Every top-notch company has begun from scratch, and for Meesho, it was a dining table in Koramangala, Bengaluru, a place where a mind-blowing idea took shape and grew into an e-commerce giant. At the center of this journey is Sanjeev Barnwal, an IIT-Delhi graduate who went from designing camera technology at Sony in Japan to building the backbone of Meesho, an e-commerce platform for online shopping for millions of Indians.
From convincing small sellers to adapt digital commerce to scaling a platform that now competes with giants like Flipkart and Amazon, his journey inspires India’s new-age entrepreneurs.
Today, as Meesho prepares to go public, Sanjeev Barnwal’s name resonates with entrepreneurial grit and fearless innovation. His story reminds us that game-changing companies often start with nothing more than a dream and the courage to pursue it.
Sanjeev Barnwal – Biography
| Name | Sanjeev Barnwal |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education | Bachelor of Technology (B. Tech) in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi |
| Early Career | Worked at Sony, Japan, on DSLR and Cyber‑Shot camera tech |
| Current Role | Co‑Founder & Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Meesho |
| Key Achievements | Scaled Meesho into one of India’s fastest-growing e-commerce platforms; introduced AI-driven logistics and reseller platform; Meesho listed as one of FT’s High-Growth Companies in Asia-Pacific (2025) |
| Net Worth (2025) | Approx. $2.1 billion USD |
Sanjeev Barnwal – Early Education
Sanjeev Barnwal – Career Journey
Sanjeev Barnwal – Co-Founding Meesho
Sanjeev Barnwal – Celebrating a Decade in IPO & Legacy
Sanjeev Barnwal – Net Worth & Ventures
Sanjeev Barnwal – Awards & Recognition
Sanjeev Barnwal – Early Education
Sanjeev Barnwal began his educational journey at DAV JVM Shyamali in Ranchi, Jharkhand, where he studied until 2007. Following his schooling, he pursued higher education at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, earning a Bachelor of Technology (BTech.) degree in Electrical Engineering. This strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future career in technology and entrepreneurship, eventually leading him to co-found Meesho.
Sanjeev Barnwal – Career Journey
After completing his schooling at IIT Delhi, Sanjeev Barnwal, co-founder and CTO of Meesho, set out for an exciting chapter of his life. He ventured to Japan to join Sony’s prestigious Core Tech Team, where he gained invaluable knowledge and hands-on experience in cutting-edge technology. At the time, Sony itself commanded an impressive market capitalization of INR 1,03,22,590 million, highlighting the scale and influence of the company where he honed his skills.
Despite finding fulfilment in his role, Sanjeev quietly nurtured a bigger dream, the desire to build his own company. Eager to turn this dream into reality, he reached out to his friend Vidit Aatrey, who was then working at Bangalore-based InMobi. After about a month of discussions and planning, the duo decided it was time to take the plunge. In June 2015, both Sanjeev and Vidit returned to India, leaving their corporate careers behind to chase their entrepreneurial vision.
Sanjeev Barnwal – Co-Founding Meesho
In December 2015, Meesho was launched with a vision to democratize e-commerce in India. Within months, the platform began to redefine the e-commerce landscape. Sanjeev Barnwal, serving as the Chief Technology Officer, played a crucial role in constructing a scalable technology infrastructure tailored for markets beyond India’s metropolitan cities. This strategic focus enabled Meesho to cater effectively to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, areas often overlooked by traditional e-commerce giants.
A key differentiator for Meesho was its innovative business model. By adopting a zero-investment, zero-commission approach, the platform empowered resellers and everyday sellers to thrive without the burden of upfront costs or commission fees. This model not only attracted a diverse seller base but also fostered a community-driven marketplace.
By the end of 2024, Meesho reported a significant milestone, reaching 175 million annual transacting users, marking a 25% increase from the previous year. Notably, approximately 50% of this user base hailed from Tier-4 and smaller towns, including regions like Naidupeta (Andhra Pradesh), Sherghati (Bihar), and Harapanahalli (Karnataka).
Today, Meesho stands as a testament to how a clear vision, combined with innovative execution, can transform the e-commerce landscape, making it more inclusive and accessible to all.
Sarika Anand
Sanjeev Barnwal – Celebrating a Decade in IPO & Legacy
As Meesho celebrates its 10th anniversary, Vidit Aatrey and Sanjeev Barnwal interact with its in-house voicebot to reminisce about their modest start in a Bengaluru flat. Over the years, the company not only disrupted the Indian e-commerce market but also prepared itself for one of the most anticipated IPOs of the year.
In June 2025, Meesho officially converted into a public limited company, reorganized its capital structure, and appointed leading banks, Morgan Stanley, Citi, Kotak, and JP Morgan, as advisors for the IPO (The Times of India). Adding to this momentum, the company also secured shareholder and NCLT approval to shift its headquarters from the US to India, while raising INR 4,250 crore to strengthen its IPO prospects. With an anticipated valuation between $7–10 billion, Meesho’s IPO, expected in late 2025, is being closely watched as a defining milestone in India’s startup success story.
Sanjeev Barnwal – Net Worth & Ventures
By early 2025, Sanjeev Barnwal’s estimated net worth had surpassed $2.1 billion, reflecting Meesho’s impressive growth, from its social commerce roots to a leading e-commerce platform.
While some reports may quote lower figures in INR crores, the USD-based valuation enjoys broader acceptance in financial circles. Beyond Meesho, Barnwal actively contributes to India’s startup ecosystem as an angel investor and mentor. According to Planify, he has invested in at least 18 companies.
Sanjeev Barnwal – Awards & Recognition
- Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies (2020): Meesho, under Sanjeev’s tech leadership, was the only Indian company included in Fast Company’s World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies list in 2020.
- Forbes 30 Under 30 (Asia & India): He earned a spot in Forbes 30 Under 30, both in the Asia and India editions, recognizing his impact in consumer technology and entrepreneurship at IIT Delhi.
- Economic Times & Fortune 40 Under 40: Sanjeev was also featured in Economic Times’ 40 Under 40 and Fortune India’s 40 Under 40 lists, spotlighting him as a prominent young leader in India’s business landscape.
- EY India Entrepreneur of the Year (Start-up Category): In 2021, he and co-founder Vidit Aatrey won the Start-up category at EY India’s Entrepreneur of the Year awards for their innovative work with Meesho, empowering millions of resellers across India.
- IIT Delhi’s GOLD Award (2021): Sanjeev was honored with the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Award by IIT Delhi in 2021. This award celebrated his entrepreneurial achievements with Meesho and his contributions to India’s startup ecosystem.
Anik Banerjee
FAQs
Who is Sanjeev Barnwal?
Sanjeev Barnwal is the Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Meesho, one of India’s fastest-growing e-commerce platforms.
What is the educational background of Sanjeev Barnwal?
Sanjeev Barnwal studied at DAV JVM Shyamali, Ranchi, and later pursued a B.Tech in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi.
What was Sanjeev Barnwal’s early career before Meesho?
Before co-founding Meesho, Sanjeev worked at Sony in Japan on DSLR and Cyber-Shot camera technology as part of their prestigious Core Tech Team.
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