Paytm

2023-07-27T06:17:19Z

106.76.232.196:

{{short description|Indian multinational technology company}}
{{distinguish|Paym}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use Indian English|date=November 2019}}
{{Infobox website
| name = Paytm
| logo = File:Paytm Logo (standalone).svg
| logo_size = 220px
| screenshot = Paytm_headquarter.jpg
| screenshot_size = 250px
| caption = Paytm corporate offices in [[Noida]]
| company_type = [[Private company|Private]]
| founded = {{Start date and age|df=yes|2010|08}}
| founder = [[Vijay Shekhar Sharma]]
| location = B-121, Sector 5, [[Noida]], [[Uttar Pradesh]]
| country = India
| industry = {{plainlist|
*[[E-commerce]]
*[[Finance]]}}
| services = {{plainlist|
*[[Payment system]]
*[[Mobile payment]]s
*[[Online shopping]]}}
| products = {{plainlist|
*[[#Paytm Mall|Paytm Mall]]
*[[Paytm Payments Bank]]
*[[#Paytm Money|Paytm Money]]
*Gamepind
*Paytm Smart Retail}}
| key_people = {{Unbulleted_list|[[Vijay Shekhar Sharma]] ([[CEO]])|Amit Nayyar ([[President (corporate title)|President]])|Ajay Shekhar Sharma ([[Vice president]])}}
| owner = One97 Communications Ltd.
| owners =
| revenue = {{increase}} {{INRConvert|3281|c}} (FY 2020)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://entrackr.com/2021/03/paytm-slashes-losses-by-over-30-in-fy20-payments-business-earns-rs-3115-cr/|title=Paytm slashes losses by over 30% in FY20; payments business earns Rs 3,115 Cr|date=10 March 2021|website=ENTRACKR}}</ref>
| net_income = {{decrease}} {{INRConvert|-2597|c}}(FY 2020)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/future-ready-paytm-trims-losses-revenue-up-slightly/2075441/lite/|title=Paytm's losses stood at ₹2,597 cr in FY2019-20|date=16 November 2020|website=Financial Express}}</ref>
| parent = [[Vijay Shekhar Sharma]] (14.67%)<ref>{{cite news|url=https://inc42.com/buzz/paytm-counts-on-3-3-3-approach-to-chart-a-path-towards-profitability/|title=Paytm Counts On "3-3-3 Approach" To Chart A Path Towards Profitability|website=Inc 42}}</ref> [[Ant Group]] (29.71%) [[SoftBank Group#Vision fund investments|SoftBank Vision Fund]] (19.63%) SAIF Partners (18.56%) [[Alibaba Group]] (7.18%) [[Berkshire Hathaway]] (2.76%) Others (7.49%) 
| website = {{URL|www.paytm.com|}} (Global)
| area_served = India
| registration = Required
| type = {{plainlist|
*[[Online shopping]]
*[[Payment systems]]}}
| launched = {{start date and age|df=yes|2010|8}}
| language = [[Multilingual]]
| advertising = Yes
| current_status = Active
| users = {{increase}} 35 [[crore]] (FY 2019) (350 million)<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/paytm-achieves-gtv-of-over-50-billion-in-fy19-clocks-55-billion-transactions/article27505146.ece |title=Paytm achieves of GTV growth over $50 billion in (FY2019), clocks 5.5 billion transactions|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2019-06-05|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref>
| native_clients = [[Android (operating system)|Android]] [[iOS]] [[Microsoft Windows|Windows]]
}}

'''Paytm''' (a partial abbreviation for '''"pay through mobile"''') is an Indian [[multinational corporation|multinational]] [[technology company]] that specializes in [[digital wallet|digital payment system]], [[e-commerce]] and [[finance]], based in [[Noida]]. Paytm is currently available in 11 [[Languages of India|Indian languages]] and offers online use-cases like mobile recharges, utility bill payments, travel, movies, and events bookings as well as in-store payments at grocery stores, fruits and vegetable shops, restaurants, parking, tolls, pharmacies and educational institutions with the [https://businessplanhindi.in/ Paytm] [[QR code]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/hr-leadership/leadership/paytm-promotes-svp-kiran-vasireddy-to-the-position-of-coo/articleshow/59749896.cms |title=Paytm promotes SVP Kiran Vasireddy to the position of COO |publisher=The Economic Times |access-date=4 April 2018 }}</ref> As of January 2018, Paytm is valued at $10 billion.<ref name="mint">[https://www.livemint.com/Companies/XnJ2wwF6DAZKWMITR3J22H/Paytm-valuation-pegged-at-10-billion-after-secondary-share.html "Paytm valuation pegged at {{USD|10 billion}} after secondary share sale and its also planning to lunch an IPO in 2020"], Live Mint, January 2018</ref>

