In the dynamic landscape of India’s startup ecosystem, the inspiring tale of two friends, Vidit and Sanjeev, unfolds as they birthed the innovative platform, Meesho. The online marketplace, founded in late 2015, serves as a bridge connecting suppliers, resellers, and customers, leveraging the expansive reach of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Recognizing the untapped potential within housewives and women in smaller towns, Vidit and Sanjeev designed Meesho to be not only accessible but also flexible and user-friendly. With its streamlined marketing processes, comprehensive training, and mentorship programs, Meesho has empowered countless women to fulfill their aspirations of financial independence and entrepreneurship.
The transformative success of Meesho is evident in Fidelity’s valuation of the company at an impressive $4.98 billion in December 2022. This valuation marked a significant increase from the estimated $4.29 billion valuation in September of the same year.
Sanjeev Barnwal, the Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Meesho, commenced his remarkable journey post-graduation from IIT. Venturing to Japan, he joined Sony’s esteemed Core Tech Team, accumulating invaluable knowledge and experiences. Notably, Sony boasts a substantial market capital of Rs 1032259 crore.
Despite his success with Sony, Sanjeev harboured an entrepreneurial dream. Consulting his friend Vidit Aatrey, then working at InMobi in Bangalore, they deliberated for a month before taking the plunge into entrepreneurship.
In June 2015, both Sanjeev and Vidit left their corporate roles and returned to India, even though the startup’s concept was still taking shape. Their vision was clear – to create a platform prioritizing the success of businesses.
Meesho’s inaugural office was a humble dining table in a modest two-bedroom apartment in Bengaluru’s Koramangala neighbourhood. From these modest beginnings, Meesho has blossomed into a thriving enterprise.
Sanjeev Barnwal’s entrepreneurial journey has not only transformed the startup scene but has also contributed to an estimated net worth exceeding $2.1 billion. His story stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities that arise when vision, innovation, and determination converge on the path to success.