Rahul Sharma (Zetwerk)
Overview
Rahul Sharma is an Indian entrepreneur and co-founder of Zetwerk, a prominent B2B manufacturing platform. Born and raised in Bhopal, India, Sharma has established himself as a significant figure in the startup ecosystem. Zetwerk, which he co-founded in May 2018 alongside Amrit Acharya, Srinath Ramakkrushnan, and Vishal Chaudhary, has evolved into a leading marketplace for custom manufacturing, connecting Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) and Engineering Procurement Construction (EPC) customers with a wide network of suppliers. The platform has rapidly expanded its footprint globally, including significant revenues from North America. In 2021, Zetwerk joined the esteemed unicorn club, marking a valuation exceeding a billion dollars.
Recent Developments
- September 2024: Rahul Sharma announced the expansion of Zetwerk into server manufacturing in India starting FY26, aiming to leverage government incentives under the Make in India initiative. This plan includes collaborations with firms from Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea to enter automotive and defense electronics.
- August 2024: Zetwerk emphasized continuous workforce training to enhance their workers' skills. The company is committed to cross-training and improvement, reflective of Sharma's ethos on developing human capital as a competitive advantage.
- May 2024: The organization started preparing for an IPO, expecting to raise around $1 billion, as it gears to enhance its presence in global markets.
- Early 2024: Zetwerk received an additional $70 million investment, raising its valuation to approximately $3 billion. The funding from Khosla Ventures, among others, supports its expansion into renewables and consumer electronics.
- 2023: Zetwerk's revenue reportedly grew to around Rs 15,000 crore, significantly fueled by its engagement with the renewable energy sector.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Rahul Sharma |
| Born | Bhopal, India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur, Co-founder of Zetwerk |
| Known For | Co-founding Zetwerk |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | IIT Roorkee (Electrical Engineering) |
Early Life and Education
Rahul Sharma was born in Bhopal, the son of a middle-class family with a government background. He pursued an education in Electrical Engineering at IIT Roorkee, where he cultivated an interest in managing events and logistics, which later influenced his entrepreneurial pathway. Sharma's early career began in the engineering sector with multinational oilfield services company, Schlumberger. His experience there provided him with insights into large-scale industrial operations and honed his skills in project management.
Career and Notable Achievements
Rahul Sharma's career trajectory is marked by a series of strategic roles and entrepreneurial pursuits:
- 2008-2012: Began career in engineering, later transitioning into the startup space.
- 2012: Co-founded Prepnut, an early entrepreneurial venture that provided an experimental platform for gaining startup experience.
- 2015-2017: Worked in senior roles at Blackbuck, a logistics startup, significantly contributing to its expansion and operational scales.
- 2018: Co-founded Zetwerk, initially as a SaaS company which later pivoted to a manufacturing marketplace.
- 2021: Led Zetwerk into the unicorn club, signifying its vast market potential and investor confidence.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Rahul Sharma continues to lead Zetwerk as it cements its role as a global manufacturing conduit. His leadership drives the company's expansion into electronics and EV components, harnessing India's competitive manufacturing ecosystem to serve global markets. Through innovative practices and strategic investments in technology and human resources, Sharma aims to position Zetwerk among the top three manufacturers in India's competitive landscape.
Conclusion
Rahul Sharma's journey with Zetwerk spotlights the transformative power of innovation in the manufacturing sector. By connecting global suppliers and buyers through technology, Zetwerk embodies his vision of making India a hub for manufacturing excellence. As Zetwerk prepares for its next growth phases, Sharma's leadership is expected to further strengthen India's position in global industrial supply chains, emphasizing sustainability, precision, and competitive advantage.