As per the company, more than 20 million merchants across India use their [[QR code payment]] system to accept payments directly into their bank account.<ref>{{Cite news|author=Staff Writer|date=2021-04-01|title=Paytm achieves over 1.4 bn transactions in Mar, leads digital payment services|work=Mint|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/paytm-achieves-over-1-4-bn-transactions-in-mar-leads-digital-payment-services-11617275661251.html|access-date=2021-05-12}}</ref> The company also uses advertisements and paid promotional content to generate revenues.

== History ==
[[File:Paytm HQ in Noida.jpg|200px|thumb|Paytm HQ in [[Noida]], [[India]]]]
Paytm was founded in August 2010 with an initial investment of {{USD|2 million}} by its founder [[Vijay Shekhar Sharma]] in Noida, a region adjacent to India's capital [[New Delhi]]. It started off as a prepaid mobile and [[Direct-to-home television in India|DTH]] recharge platform, and later added data card, postpaid mobile and landline bill payments in 2013.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blog.paytm.com/the-inspiring-journey-of-paytm-founder-vijay-shekhar-sharma-2f9707c9e8c7|title=The inspiring journey of Paytm Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma|date=2017-03-11|work=Paytm Blog|access-date=2018-04-04}}</ref>

By January 2014, the company had launched the Paytm Wallet, which the [[Indian Railways]] and [[Uber]] added as a payment option.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://techcircle.vccircle.com/2015/04/29/paytms-big-day-railway-ticketing-platform-irctc-adds-paytm-wallet-as-a-payment-option/|title=Paytm's big day: railway ticketing platform IRCTC adds Paytm wallet as a payment option|website=Techcircle|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-04|date=29 April 2015}}</ref> It launched into [[e-commerce]] with online deals and bus ticketing. In 2015, it added education fees, metro recharges, electricity, gas, and water bill payments. .<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/industry/paytm-is-now-powering-irctcs-payment-gateway/379367/|title=Paytm is now powering IRCTC's Payment Gateway|date=2016-09-16|work=The Financial Express|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2016, it launched movies, events and amusement parks ticketing<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/paytm-enters-online-movie-ticketing-116032100529_1.html|title=Paytm enters online movie ticketing|last=Reporter|first=B. S.|date=2016-03-22|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> as well as flight ticket bookings and Paytm QR.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/bi91FFdrT4RRFNmkK3sbqN/Paytm-launches-QR-code-payment-option-for-wallet-app.html|title=Paytm launches QR code payment option for wallet app|last=Sahay|first=Priyanka|date=2015-10-14|work=livemint.com|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> Later that year, it launched rail bookings<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/paytm-now-lets-you-make-irctc-train-ticket-bookings-1460506|title=Now You Can Book Train Tickets Using Paytm|work=NDTV Gadgets360.com|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en}}</ref> and gift cards.

Paytm's registered user base grew from 11.8 million in August 2014 to 104 million in August 2015. Its travel business crossed $500 million in annualised [[Gross merchandise volume|GMV]] run rate, with 2 million tickets booked per month.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/paytm-bets-on-local-travel-boom-eyes-3-fold-business-growth/articleshow/60203386.cms|title=Paytm bets on local travel boom, eyes 3-fold business growth|last=Chaturvedi|first=Anumeha|date=2017-08-24|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref>

