Biography of Akshay Mehrotra: Founder & CEO of Fibe.Indian( Formarly EarlySalary)
Biography of Akshay Mehrotra:
Akshay Mehrotra embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with a vision to revolutionize lending in India. Their
idea was to democratize credit for young working professionals who often
struggled with their finances towards the end of each month. The concept was
simple yet disruptive: provide an easy, mobile-based lending solution for
salaried individuals, starting with a product that allowed instant salary
advances. This innovative approach sought to address the common financial woes
faced by many young professionals.
A Diverse Educational Background
Akshay Mehrotra’s educational journey is marked by a diverse
and rich background. He pursued a Post Graduate Diploma in Management,
specializing in Marketing and Finance, at the Symbiosis Institute of Management
Studies from 2002 to 2004. This advanced education equipped him with a solid
foundation in both marketing strategies and financial principles.
Early Academic Foundations
Before delving into management studies, Akshay earned his
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Air Force School Agra in
1998. His undergraduate studies provided him with a comprehensive understanding
of business fundamentals, which he further explored during his postgraduate
education.
Furthering His Knowledge
In addition to his management diploma, Akshay also completed
a Master’s degree in Economics from Pune University in 2004. This academic
achievement complemented his business and management education, deepening his
understanding of economic principles and their application in the business
world.
Early Career and Technical Support
Devendra’s professional journey began as a Technical Support
Associate at Wipro Spectramind from May 2001 to May 2002. He led a team of 14
members, providing remote hardware support for Dell Computers. His role
involved managing customer queries and complaints, ensuring quality standards,
and earning recognition for exceptional customer satisfaction and resolution
rates.
Pioneering Marketing Strategies
From July 2004 to May 2011, Devendra worked at Bajaj Allianz
Life Insurance Co. Ltd. as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communication.
During his tenure, he led the development and execution of marketing strategies
and campaigns, managed a substantial budget of approximately INR 800 million,
and oversaw public relations and corporate communication. His work in brand
management and customer loyalty initiatives earned him the Excellence Award in
2006 for outstanding performance.
Building a Strong Brand
Devendra’s journey in marketing began at Policybazaar.com,
where he was Chief Marketing Officer from May 2011 to January 2013. At
Policybazaar.com, India’s largest online insurance aggregator, he played a
crucial role in strategic brand building and managing media and public
relations. His efforts helped position Policybazaar.com as a leading player in
the online insurance market.
Biography of Akshay Mehrotra: Founder & CEO of Fibe.Indian( Formarly EarlySalary)/ENTREPRENEUR/Success story of Akshay Mehrotra/Age/Net worth/Life stroy
Strategic Marketing Leadership
Before diving into FinTech, Devendra honed his marketing
expertise at Big Bazaar, where he served as Chief Marketing Officer from
January 2013 to September 2015. Based in Mumbai, he managed the brand’s
marketing strategy and communications, contributing to its strong market
presence and brand recognition.
Leading the Future of FinTech
Since October 2016, Devendra Rane has been the Co-Founder
and CEO of Fibe, previously known as EarlySalary, based in Pune. Under his
leadership, Fibe is making waves in the financial technology sector by
transforming how lending operates in India. The company focuses on a
mobile-first approach, implementing an intelligent risk scoring system, and
introducing convenient options for loans and pay-later services. Devendra is
spearheading the development of a dynamic team dedicated to turning Fibe into
one of the most talked-about FinTech brands.
Building a Vision: From Concept to Reality
The journey of EarlySalary began with a clear mission: to
offer a straightforward and accessible credit solution. The founders focused on
three core principles: enabling users to borrow without justification, allowing
flexible repayment terms, and ensuring a completely digital and automated
process. They aimed to create a platform where users could manage their
finances efficiently, with the added convenience of a mobile app.
Rapid Growth and Scaling
In just six years, EarlySalary witnessed remarkable growth.
The company expanded from a small team to over 300 employees and saw its
turnover soar from modest amounts to handling substantial loan disbursals.
EarlySalary emerged as a leader in India’s fintech space, disbursing 0.5
million loans worth over ₹160 crore. This success was a testament to the
effectiveness of their innovative approach and the demand for their services.
Overcoming Challenges: A Journey of Persistence
The path to success was not without its hurdles. EarlySalary
faced significant challenges in its early days, including financial constraints
and skepticism from investors. Despite rejections from numerous venture
capitalists, the founders persevered. They eventually secured funding by
demonstrating their commitment and potential, highlighting their business
metrics and the impact of their innovative model.
