At 27 years old, Pearl Kapur has emerged as a notable figure in India’s entrepreneurial landscape, claiming the title of the country’s youngest billionaire with a net worth of ₹9,129 crore ($1.1 billion). His company, Zyber 365, a Web3 and AI startup, has achieved unicorn status in a record three months since its inception in May 2023, currently valued at $1.2 billion.
This rapid ascent has positioned Kapur as a trailblazer in blockchain technology and cybersecurity AI, though it has also sparked debates about the legitimacy of his company’s claims. This survey note provides a detailed examination of his career, education, net worth, and more, drawing from various sources to offer a holistic view.
Pearl Kapur’s journey from investment banking to founding a billion-dollar startup is remarkable, offering inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs. His success underscores the potential of India’s startup ecosystem, particularly in emerging technologies like Web3 and AI.
However, the controversies surrounding Zyber 365’s funding and operations remind us of the need for scrutiny in validating such claims. As of March 27, 2025, Kapur remains a polarizing figure, with his story reflecting both the promise and pitfalls of rapid tech innovation.
Background and Career
Early Life and Education
Pearl Kapur, born in Punjab, India, pursued higher education at Queen Mary University of London, earning an MSc in Investment Banking (CFA Pathway). This academic foundation equipped him for his later ventures in finance and technology.
Career Beginnings
Before founding Zyber 365, Kapur gained experience in the financial sector. He worked as a Financial Advisor at AMPM Store for over two years and as a Business Advisor at Antier Solutions for about 1.5 years. In February 2022, he founded Billion Pay Technologies Pvt Ltd, his first entrepreneurial venture, focusing on IT, health tech, and fintech.
Rise with Zyber 365
In May 2023, Kapur, alongside co-founders Sunny Vaghela and Rizwan Shaikh, launched Zyber 365 Group, headquartered in London with operations in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The company specializes in Web3 technology, cybersecurity, and retail AI, aiming to provide secure, decentralized solutions. Zyber 365 raised $100 million in Series A funding from Sram & Mram Group, achieving a $1.2 billion valuation and unicorn status in just three months, making it India and Asia’s fastest-growing unicorn.
Net Worth and Achievements
Kapur’s net worth of $1.1 billion stems from his 90% ownership in Zyber 365, positioning him as India’s youngest billionaire. The company’s rapid growth has garnered attention, though some reports question the legitimacy of its funding and valuation, citing the short timeline and investor credibility.
Vision and Future Plans
Kapur envisions combining blockchain and AI for sustainable, decentralized business solutions, emphasizing environmental sustainability and user privacy. Zyber 365 is developing a sustainable AI chain for a cyber-secure Web3 operating system, with plans to expand operations and enhance technological capabilities.
Personal Life and Controversies
Kapur resides in Monte Carlo and is known for his passion for technology and entrepreneurship. However, controversies surround Zyber 365, with some reports suggesting doubts about its product offerings and the completion of funding, particularly given Sram & Mram Group’s unmaterialized investment in another company, SpiceXpress. These issues highlight the complexity of validating such rapid success in the startup ecosystem.
Early Life and Educational Background
Pearl Kapur was born in Punjab, India, and pursued higher education abroad, earning an MSc in Investment Banking (CFA Pathway) from Queen Mary University of London. This academic credential, verified through multiple reports, underscores his strong foundation in finance, which later influenced his entrepreneurial ventures. His education at a prestigious institution like Queen Mary University of London (Queen Mary University of London) equipped him with the analytical skills necessary for navigating the complex worlds of investment banking and technology startups.
Career Trajectory Before Zyber 365
Before founding Zyber 365, Kapur built a career in the financial sector. He worked as a Financial Advisor at AMPM Store for approximately two years, a role that honed his financial acumen and laid the groundwork for his entrepreneurial spirit. Additionally, he served as a Business Advisor at Antier Solutions for about 1.5 years, gaining insights into business strategy and technology integration. In February 2022, Kapur founded Billion Pay Technologies Pvt Ltd, an IT, health tech, and fintech company, marking his initial foray into the startup ecosystem. While detailed information about Billion Pay Technologies is limited, its establishment highlights his early entrepreneurial zeal, as noted in articles from The Economic Times.