In 2017, it became India's first payment app to cross over 100 million app downloads.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.bgr.in/news/paytm-exceeds-100-million-downloads-on-google-play-store/|title=Paytm exceeds 100 million downloads on Google Play Store|last=Staff|date=2017-12-27|work=BGR India|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en-US}}</ref> The same year, it launched Paytm Gold,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/buy-sell-gold-instantly-on-paytm/article9667276.ece|title=Buy, sell gold instantly on Paytm|work=@businessline|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en}}</ref> a product that allowed users to buy as little as [[Indian rupee|₹]]1 of pure gold online. It also launched [[Paytm Payments Bank]]<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/arun-jaitley-launches-paytm-payments-bank/article9975256.ece|title=Arun Jaitley launches Paytm Payments Bank|work=@businessline|access-date=2018-04-04|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/paytm-payments-bank-officially-launched-ceo-vijay-shekhar-sharma-outlines-growth-path-1781097|title=Paytm Payments Bank Officially Launched; CEO Outlines Growth Path|work=NDTV Gadgets360.com|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en}}</ref> and ‘Inbox’, a messaging platform with in-chat payments.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.firstpost.com/tech/news-analysis/paytm-launches-inbox-messaging-platform-with-ability-to-send-or-request-money-and-share-multimedia-messages-4197793.html|title=Paytm launches 'Inbox' messaging platform with ability to send or request money and share multimedia messages- Technology News, Firstpost|website=Tech2|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-07|date=7 November 2017}}</ref> By 2018, it started allowing merchants to accept Paytm, [[Unified Payments Interface|UPI]] and card payments directly into their bank accounts at 0% charge.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://blog.paytm.com/accepting-payments-from-your-customers-through-paytm-qr-code-is-easier-than-ever-13ed06d8a4ba|title=Now, existing & new Merchants can accept Paytm, UPI & Card payments directly into their Bank…|last=Paytm|date=2017-12-04|website=Paytm Blog|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://tmsnews.co.in/2017/12/18/paytm-qr-now-allows-merchants-to-accept-paytm-upi-and-card-payments-directly-into-bank-account-at-0-charge/|title=Paytm QR now allows merchants to accept Paytm, UPI and Card payments directly into bank account at 0% charge {{!}} TMS News|website=TMS News|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211155845/http://tmsnews.co.in/2017/12/18/paytm-qr-now-allows-merchants-to-accept-paytm-upi-and-card-payments-directly-into-bank-account-at-0-charge/|archive-date=11 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>) It also launched the ‘Paytm for Business’ app (now called Business with Paytm App), allowing merchants to track their payments and day-to-day settlements.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/mobile/paytm-launches-business-app-on-android-for-its-merchants/62604801|title=Paytm launches business app on Android for its merchants - ETtech|last=www.ETtech.com|website=ETtech.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> Its merchant base to grow to more than 7 million by March 2018.

It launched two new wealth management products - Paytm Gold Savings Plan and Gold Gifting for long-term savings.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blog.paytm.com/savings-are-now-simpler-introducing-gold-savings-plan-gold-gifting-7b6f6a3607f3|title=Savings are now simpler — Introducing Gold Savings Plan & Gold Gifting|date=2018-03-15|work=Paytm Blog|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/paytm-launches-two-new-services-under-wealth-management-offering-118031500452_1.html|title=Paytm launches two new services under wealth management offering|agency=Press Trust of India|date=2018-03-15|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref>

In January 2018, itentered into a joint venture with [[Alibaba Group]]-owned gaming company AGTech Holdings to launch Gamepind, a mobile gaming platform.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/mobile/paytm-agtech-launch-mobile-gaming-platform-gamepind/62689739|title=Paytm, AGTech launch mobile gaming platform Gamepind - ETtech|last=www.ETtech.com|website=ETtech.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> It was rebranded as Paytm First Games in June 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|last=www.ETtech.com|title=Paytm rebrands its gaming platform Gamepind as FirstGames - ETtech|url=https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/internet/paytm-rebrands-its-gaming-platform-gamepind-as-firstgames/69816895|access-date=2020-07-14|newspaper=The Economic Times|language=en}}</ref>

In March 2018, Paytm Money was started with an investment of ₹9 [[crore]]<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/markets/paytm-plans-to-launch-mutual-funds-insurance-and-banking-services-118031201388_1.html|title=Paytm to launch mutual funds, insurance, banking services via payments bank|last=Choudhury|first=Karan|date=2018-03-13|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-04-04}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blog.paytm.com/we-have-set-up-paytm-money-to-focus-on-investment-and-wealth-management-218038c97589|title=We have set up Paytm Money to focus on Investment and Wealth Management|date=2018-01-10|work=Paytm Blog|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> for investment and wealth management.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paytm Money gets ₹9 crore from parent One97 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/companies/paytm-money-gets-rs-9-crore-from-parent-one97/articleshow/64458994.cms |publisher=TimesOfIndia}}</ref>

