From London Banker to Cashback Queen: The Inspiring Journey of Swati Bhargava and CashKaro

Swati Bhargava's journey from investment banking to building one of India's most successful cashback and coupon websites, CashKaro, is a testament to vision, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit. Her story is a powerful example of how identifying a market gap and relentlessly pursuing a dream can lead to remarkable success.

Back in 2005, Swati was working in the investment banking division at Goldman Sachs in London. Little did she know that this experience, coupled with her early investments in companies like Uber and Housing.com, would lay the foundation for her future venture. Swati's first foray into the world of cashback was with Pouring Pounds, a UK-based venture. This experience ignited her passion for the concept, and she recognized the immense potential for a similar platform in India.

In 2013, Swati took the leap and launched CashKaro with a small team of just 17 employees and interns. Bootstrapping was key in the early days. Swati even reached out to her former colleagues and college peers to raise seed funding. The response was overwhelming, with her receiving double the amount she had initially targeted. This early validation fueled her determination to make CashKaro a household name.

The initial years were challenging, but Swati's hard work and dedication, combined with a strong team, paid off. CashKaro witnessed phenomenal growth, becoming synonymous with cashback and coupons in the Indian market. This success is reflected in their impressive turnover of INR 225 Crore and a growing workforce of over 300 employees. CashKaro's revenue more than doubled in 2022, showcasing its continued upward trajectory.

A significant milestone in CashKaro's journey was their successful fundraising round led by Affle Global Pte Ltd, raising Rs 130 crore. This investment further solidified CashKaro's position as a leading player in the Indian cashback and coupon industry.

Today, CashKaro is a household name, but the story behind its success is one of perseverance and innovation. Swati Bhargava's journey is an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs, demonstrating that with a clear vision, unwavering commitment, and a strong team, anything is possible. From a small startup to a thriving business, CashKaro's success story, fueled by Swati's leadership, continues to unfold.