Biography of Vikas Bardia: Founder and CEO of Shoffr- Indian Entrepreneur
Biography of Vikas Bardia:
Vikas Bardia, a name that now resonates with innovation in
the transportation industry, began his journey in Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
Born and raised in this vibrant cityin 1985, Vikas grew up in a supportive
family environment with his father Ravi Bardia, mother Sunita Bardia, and
younger brother Rohan. His early years were marked by a keen interest in
finance and a deep passion for entrepreneurship, setting the stage for his
future endeavors.
Academic Excellence at Oxford
Vikas’s pursuit of academic excellence took him to the
prestigious University of Oxford, where he pursued a Master’s Degree in
Financial Economics from 2014 to 2015. His time at Oxford was marked by
distinction in various subjects including Asset Management, Private Equity,
Behavioral Economics, Corporate Finance, and Financial Markets Trading. He
earned a significant scholarship of £20,000 from multiple organizations,
reflecting his outstanding academic performance.
The CFA Journey
In 2012, Vikas achieved a major milestone by becoming a CFA
Charterholder. His journey through the CFA program, which began with passing
Level 1 in December 2010 and culminated in Level 3 in June 2012, equipped him
with a robust understanding of investments and securities. This qualification
laid a strong foundation for his career in finance and investment.
Early Career: Foundations in Finance
Vikas's professional journey started at Goldman Sachs in
Bangalore as a Private Banking Intern in 2007. Despite a promising start, he
soon realized that his true interests lay elsewhere. This led him to join D. E.
Shaw & Co. in Hyderabad, where he worked as an Associate in the Financial
Research team. His role involved supporting global traders and engaging in
comprehensive financial research, igniting his passion for investment and
market analysis.
Deep Dive into Alternative Credit
In September 2015, Vikas moved to London to join Willis
Towers Watson as a Senior Analyst. Here, he focused on evaluating alternative
credit strategies, including leveraged loans and structured credit. One of his
notable achievements was designing and launching a $250 million fund for
investing in unique financial instruments, showcasing his innovative approach
and deep industry knowledge.
Growth at Smallcase
By May 2018, Vikas had returned to India to join smallcase,
a growing fintech company in Bangalore. Initially heading business growth, he
played a pivotal role in expanding the user base from 100,000 to 2.5 million.
His responsibilities evolved to encompass brand perception and content
management, where he led various initiatives including marketing campaigns and
educational content, significantly enhancing smallcase’s market presence.
The Birth of Shoffr
In July 2022, Vikas embarked on a new venture, co-founding
Shoffr with Kislay Verma. Shoffr was conceived as a solution to the common
problems faced in traditional taxi services, such as cancellations and poor
service quality. Vikas’s vision was to create a premium ride experience with a
focus on reliability, comfort, and customer satisfaction, using electric SUVs
to promote environmental sustainability.
Biography of Vikas Bardia: Founder and CEO of Shoffr- Indian Entrepreneur /Investor/Success story of Vikas Bardia/Shoffr story/Age/Net worth/Wife
Revolutionizing Transportation
Shoffr’s core mission under Vikas’s leadership is to set a
new standard in the transportation industry. By offering pre-booked premium
cars and highly professional chauffeurs, Shoffr aims to eliminate uncertainties
and provide a superior riding experience. The service includes thoughtful
amenities and ensures that chauffeurs maintain a distraction-free environment,
enhancing overall customer comfort.
Balancing Professional and Personal Life
While Vikas dedicates much of his time to refining the
Shoffr experience, he also values his personal life. He is married to Priya
Bardia, and the couple enjoys a fulfilling family life. Vikas’s interests
extend beyond work; he is an avid reader of finance and entrepreneurship books
and a cricket enthusiast. His love for biking is evident in his collection,
which includes notable models such as the Harley-Davidson Street 750 and Royal
Enfield Himalayan.
Overcoming Challenges
Throughout his career, Vikas has faced challenges and
controversies. Recently, Shoffr encountered a minor controversy involving
accusations of unfair practices from a competitor. Vikas addressed the issue
with professionalism and transparency, affirming Shoffr’s commitment to ethical
standards and regulatory compliance, and reaffirming the company’s reputation
for integrity.
Legacy of Achievement
Vikas Bardia’s career is a testament to his dedication and
versatility in the finance and entrepreneurial sectors. From his early roles in
financial research and investment to his transformative impact at smallcase and
Shoffr, Vikas has consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence and
innovation. His achievements reflect a deep understanding of financial systems
and a passion for creating meaningful change.
Driving Innovation
At Shoffr, Vikas continues to drive innovation in the
transportation industry. His focus on providing an exceptional ride experience
with a green touch reflects his broader commitment to sustainability. By
leveraging his extensive background in finance and market analysis, Vikas
ensures that Shoffr not only meets but exceeds customer expectations.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Vikas aims to expand Shoffr’s reach beyond
Bangalore, with plans to introduce its premium ride services to other cities in
India. His vision is to maintain the high standards of service while adapting
to new challenges and opportunities in the transportation sector. Vikas’s
forward-thinking approach positions Shoffr as a leader in the evolving
landscape of urban mobility.
Reflecting on the Journey
Reflecting on his journey, Vikas acknowledges the support of
his family, mentors, and colleagues who have contributed to his success. His
career path, marked by significant achievements and continuous learning,
highlights his resilience and adaptability. Vikas’s story serves as an
inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and finance professionals.
Commitment to Growth
As Shoffr continues to grow and evolve, Vikas remains
committed to personal and professional development. His experience across
different sectors of finance and entrepreneurship provides him with unique
insights, allowing him to lead Shoffr with both strategic vision and
operational excellence. Vikas’s ongoing efforts to enhance the Shoffr
experience underscore his dedication to achieving excellence in every aspect of
his work.
Timeline for Vikas and Shoffr journey
2007: Begins career at Goldman Sachs as a Private Banking Intern.
2008: Joins D. E. Shaw & Co. in Hyderabad as an Associate in Financial Research.
2012: Becomes a CFA Charterholder, gaining a strong
foundation in finance.
2014-2015: Completes a Master’s Degree in Financial Economics at Oxford University.
September 2015: Moves to London and joins Willis Towers
Watson as a Senior Analyst, launching a $250 million fund.
May 2018: Returns to India to join smallcase, expanding its
user base from 100,000 to 2.5 million.
July 2022: Co-founds Shoffr, focusing on premium, reliable,
and sustainable taxi services.
2024: Shoffr revolutionizes transportation with electric
SUVs and high-quality service.