In March 2019, the firm launched a subscription based loyalty program called Paytm First,<ref>{{Cite web|title='Paytm First' Loyalty Programme Takes on Amazon Prime, Flipkart Plus|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/paytm-first-subscription-based-loyalty-programme-launched-amazon-prime-flipkart-plus-2003022|access-date=2020-07-14|website=NDTV Gadgets 360|language=en}}</ref> and in May 2019, it partnered with [[Citibank]] to launch Paytm First [[credit card]]<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/banking/finance/banking/paytm-launches-credit-card-in-partnership-with-citigroup/articleshow/69327069.cms|title=Paytm ties up with Citibank to launch credit cards|date=2019-05-15|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-09-16}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=Paytm Launches Credit Card That Offers Cashback, Works Internationally|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/paytm-first-credit-card-citi-cashback-2037420|access-date=2020-07-14|website=NDTV Gadgets 360|language=en}}</ref>

In July 2020, [[Tata Starbucks]] partnered with Paytm allowing its customers to order food online during the [[COVID-19]] pandemic.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Tandon|first=Tarush Bhalla,Suneera|date=2020-06-23|title=Starbucks and Paytm offer diners a contactless experience|url=https://www.livemint.com/industry/retail/starbucks-and-paytm-offer-diners-a-contactless-experience-11592876958648.html|access-date=2020-07-23|website=[[Mint (newspaper)]]|language=en}}</ref>

==Funding and share holding==
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Shareholders !! Shareholding
|-

| Vijay Shekhar Sharma || 14.67% 
|-
| [[Ant Group]]|| 29.71% 
|-
| [[SoftBank Vision Fund]] || 19.63% 
|-
| SAIF Partners || 18.56% 
|-
| AGH || 7.18% 
|-
| Berkshire Hathaway || 2.76% 
|-
| Sharma Holding company own 5%
|-
| Total || 100.0%
|}

In October 2011, [[Sapphire Ventures]] (fka SAP Ventures) invested $10 million in One97 Communications Ltd.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vccircle.com/sap-ventures-invests-10m-one97-communications|title=SAP Ventures Invests $10M In One97 Communications|date=2011-10-10|website=VCCircle|language=en-US|access-date=2019-02-10}}</ref>

In March 2015, Paytm received its huge stake from Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group, after [[Ant Financial|Ant Financial Services Group]], an Alibaba Group affiliate, took 40% stock in Paytm as part of a strategic agreement.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blog.paytm.com/alibaba-enters-indias-e-commerce-space-with-25-stake-in-paytm-owner-one97-bee30d401031|title=Alibaba enters India's e-commerce space with 25% stake in Paytm owner One97|date=2015-03-18|work=Paytm Blog|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> Soon after, it received backing from [[Ratan Tata]], the MD of [[Tata Sons]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Vardhan |first1=Jai |title=Paytm secures funding from Ratan Tata, plans to have 100M wallet users by year end |publisher=Your Story |date=13 March 2015}}</ref>

In August 2016, Paytm raised funding from Mountain Capital, one of [[Taiwan]]-based [[MediaTek]]'s investment funds at a valuation of over $5 billion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/news-ani/paytm-receives-investment-from-mountain-capital-116083100971_1.html|title=Paytm receives investment from Mountain Capital|last=ANI|date=2016-08-31|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref>

In May 2017, Paytm received its biggest round of stake by a single investor – [[SoftBank Group|SoftBank]], thus bringing the company's valuation to an estimated $10 billion.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/money/paytm-raises-1-4-billion-from-softbank-valuation-jumps-to-over-8-billion/articleshow/58733667.cms|title=Paytm raises $1.4 billion from Softbank, valuation jumps to over $8 billion|last1=Chanchani|first1=Madhav|date=2017-05-19|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-04-07|last2=Variyar|first2=Mugdha}}</ref> In August 2018, [[Berkshire Hathaway]] invested $356 million for 3%- 4% stake in Paytm,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2018/08/27/berkshire-hathaway-reportedly-in-talks-to-buy-a-stake-in-india-paytm.html|title=Berkshire Hathaway buys a stake in India's largest digital payments company|last=Choudhury|first=Saheli Roy|date=2018-08-27|work=CNBC|access-date=2018-09-13}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-paytm-funding-berkshire/berkshire-hathaway-buys-stake-in-indias-paytm-idUSKCN1LC05F|title=Berkshire Hathaway buys stake in India's Paytm|last=Hunnicutt|first=Trevor|work=U.S.|access-date=2018-09-13|language=en-US}}</ref> although Berkshire Hathaway confirmed that [[Warren Buffett]] was not involved in the transaction.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/KXfG70iKDykfcbGStNlmgP/Warren-Buffett-Paytm-bet-is-actually-not-that-big-a-deal.html|title=Warren Buffett's Paytm bet is actually not that big a deal|last=Philipose|first=Mobis|date=2018-08-29|work=LiveMint|access-date=2018-09-22}}</ref>

