Biography of Mr. Navin Surya: Founder & Ex-CEO of ItzCash- Entrepreneur
Biography of Mr. Navin Surya:
Mr. Navin Surya, renowned for his pioneering work in the
fintech industry. As a serial entrepreneur and investor, he embarked on a
mission to transform how people handled financial transactions in the country.
His journey began in 2005 when he joined the Essel Group, a significant player
in Indian business circles.
The Birth of ItzCash
Under Mr. Surya's guidance, a groundbreaking initiative took
shape—ItzCash. This innovation was India’s first-ever Multi-Purpose Cash Card.
Launched to make financial transactions more accessible, the ItzCash Card was
designed to work seamlessly, allowing users to conduct their financial
activities without being restricted by traditional constraints like time,
location, or space.
Achievements and Recognition
ItzCash, led by Mr. Surya, quickly made a mark on both
national and international stages. The card received several prestigious awards
in 2008, including “Innovative Use of Technology,” “Best General-Purpose
Spending Card Program,” and “The Most Innovative Prepaid Program” for its
“Octroi Automation Program.” These accolades highlighted the card's exceptional
contribution to modernizing payment solutions.
A Successful Transition
After over 13 years of dedicated effort in growing ItzCash,
Mr. Surya achieved a major milestone in 2017. He spearheaded the successful
exit of ItzCash, selling the company to EbixCash for an impressive $130
million. This move not only validated the success of ItzCash but also opened
new chapters for Mr. Surya’s career.
Founding SoHum Bharat
In the aftermath of ItzCash’s sale, Mr. Surya continued to
drive innovation by founding SoHum Bharat Digital Payments. This new venture
aimed to revolutionize digital retail payments in India. Partnering with
Infibeam, a leader in the payment space, SoHum Bharat sought to further enhance
the digital payment landscape in the country.
Leadership Roles and Contributions
Mr. Surya’s influence extended beyond his ventures. He
played a pivotal role as a member of the National Payment Corporation of India
and served as the Chairman of both the Fintech Convergence Council and the
Payments Council of India. His involvement in these organizations showcased his
commitment to advancing the fintech sector in India.
Biography of Mr. Navin Surya: Founder & Ex-CEO of ItzCash- Entrepreneur /Investor/Mentor/Advisor/Life story of Navin Surya/Age/Net worth/Navin Surya
Consulting and Advisory Work
Before making his mark in fintech, Mr. Surya gained valuable
experience as a Management Consultant at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). His
work included projects for major clients such as ACC, GE Capital in the UK, and
UBS in Japan, where he honed his skills in management and finance.
Academic Background
Mr. Surya's educational background laid a strong foundation
for his successful career. He holds a postgraduate degree in Management with a
specialization in Finance, complemented by a graduation degree in Commerce and
Law from Mumbai University. This academic prowess underpinned his ability to
navigate complex financial landscapes.
Contributions to the Digital Economy
Over the past two decades, Mr. Surya has been a trailblazer
in the digital economy. His pioneering work includes initiatives such as the
Cashless Trade Exchange and India’s first digital wallet designed for the
masses. These contributions have been instrumental in shaping India’s digital
payment infrastructure.
Investment and Mentorship
Beyond his direct ventures, Mr. Surya has been an active
investor and mentor in the fintech space. He has supported and guided companies
like Wizz, Zimyo, Tyke, FPL, and Satya Microcapital. His role as an investor
and mentor reflects his commitment to nurturing new ideas and innovations in
fintech.
Strategic Roles at Beams Fintech Fund
Mr. Surya currently serves as a Strategic Venture Partner at
Beams Fintech Fund, a growth-stage fund focusing on fintech startups. His role
involves providing strategic guidance and leveraging his extensive network to
support emerging fintech companies in their growth journey.
Advisory and Board Memberships
In addition to his role at Beams Fintech Fund, Mr. Surya
holds several advisory and board positions. He is a Board Member at Satya
MicroCapital and an advisor at Zimyo Consulting. His involvement in these roles
underscores his ongoing influence in the fintech industry.
Expanding Horizons
Mr. Surya’s contributions are not limited to fintech. He has
also explored opportunities in other sectors. As an advisor at Mitsui &
Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, he has helped expand and grow international
businesses, showcasing his global perspective and strategic acumen.
Vision for the Future
Mr. Surya’s vision extends to transforming various sectors
with technology. His work with Astute Energy and Indie Home Loans reflects his
ambition to revolutionize the energy sector and housing finance, respectively.
These ventures highlight his belief in leveraging technology to drive
innovation across industries.
Legacy and Impact
Through his diverse roles and ventures, Mr. Surya has left
an indelible mark on the fintech industry and beyond. His work has paved the
way for more inclusive and efficient financial solutions, and his ongoing
contributions continue to shape the future of digital payments and financial
services in India.
Timeline for story
2005: Joined Essel Group to start his fintech journey.
2008: Launched ItzCash, India’s first Multi-Purpose Cash
Card.
2008: ItzCash received multiple prestigious awards.
2017: Sold ItzCash to EbixCash for $130 million.
2017: Founded SoHum Bharat Digital Payments.
Current: Serves as Strategic Venture Partner at Beams
Fintech Fund and holds various advisory roles.
Current: Advises Mitsui & Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, exploring
international business growth.
Current: Works with Astute Energy and Indie Home Loans to
innovate in energy and housing finance.
