No Formals, No Problem: How These IIT Founders Got Into Forbes with Just Grit and Jeans
From Borrowed Shirts to Forbes: How 3 IIT Grads Built a ₹100 Crore Startup Without the Startup Look
In today’s startup world, sleek suits, big funding announcements, and flashy pitch decks often dominate headlines. But the founders of Bengaluru-based fintech startup OkCredit proved that grit matters more than glamour. In 2020, when they were featured on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, they showed up for the photoshoot in baggy student-era suits, faded jeans, and even borrowed shirts. The result? A story that captured hearts across the internet and became a symbol of raw, real entrepreneurship.
The Photoshoot That Became a Meme—and a Message
Founders by day. Fashion disasters… always
That’s how Harsh Pokharna, OkCredit’s CEO, summed up the experience in his now-viral Instagram post. He shared how he and co-founders Gaurav Kunwar and Aditya Prasad turned up for the Forbes 30 Under 30 photoshoot with absolutely zero wardrobe preparation.
Harsh wore jeans—because he didn’t own formal trousers. Aditya’s shirt was oversized, borrowed, and barely fit right. Gaurav had to keep his own shirt’s wear-and-tear hidden. In fact, the crew ended up shooting only their upper bodies, since their outfits from the waist down didn’t match the typical “startup founder” aesthetic.
But that imperfect photo? It became one of Harsh’s proudest memories. “It stood for belief, brotherhood, and bold ambition,” he said.
The Internet Reacts: Laughter, Love, and Loads of Respect
The story took off online, with social media users calling it both “hilarious” and “inspiring.” Some laughed at the situation, others admired how real the founders were.
One commenter said: “Give the photographers a second chance to laugh—these guys are legends now!” Another wrote: “Next time, the photo team will come to your office in suits.”
Clearly, it wasn’t just the story of three underdressed men—it was the story of how success can rewrite the rules.
The Power of Staying Real in a Show-Off World
In a culture where appearances often speak louder than action, the OkCredit founders stood out by doing the opposite.
Their story pushes back against the myth that looking the part is essential to being the part. Many investors, mentors, and fellow founders applauded them online for showing that authenticity wins—even without the glam.
“You don’t need Gucci to get into the game. You need guts, a good idea, and people who’ve got your back.”
Meet the Founders of OkCredit
Harsh Pokharna – CEO
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Alma Mater: IIT Kanpur (Mechanical Engineering, 2014)
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Experience: Worked at Intel, Flipkart, and JioMoney
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Fun Fact: Believes the most important business trait is humility
Gaurav Kunwar – CPO
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Alma Mater: IIT Kanpur (Mechanical Engineering, 2014)
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Role: Heads product strategy and user experience
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Fun Fact: Was once caught debugging code in a dhaba
Aditya Prasad – CTO
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Alma Mater: IIT Kanpur (Material Science, 2014)
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Previous Ventures: Co-founded Pshi Pshi and Clan Out
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Fun Fact: Is the tech wizard behind OkCredit’s scalable backend
Together, these three friends from IIT Kanpur turned a simple idea into a digital bookkeeping platform that’s used by over 10 million small businesses across India.
What Is OkCredit and Why It Matters
OkCredit is a mobile-first platform that helps kirana store owners and small merchants maintain digital records of credit and payments.
In a cash-heavy, trust-driven economy like India, the app replaced the traditional bahi-khaata (notebook ledger) with a smart, secure, and easy-to-use tool.
It also offers features like SMS reminders, backup, multi-language support, and one-tap account summaries.
Investors Love These ‘Poor’ Founders—Here’s Why
In a world where many founders fake it till they make it, the OkCredit team stayed grounded—even after raising over ₹120 crore in funding. As one VC noted:
“Investors love these guys because they live like they’re still in college—lean, hungry, and focused.”
Their frugal lifestyle, tech-first approach, and empathy for real India made them stand out in a crowded fintech space.
What’s Next for OkCredit
While the startup world continues to evolve, OkCredit’s mission remains the same—empower India’s small merchants with easy tech.
The company is exploring:
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AI-based credit scoring
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Regional language expansion
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New features for loan reminders and GST support
As for Harsh, Gaurav, and Aditya? They might wear better shirts now—but they’ve vowed to never lose that student spirit.
You Don’t Need a Suit to Succeed
The OkCredit founders’ story is more than a viral moment. It’s a lesson in humility, hustle, and heart. In an age of curated LinkedIn posts and designer tees, these IIT grads proved that what you wear matters far less than what you build.
So the next time someone tells you to dress the part—remember Harsh, Aditya, and Gaurav. And know that your belief in yourself is the best outfit you can wear.