On 25 November 2019, Paytm raised $1 billion in a funding round led by US asset manager T Rowe Price along with existing investors Ant Financial and SoftBank Vision Fund.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/paytm-gets-1-billion-topup-in-latest-financing-round/articleshow/72216174.cms|title=Paytm gets $1 billion topup in latest financing round|first=Aditi|last=Shrivastava|date=25 November 2019|newspaper=The Economic Times}}</ref>

== Investments and acquisitions ==
In 2013, Paytm acquired Plustxt for under $2 million. Plustxt was started by IT graduates Pratyush Prasanna, Parag Arora, Lokesh Chauhan and Lohit V that allowed fast text messaging in any Indian Language.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://techcircle.vccircle.com/2013/08/08/one97-acquires-cross-messaging-platform-plustxt-for-under-2m|title=One97 acquires cross-messaging platform Plustxt for under $2M|date=2013-08-08|work=Techcircle|access-date=2018-09-24|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2015, it invested $5 million in auto-rickshaw aggregator and hyperlocal delivery firm Jugnoo.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.livemint.com/Companies/N46vHVtsoC6p4YyKnIaTXL/Jugnoo-raises-10-mn-in-funding-round-led-by-Paytm.html|title=Jugnoo raises $10 million in funding round led by Paytm|last=Poovanna|first=Sharan|date=2016-04-18|work=livemint.com|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> T It also acquired Delhi-based consumer behaviour prediction platform Shifu<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2016/01/04/paytm-shifu/|title=Paytm Acquires Personal Assistant App Shifu To Improve Its Artificial Intelligence Tech – TechCrunch|website=techcrunch.com|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> and local services startup Near.in.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/paytm-acquires-near-in-to-strengthen-its-presence-in-online-to-offline-space/articleshow/50069177.cms|title=Paytm acquires Near.in to strengthen its presence in online-to-offline space|last=Gooptu|first=Biswarup|date=2015-12-07|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> In 2016, it invested in logistics startups LogiNext and XpressBees.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/paytm-to-replicate-alibabas-logistics-strategy-with-loginext/article9272248.ece|title=Paytm to replicate Alibaba's logistics strategy with LogiNext|work=@businessline|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en}}</ref>

In April 2017, it invested in healthcare startup QorQL<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://inc42.com/buzz/paytm-backs-qorql/|title=Paytm Backs AI And Big Data Driven Healthtech Startup QorQL - Inc42 Media|date=2017-04-07|work=Inc42 Media|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en-US}}</ref> which uses [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) and [[big data]] to assist medical care,. In July 2017, it acquired a majority stake in online ticketing and events platform Insider.in,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tech.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/startups/paytm-acquires-majority-stake-in-online-ticketing-platform-insider-in-for-over-rs-35-cr/59571563|title=Paytm acquires majority stake in online ticketing platform Insider.in for around Rs 35 cr - ETtech|last=www.ETtech.com|website=ETtech.com|language=en|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> backed by event management company [[Only Much Louder|Only Much Louder (OML)]] and mobile loyalty startup MobiQuest. The same year, it acquired Little & [[Nearbuy]], and merged both.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://blog.paytm.com/nearbuy-and-little-merge-to-create-indias-largest-discovery-and-deals-platform-for-local-merchants-af54261e3d5c|title=Nearbuy and Little merge to create India's largest discovery and deals platform for local…|date=2017-12-06|work=Paytm Blog|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref>

In June 2018, the company acquired the startup Cube26.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/deals/-ma/paytm-acquires-flipkart-backed-startup-cube26/articleshow/64646730.cms|title=Paytm acquires Flipkart-backed startup Cube26|date=19 June 2018|work=[[The Times of India]]|author=TNN|access-date=30 July 2018}}</ref>

