Richa Gaur

Entrepreneur, Money Manager, Business Builder, Coffee-Drinker, Voracious Reader

[Richa Gaur @richariya]

Congratulations @kunalb11! Keep inspiring us!

[Kunal Shah @kunalb11]

It’s been a minute.

2015–2018
- Exited FreeCharge. Spent time learning and investing.
- Pondered about: Why can't trust be rewarded? Started with $1M of personal capital.
- Launched CRED to reward people for paying credit card bills on time.

2019–2025
- Built a system run by a team that values ownership, judgment, and craft.
- Grew from 0 to 17M members by aligning incentives with behaviour.
- Built several products during COVID lockdowns.
- Raised $900M+ from global investors. Did 4 ESOP buybacks.
- Made Indiranagar and IPL ads slightly more interesting.
- Received a full stack of regulatory licences.
- Lost 35 kilos.
- Scaled from 0 to ~$325M ( ~₹3,200 crore) in annual revenue across payments, lending, insurance, commerce, wealth, and credit cards.
2026
- First profitable quarter (yet occasionally asked what our business model is)
- Raised another $900M from Meta in primary and secondary capital.
- Announcing our 5th ESOP buyback.

Today

CRED is ready for its next phase. I am stepping back and @miten steps in as interim CEO, partnered with an incredibly talented team. He has been heading strategy and finance and suffering me since 2020. I’m stepping away from the operating role and will continue as a shareholder. My commitment doesn’t change. Just the role.

Extremely grateful to our members, partners, regulators, and investors who made this possible. And to our board, Shailendra, Micky, Saurabh for their extraordinary conviction.

Team CRED, I’ll still expect you to be a 10x version of yourselves.

As for me, I’ll be joining Meta to lead WhatsApp globally.

Meta comes in as a minority investor in CRED. No access to member data.

While it’s come very far, the delta between WhatsApp today and its full potential is massive. I look forward to working with Mark, Chris, and the leadership across Meta for the next step in WhatsApp’s journey. Will, thank you for scaling something the world relies on quietly, and for making this transition smooth.

Onwards.

[Richa Gaur @richariya]

@BlumeVentures @BKartRed @AshishFafadia @sajithpai @sanjaynath @arpiit @riashroff @saritaraichu @mehtaalok @mitul_am @SeekingN0rth Blume Day 2026.
15 years. Incredible journey.
Congratulations @BlumeVentures @BKartRed !
#blumeday2026

[Richa Gaur @richariya]

@cloud_extel Happy Republic Day!

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

This Republic Day, we celebrate dreams, courage, and the drive to grow together.

Proud to connect people & communities every day!

#RepublicDay #DigitalIndia #ConnectedIndia #CloudExtel #26January

[barkha dutt @BDUTT]

Like everyone am outraged at Indigo’s impunity & arrogance & aviation regulator DGCA has a lot to answer for . But our tough questions must not descend into gendered trolling and personal innuendo for female officers at the helm. Ask for accountability without sexualised abuse @MoCA_GoI @DGCAIndia

[audium capital partners @audiumcp]

CloudExtel raises ₹200 crore in debt funding https://t.co/Ad8CLNo9p1

[BTW Media @MediaBtw]

CloudExtel Secures ₹200 Crore to Launch AI-Focused DCI Network.
Learn more: https://t.co/QpHowvm346
#CloudExtel

[Indian Startup News @indstartupnews]

CloudExtel, a homegrown full-stack Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) provider, today announced that it has raised Rs 200 crore in debt funding from a private sector bank.

Read the full story here:👇
https://t.co/jMq2BZ4ixn

[Entrepreneur Asia Pacific @EntrepreneurAPJ]

🌐 CloudExtel Secures ₹200 Cr Debt Funding to Build AI-Ready Networks

Mumbai-based Network as a Service (NaaS) provider CloudExtel has raised INR 200 crore in debt funding from a leading private sector bank to expand its digital infrastructure network. Existing shareholders also provided a follow-on equity infusion.

The capital will accelerate efforts to strengthen connectivity solutions for telecom operators, enterprises, and data centers, meeting the rising demand for AI-ready networks.

A significant portion of the funds is dedicated to the upcoming Data Center Interconnect network, launching initially in Mumbai and expanding to major metros like Bangalore and Delhi.

This network will provide high-capacity, low-latency links crucial for supporting AI workloads and cloud services.

CloudExtel currently operates over 6,500 small cells and 12,000 km of fiber, supporting India's 4G densification and 5G rollout.

Read the story: https://t.co/PlKk4WwlJ2

#CloudExtel #DigitalInfrastructure #AIReadyNetworks #DataCenters #TelecomIndia #TechFunding #MumbaiTech

[Richa Gaur @richariya]

@cloud_extel Proud moment for all of us at @cloud_extel!

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

CloudExtel secures ₹200 crore to strengthen India’s AI-ready backbone, expanding metro fiber, launching Mumbai DCI, and delivering low-latency interconnects for the nation’s digital & AI future.

#CloudExtel #DigitalIndia

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

Welcoming new talent to #TeamCloudExtel!

Every new member strengthens our pursuit of operational excellence and innovation in India’s #DigitalInfrastructure journey.

We’re thrilled to have them on board. Welcome to Team CloudExtel!
#WelcomeToCloudExtel #NaaS #TelecomLeadership

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

@cloud_extel is thrilled to share that our CEO & Co-Founder, Kunal Bajaj, will be speaking at #Fyuz2025 by @TelecomInfraP! He’ll share key insights on neutral host and shared infrastructure models, joining global industry leaders who are shaping the future of connectivity.

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

Honoring GuruNanakJayanti with the spirit of “Sarbat da Bhala.” At @cloud_extel , we build connections that empower and uplift communities across India. #GuruNanakJayanti #CloudExtel #SarbatDaBhala

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

Our CEO & Co-Founder, @KunBajaj, joined global leaders at #FYUZ2025 to discuss how #NeutralHost and #SharedInfrastructure are redefining connectivity. From Mumbai’s Shared RAN success to global insights the future is open, shared & sustainable. #CloudExtel #TelecomInfraProject

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

Welcoming Nishant, Rajendra, Dinesh & Sankalp to #TeamCloudExtel! Their expertise fuels our mission for smarter, scalable networks. Cheers to new ideas, teamwork & innovation driving #5GReady #NetworkInnovation #OperationalExcellence #PeopleFirst

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

From childhood curiosity to @cloud_extel innovation, the fearless wonder that drives discovery stays with us. On Children’s Day, we celebrate dreamers young and grown, nurturing imagination to build a future without limits. Happy Children’s Day from Team CloudExtel! #CloudExtel

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

At @CloudExtel, our people are the driving force behind India’s digital future. Our Regional Meet united teams nationwide to review milestones, explore AI innovation & strengthen collaboration all with one mission: building smarter, connected networks for India.
#CloudExtel

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

At @cloud_extel , Nov 19 was all about celebrating men’s strength, compassion & positive impact in life & work. With fun games, plank challenges & thoughtful talks on well-being, we honored kindness, courage & community. Grateful for the unity & joy shared! #InternationalMensDay

[CloudExtel @cloud_extel]

We are thrilled to share that our VP, General Counsel & Head of Compliance, Shubha S. Karra, shared valuable insights at VCCircle’s #CommercialContracts & #DisputeResolution Masterclass.

#LeadershipInLaw #LegalStrategy #VCCircleMasterclass