Founding and Growth of Zyber 365
In May 2023, Kapur, alongside co-founders Sunny Vaghela (an ethical hacker and cybersecurity expert) and Rizwan Shaikh, launched Zyber 365 Group. The company is headquartered in London, with its operational base in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, reflecting a strategic global and local presence. Zyber 365 focuses on Web3 technology, cybersecurity, and retail AI, aiming to provide secure, decentralized business solutions. Its mission is to combine blockchain and AI for sustainable, environmentally friendly operations, as outlined on its official website (Zyber 365).
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The company’s rapid rise to unicorn status came after securing $100 million in Series A funding from Sram & Mram Group, a UK-based conglomerate with interests in various sectors, including IT and agriculture (SRAM & MRAM Group). This funding round, announced in July 2023, valued Zyber 365 at $1.2 billion, making it India and Asia’s fastest-growing unicorn, as reported by Business Standard. Kapur holds a 90% stake in the company, contributing to his net worth of $1.1 billion, as per multiple sources including Firstpost.
Net Worth and Achievements
Kapur’s net worth of $1.1 billion is derived from his significant ownership in Zyber 365, positioning him as India’s youngest billionaire. This achievement has been widely covered, with reports from News18 highlighting his rapid success. Zyber 365’s unicorn status, achieved in less than three months, is notable, especially in the context of India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, where it claims the 109th unicorn position. However, the speed of this valuation has raised eyebrows, with some sources questioning the feasibility of such growth, as seen in articles from Inc42.
Vision, Future Plans, and Operations
Kapur’s vision for Zyber 365 is to create a sustainable AI chain for a cyber-secure Web3 operating system, emphasizing decentralization, user privacy, and environmental sustainability. The company is developing products like AI cashless stores at pumps and a non-custodial DeFi wallet, as mentioned in DNA India. Its EVM Compatible Smart Contract Platform, a Layer 1 Chain with Proof of Authority (PoA) consensus, prioritizes security and energy efficiency, aligning with UN Sustainable Development Goals. Future plans include expanding operations and enhancing technological capabilities, with a focus on making India a hub for its activities.
Personal Life and Public Persona
Kapur resides in Monte Carlo, as noted in his Wikipedia profile (Pearl Kapur), and is known for his active presence on social media, often branding himself as “India’s youngest billionaire” on platforms like Instagram. His personal life reflects a passion for technology and entrepreneurship, with reports suggesting he is involved in various philanthropic and community initiatives, though specific details are scarce.
Controversies and Challenges
Despite his success, Zyber 365 and Kapur have faced scrutiny. Reports from Business Today and Channeliam question the legitimacy of the company’s funding and valuation, citing the short timeline between incorporation and unicorn status. Notably, Sram & Mram Group, the investor, announced a $100 million investment in SpiceXpress (SpiceJet’s cargo division) that reportedly did not materialize, raising doubts about their investment credibility, as seen in Reuters. Additionally, Inc42’s report highlights that Zyber 365 has no current products, only a white paper, and questions Kapur’s claimed two decades of experience given his age (born in 1997, making him around 26-27 in 2023-2025).
These controversies suggest a complex picture, with some viewing Zyber 365 as a promising unicorn and others as a potential “house of cards,” as discussed on Reddit (r/IndiaInvestments). The debate underscores the challenges of validating rapid success in the tech startup space, particularly in Web3 and AI, where valuations can be speculative.
Startup Growth and Funding
To contextualize Zyber 365’s growth, consider the following table comparing it with other Indian unicorns:
| Company Name | Founded | Unicorn Status Achieved | Valuation (USD Billion) | Funding Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zyber 365 | May 2023 | July 2023 (3 months) | 1.2 | Series A ($100M) |
| 5ire | 2021 | July 2022 (1 year) | 1.5 | Series A ($100M) |
| Paytm | 2010 | 2015 (5 years) | 16 | Multiple rounds |
This table, sourced from Tracxn and Crunchbase, highlights Zyber 365’s unprecedented speed, though the comparison also raises questions about sustainability given the lack of current products.