In May 2021, the company is aiming to raise about Rs 21,800 crore ($3 billion) by IPO (initial public offering).it could be the largest IPO ever seen in India.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://m.economictimes.com/tech/startups/paytm-said-to-target-3-billion-ipo-india-listing-this-year/amp_articleshow/82999496.cms |title= Paytm plans to launch India's biggest IPO later this year|date=27 May 2021|work=[[The Economic Times]]|author=Bloomberg|access-date=27 May 2021}}</ref>

Paytm board has approved a resolution which would allot 47,042 equity shares to 60 employees under its ESOP Scheme 2008 and ESOP Scheme 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Upadhyay|first1=Harsh|last2=Tyagi|first2=Gaurav|date=2021-06-14|title=Exclusive: Paytm allots stock options worth $12 Mn to existing and former employees|url=https://entrackr.com/2021/06/exclusive-paytm-allots-stock-options-worth-12-mn-to-existing-and-former-employees/|access-date=2021-06-17|website=Entrackr|language=en-US}}</ref>

==International expansion==
===Canada===
Paytm set its foot in the international market for the first time in Canada, on 16 March 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blog.paytm.com/paytm-goes-global-we-now-have-an-app-for-canadian-bill-payments-1e710b582c49|title=Paytm goes global, we now have an app for Canadian bill payments|publisher=Paytm|date=16 March 2017}}</ref>

===Japan===
On 22 October 2018, Paytm entered Japanese finTech market and introduced 'Paypay' with SoftBank and Yahoo Japan.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://m.economictimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/paypay-in-japan-with-paytms-qr-tech/articleshow/66310108.cms|title=Papay in Japan with Paytms qr tech|publisher=Economic Times|date=22 October 2018}}</ref>

== Sponsorship ==
In July 2015, One97 Communications, the firm that owns the brand Paytm, acquired the title sponsorship rights for India's domestic and international [[cricket]] matches at home for a period of four years starting in August 2015.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/paytm-bags-4-yr-bcci-title-sponsorship-for-rs-203-cr-115073001446_1.html|title=Paytm bags 4-yr BCCI title sponsorship for Rs 203 cr|last=Malvania|first=Urvi|date=2015-07-31|work=Business Standard India|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref> The rights include sponsor branding of series with the title sponsor logo, designation as the title sponsor of the series, visibility at the stadium, and broadcast sponsorship rights. This also includes all [[Board of Control for Cricket in India|BCCI]] domestic ([[Ranji Trophy]], [[Duleep Trophy]], etc.) matches in India.

Previously, Paytm had acquired sponsorship rights during the 8th season of [[Indian Premier League]]. It has also served as an associate sponsor on [[Sony TV (India)|Sony TV]] network (which has the telecast rights for IPL) and was the official partner of the IPL team [[Mumbai Indians]]. In March 2018, Paytm became the Umpire Partner of the IPL for five years.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.news18.com/cricketnext/news/bcci-announces-paytm-as-official-umpire-partner-for-ipl-1686621.html|title=BCCI Announces Paytm as Official Umpire Partner for IPL|date=2018-03-12|work=News18|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref>

== Paytm Payments Bank ==
[[File:Paytm payments bank.svg|300px|thumb|Paytm Payments Bank official logo]]

In August 2015, Paytm received a license from [[Reserve Bank of India]] to launch the Paytm Payments Bank as a separate entity.<ref name=":3">{{Cite news|url=https://inc42.com/buzz/rbi-selects-11-companies-to-set-up-payments-bank/|title=Paytm Along With 10 Others Receive License From RBI To Set Up Payments Banks - Inc42 Media|date=2015-08-19|work=Inc42 Media|access-date=2018-04-04|language=en-US}}</ref> Founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma will hold 51% share, One97 Communications 39% and 10% will be held by a subsidiary of One97 and Sharma. The bank was officially inaugurated in November 2017.<ref name=":1" />

