunal Shah has held various positions that have shaped his journey as an entrepreneur. Here is a list of the places he has worked previously:
- PaisaBack - Founder (2009 to 2010)
- FreeCharge - Founder and CEO (2010 to 2015)
- Snapdeal - Chief Strategy Officer (2015 to 2016)
- CRED - Founder and CEO (2018 to Present)
Education History
Kunal Shah's educational journey is as diverse as his professional career. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Wilson College, Mumbai. This academic background in philosophy has likely contributed to his unique approach to problem-solving and innovation in the fintech industry. Although he briefly pursued an MBA, Shah decided to drop out to focus on his entrepreneurial ventures, a decision that has evidently paid off given his subsequent success with companies like FreeCharge and CRED. His educational experiences have provided a solid foundation for his ventures, blending critical thinking with practical business acumen.
When did Kunal Shah join CRED?
In 2018, Kunal Shah founded CRED, a fintech company that has quickly become a significant player in the industry. Since its inception, Shah has served as the CEO, guiding the company through its rapid growth and development. As of 2023, he has been with CRED for approximately five years, overseeing its evolution into a platform that processes a substantial portion of India's credit card payments. Shah's leadership at CRED reflects his ongoing commitment to innovation and enhancing the financial landscape in India.