Pearl Kapur, a 27-year-old entrepreneur from India, has made history by becoming the country’s youngest billionaire. He is the founder and CEO of Zyber 365, a Web3 and AI-based OS startup that has achieved a valuation of $1.2 billion in less than a year. His story is one of innovation, passion and vision.
From a student to a founder
Pearl Kapur’s journey to success began with his education. He graduated from Queen Mary University of London with an MSC in Investment Banking (CFA Pathway), where he acquired the skills and knowledge to excel in the business world. He also gained experience as a Financial Advisor at AMPM Store and a Business Advisor for Antier Solutions.
However, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own ventures. In February 2022, he founded Billion Pay Technologies Pvt Ltd, a fintech company that offers digital payment solutions. But his biggest breakthrough came in May 2023, when he launched Zyber 365, a Web3 and AI-based OS startup that aims to revolutionize the retail sector.
What is Zyber 365 and how does it work?
Zyber 365 is a platform that enables retailers to create their own online stores using blockchain technology and artificial intelligence. It allows them to manage their inventory, sales, marketing, customer service and loyalty programs in a secure, efficient and transparent way. It also offers features such as smart contracts, tokenization, gamification and social commerce.
Zyber 365 operates as a Layer 1 Chain that uses the Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus mechanism, which ensures scalability, sustainability and energy efficiency. It is also compatible with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM), which enables interoperability with other blockchain platforms and applications. It claims to be the first Web3 and AI-based OS in the world.
Zyber 365 has its headquarters in London, but its operations are based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, where it has a team of over 200 engineers, developers and designers. It also has offices in Singapore, Dubai and New York. It serves clients across various sectors, such as fashion, beauty, electronics, food and beverages, and healthcare.
How did Zyber 365 become a unicorn?
Zyber 365 achieved the coveted unicorn status, which means a valuation of over $1 billion, within three months of its launch. It raised $100 million in its Series A funding round in July 2023, with the participation of several investors, including the SRAM & MRAM Group, an agrarian company that invested 8.3 per cent of the amount.
The startup also received recognition and support from various organizations and institutions, such as the Startup India initiative, the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad (IIMA), the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), and the World Economic Forum (WEF). It also won several awards and accolades, such as the Best Startup of the Year, the Most Innovative Startup, and the Fastest Growing Unicorn.
Zyber 365 is currently valued at $1.2 billion, making it the fastest unicorn in both India and Asia. It also makes Pearl Kapur the youngest billionaire in India, with a net worth of $1.1 billion. He holds a 90 per cent stake in the company, while the rest is distributed among the investors and the employees.
What are the future plans of Zyber 365 and Pearl Kapur?
Zyber 365 has ambitious plans to expand its reach and impact in the global market. It aims to serve over 10 million retailers and 100 million customers by the end of 2024. It also plans to launch its own cryptocurrency, called Zyber Coin, which will be used as a medium of exchange and a reward system on the platform.
Pearl Kapur, on the other hand, has a vision to create a more inclusive, sustainable and prosperous world through the integration of exponential technologies and human values. He calls this vision Globalisation 3.0, which aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the humanity’s best interests. He is also involved in various philanthropic and social initiatives, such as education, health, environment and women empowerment.
Pearl Kapur is an inspiration for many young entrepreneurs and innovators in India and beyond. He has shown that age is no barrier to achieve greatness and make a difference. He has also shown that entrepreneurship is not just about making money, but also about making an impact.