From EarlySalary to Fibe
In 2020, EarlySalary rebranded to Fibe, reflecting its
evolution and broader vision. Under Akshay’s leadership, Fibe continued to
focus on transforming the lending landscape with advanced products and
services. The company’s commitment to providing accessible financial solutions
remained at the core of its operations.
Customer-Centric Approach
One of EarlySalary’s key strategies was to maintain a
customer-centric approach. The company used machine learning and risk scoring
to tailor its services and ensure a seamless user experience. This approach not
only simplified the borrowing process but also fostered repeat engagement, with
customers frequently returning for additional services and recommending the
platform to others.
Expanding Reach and Educating Users
EarlySalary's growth strategy included expanding its reach
through diverse product offerings and deepening partnerships with corporates.
The company invested in educating users about credit and financial management,
ensuring that their services were accessible to a broad audience. By
integrating with employer systems and leveraging advanced technology,
EarlySalary aimed to make credit management as effortless as possible.
Championing Consumer Empowerment
In October 2020, Devendra co-founded the FinTech Association
for Consumer Empowerment (FACE), a non-profit organization aimed at promoting
consumer-centric practices in the rapidly growing Indian FinTech sector. FACE
brings together key players from the digital lending industry, including
founders of notable platforms like EarlySalary, KreditBee, Kissht, CashE, and
LoanTap. The association works with consumers, regulators, and policymakers to
enhance and evolve practices that prioritize consumer interests in the digital
lending space.
Future Plans and Vision
Looking ahead, Akshay and his team at Fibe have ambitious
plans. They aim to build a larger organization with a comprehensive suite of
financial products, enhance customer acquisition, and double their size every
six months. Their goal is to become a beloved brand in the financial sector,
offering solutions that cater to every credit need.
Daily Routines and Leadership Style
Akshay Mehrotra’s typical workday starts with an energetic
run and a review of key management information. He emphasizes maintaining an
open and collaborative work environment by meeting with various team members
regularly. His leadership style is characterized by frequent stand-up meetings
and a balance between work and personal time.
Weekend Activities and Mentorship
On weekends, Akshay engages with new startups, offering
support and mentorship to help them grow. He also spends time as a guest
faculty member at marketing colleges, sharing his insights with young minds.
His passion for automobiles often leads him to test drive new cars and bikes,
adding a personal touch to his busy schedule.
A Passion for Vehicles
Akshay's enthusiasm for automobiles is evident in his
impressive collection of vehicles, including a BMW i4, Mercedes 220, Royal
Enfield Meteor 350, and Kawasaki Ninja. His dream of owning a Ferrari SF90 XX
Stradale reflects his passion for high-performance cars. This interest extends
beyond personal vehicles, as he has even experienced driving a truck and a
tank.
Brand Preferences and Influences
When it comes to brands, Akshay is particularly drawn to
Ferrari and Nike. Ferrari’s promise of luxury and performance and Nike’s
commitment to delivering exceptional customer experiences resonate with him.
These brands stand out in his life due to their consistency and dedication to
their core values.
Personal Values and Corporate Philosophy
Under Akshay's leadership, Fibe has developed a vibrant
corporate culture that emphasizes values and team cohesion. The company's
growth is driven by a commitment to making a positive impact on people’s lives
through innovative financial solutions. This philosophy has played a
significant role in the company's success and its ability to attract and retain
talented individuals.
The Journey of Innovation and Success
The story of EarlySalary and Fibe is one of innovation,
resilience, and success. From its humble beginnings to becoming a major player
in the fintech industry, the company has demonstrated the power of a visionary
idea combined with determination and strategic thinking. Akshay Mehrotra’s
journey reflects the potential for transformative change in the financial
sector through innovative solutions and a strong customer focus.
Timeline for EarlySalary/Fibe's Journey
1998: Akshay Mehrotra earns his Bachelor’s degree in
Business Administration.
2002-2004: Akshay completes a Post Graduate Diploma in
Management at Symbiosis Institute of Management Studies.
2004: Akshay graduates with a Master’s degree in Economics
from Pune University.
2001-2002: Devendra Rane works as a Technical Support
Associate at Wipro Spectramind.
2004-2011: Devendra serves as Head of Marketing and
Corporate Communication at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Co. Ltd.
2011-2013: Devendra is Chief Marketing Officer at
Policybazaar.com.
2013-2015: Devendra works as Chief Marketing Officer at Big
Bazaar.
October 2016: Devendra Rane co-founds EarlySalary (later
rebranded as Fibe).
2017-2020: EarlySalary experiences rapid growth, disbursing
0.5 million loans worth over ₹160 crore.
2020: EarlySalary rebrands to Fibe; Akshay co-founds FinTech
Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE).
2024: Akshay and his team at Fibe aim for rapid expansion
and continued innovation in financial products.