From FreeCharge to CRED to WhatsApp’s top job: Kunal Shah’s journey

Kunal Shah, known for founding the digital payments platform FreeCharge and the credit card management app CRED, has taken on a top role at WhatsApp. The move marks a significant shift from entrepreneurship to leading a major global messaging platform's operations in India.

Shah founded FreeCharge in 2010, which was later acquired by Snapdeal in 2015 for about $400 million. He then launched CRED in 2018, a platform that rewards users for paying their credit card bills on time. CRED has since grown to become a prominent fintech company in India.

WhatsApp, owned by Meta, has been expanding its services in India, including payments and business tools. Shah's appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen WhatsApp's position in the country's competitive digital ecosystem.

Shah's journey from building startups to leading a key division at WhatsApp highlights the growing crossover between Indian entrepreneurs and global tech firms. His experience in fintech and consumer platforms is expected to drive WhatsApp's next phase of growth in India.