Biography of Piya Bahadur: Founder and CEO of MeraBills- Entrepreneur
Journey of Piya Bahadur:
An Inspiring Background
Piya Bahadur’s journey began with her academic pursuits,
where she obtained her bachelor’s degree from the School of Planning and
Architecture in New Delhi. This strong foundation in planning and design later
led her to earn a master’s degree in Urban Planning from the State University
of New York at Buffalo. Her educational background provided her with a unique
perspective on the intersection of technology, business, and social impact.
Launching MeraBills
In 2019, Piya co-founded MeraBills, a mobile accounting
software designed specifically for micro and small entrepreneurs. The
inspiration for MeraBills came during her travels across India and Southeast
Asia, where she witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by small business
owners. Piya recognized that these entrepreneurs are vital to the economy, yet
many lack access to essential tools for managing their businesses effectively.
Empowering Small Businesses
MeraBills aims to empower small business owners, especially
women, by providing them with technology that helps them track expenses,
earnings, customers, and orders. The application is user-friendly and designed
to accommodate first-time technology users, ensuring that even those with
minimal tech experience can benefit. This initiative addresses a critical gap
in the resources available to small entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive in a
competitive marketplace.
Previous Experience and Leadership
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Piya served
as the Regional Director at the United States-India Educational Foundation
(USIEF). In this role, she established the Hyderabad office and managed
operations across several states. Her experience there honed her leadership
skills and deepened her understanding of the challenges faced by
micro-entrepreneurs, informing her approach at MeraBills.
Role at Indian School of Business
Piya also worked at the Wadhwani Centre for Entrepreneurship
Development at the Indian School of Business, where she gained insights into
the support systems required for micro-businesses. This multifaceted
understanding of the entrepreneurial landscape has proven invaluable as she
strategizes for MeraBills, ensuring the software meets the specific needs of
its users.
A Passion for Adventure and Storytelling
In 2018, Piya embarked on an extraordinary journey: a
17,000-kilometer motorcycle expedition across Southeast Asia. This all-women
ride not only showcased her adventurous spirit but also provided her with
profound insights into the lives of small business owners along the route. Her
experiences during this expedition culminated in a book titled "Road to
Mekong," published by Pan Macmillan, further solidifying her role as a
storyteller and advocate for micro-entrepreneurs.
Biography of Piya Bahadur: Founder and CEO of MeraBills- Entrepreneur/age/net worth/investor/mobile accounting software/MeraBills story/Piya Bahadur
Understanding the Micro-Business Landscape
Piya's interactions with small business owners revealed two
key insights: first, that countless families depend on these entrepreneurs for
their livelihoods; and second, that running a small business is often fraught
with challenges due to a lack of basic tools and resources. These revelations
fueled her passion for creating MeraBills, which aims to simplify business
management for its users.
A Vision for Financial Inclusion
At MeraBills, Piya’s vision extends beyond just software;
she aims to create a community of empowered micro-entrepreneurs who can operate
their businesses efficiently and sustainably. By equipping these business
owners with the necessary tools and support, MeraBills seeks to foster a
culture of financial literacy and inclusion, particularly among women-led
businesses.
Community and Ecosystem Building
Piya actively collaborates with ecosystem partners focused
on digital inclusion and financial literacy. By building these connections,
MeraBills is not just a tool but part of a larger movement to support
micro-entrepreneurs in overcoming barriers to success. This collaborative
approach helps to create a robust support network for small business owners,
enhancing their chances of success.
A Journey That Sparked a Vision
In 2018, Piya Bahadur undertook a remarkable
17,000-kilometre motorcycle journey across six countries, which became the
turning point in her life. While travelling, she interacted with numerous
small-business owners and saw firsthand the everyday struggles they faced in
managing their finances. This inspired her to co-found MeraBills along with
Sunita Shrivastava in Hyderabad. Launched in 2020, MeraBills is a mobile
application aimed at helping micro-entrepreneurs—especially those unfamiliar
with technology—manage their billing and expenses with ease. Built on community
feedback and extensive grassroots research, the app offers a simple,
multilingual platform tailored to the real needs of small business owners.
Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion
Piya’s work doesn’t just stop at technology—her mission goes
deeper into digital and financial inclusion, especially for women
entrepreneurs. With her past experience at the United States-India Education
Foundation and the Wadhwani Centre at ISB, she brings a strong understanding of
the challenges that small business owners, particularly women, face. As CEO of
MeraBills, she works closely with organizations that empower low-income women
through financial literacy. Her passion for supporting women-led micro-businesses
reflects in every aspect of the app’s design and outreach. From her motorcycle
journey chronicled in her book Road to Mekong to her professional achievements,
Piya’s story is a testament to how one woman’s journey can transform the lives
of many others.
Recognition and Future Goals
As MeraBills continues to grow, Piya’s leadership and
commitment to financial inclusion have garnered recognition in the
entrepreneurial community. Her efforts aim to reach more micro-entrepreneurs,
helping them unlock their potential and contribute significantly to the
economy. With a focus on scalability and accessibility, MeraBills is poised to
make a lasting impact in the financial landscape for small businesses.
A Legacy of Empowerment
In conclusion, Piya Bahadur's journey reflects a deep
commitment to empowering micro-entrepreneurs through technology and community
building. Her work with MeraBills and her previous experiences have equipped
her to address the unique challenges faced by small business owners,
particularly women. As she continues to innovate and inspire, Piya's legacy
will undoubtedly shape the future of financial inclusion in India and beyond.
A timeline of Piya Bahadur's journey:
2015 - Graduates with a bachelor’s degree from the School of
Planning and Architecture, New Delhi.
2017 - Earns a master’s degree in Urban Planning from SUNY
Buffalo.
2018 - Completes a 17,000-kilometer motorcycle expedition
across Southeast Asia, gaining insights into small businesses.
2019 - Co-founds MeraBills, a mobile accounting software for
micro and small entrepreneurs.
2019 - Serves as Regional Director at the US-India
Educational Foundation, establishing the Hyderabad office.
2020 - Works at the Wadhwani Centre for Entrepreneurship
Development at the Indian School of Business.
2021 - Publishes "Road to Mekong," documenting her
journey and advocacy for micro-entrepreneurs.
2022 - Expands MeraBills' focus on financial inclusion and
community building for small businesses.
2024 - Aims to empower more micro-entrepreneurs and enhance
digital inclusion and financial literacy.