It was set to launch over 1,00,000 banking outlets across India by the end of 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.financialexpress.com/money/paytm-payments-bank-benefits-to-open-100000-paytm-ka-atm-banking-outlets-savings-account-invest-rs-3000-cr/962123/|title=Paytm Payments Bank to open 100,000 Paytm Ka ATM outlets, set to invest Rs 3,000 cr|date=2017-12-05|work=The Financial Express|access-date=2018-04-07|language=en-US}}</ref> However, the bank's branches are yet to touch double digits.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/why-paytm-is-opening-branches-if-it-does-not-expect-more-customers-ceo-interview/1536822/|title=Why Paytm is opening branches if it does not expect more customers: CEO INTERVIEW|date=2019-04-03|website=The Financial Express|language=en-US|access-date=2019-09-27}}</ref>

The Bank has appointed veteran banker Satish Kumar Gupta as its new Managing Director and CEO.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.livemint.com/Industry/0VVpaHtIuv32eYpTQnNfUN/Paytm-Payments-Bank-appoints-Satish-Kumar-Gupta-as-MD-and-CE.html |title = Paytm Payments Bank appoints Satish Kumar Gupta as MD and CEO|newspaper = Mint|date = 24 October 2018|last1 = Ahuja|first1 = Aakanksha}}</ref>

== Paytm Mall ==
In February 2017, Paytm launched its Paytm Mall app, which allows consumers to shop from 1.4 lakh registered sellers.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/startup/paytm-crosses-200-million-users-launches-paytm-mall-app-1034325.html|title=Paytm crosses 200 million users; launches Paytm Mall app|website=Moneycontrol|language=en-US|access-date=2018-09-07}}</ref> Paytm Mall is a B2C model inspired by China's largest B2C retail platform TMall. Sellers have to pass through Paytm-certified warehouses and channels to ensure consumer trust. Paytm Mall has set up 17 fulfillment centres across India and partnered with more than 40 couriers. Paytm Mall raised $200 million from Alibaba Group and SAIF Partners in March 2018.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/hoping-for-a-different-outcome-paytm-mall-has-a-different-strategy-to-do-business/articleshow/59998998.cms|title=Hoping for a different outcome, Paytm Mall has a different strategy to do business|last=Tyagi|first=Chhavi|date=2017-08-10|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2018-09-07}}</ref> In May 2018, it posted a loss of approximately ₹1,800 crore with a revenue of ₹774 crore for financial year 2018. The market share of Paytm Mall dropped to 3 percent in 2018 from 5.6 percent in 2017.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/small-biz/startups/newsbuzz/how-paytm-killed-its-e-commerce-dream-in-india/articleshow/69140573.cms?from=mdr|title=How Paytm killed its e-commerce dream in India|date=2019-05-02|work=The Economic Times|access-date=2019-08-28}}</ref>

== Controversies ==
[[California]]-based [[PayPal]] filed a case against Paytm in the Indian trademark office for using a logo with a similar colour combination to its own on 18 November 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/paytm-has-copied-our-logo-paypal/article9430703.ece|title=Paytm has copied our logo: PayPal|first=Priyanka|last=Pani|website=@businessline}}</ref>

In May 2018, the Indian investigative news agency [[Cobrapost]] released a video of an undercover reporter meeting with Paytm's vice president, Ajay Shekhar Sharma who is the brother of [[Vijay Shekhar Sharma]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thequint.com/news/politics/cobrapost-paytm-investigation-claim-about-pm-office|title=Cobrapost Siting: Paytm Senior VP Claims PMO Demanded Data of Paytm Users|work=Malavika Balasubramanian|publisher=[[The Quint]]|date=2018-05-28|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://huffingtonpost.in/2018/05/28/cobrapost-expose-first-demonetisation-then-data-brokering-should-you-trust-paytm-with-your-personal-data_a_23445555/|title=CobraPost Exposé: First Demonetisation Then Data Brokering; Should You Trust Paytm With Your Personal Data?|work=Aman Sethi|publisher=[[HuffPost]]|date=2018-05-29|access-date=2019-09-30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210155224/https://www.huffingtonpost.in/2018/05/28/cobrapost-expose-first-demonetisation-then-data-brokering-should-you-trust-paytm-with-your-personal-data_a_23445555/|archive-date=10 December 2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> During the meeting, he reportedly said the company had provided the [[Indian government|Indian Government]] with the personal data of Paytm users in the Indian state of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]], violating user's privacy and policies.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.androidauthority.com/did-indias-paytm-share-user-data-with-the-government-870102/|title=Did India's Paytm Share User Data With The Indian Government?|publisher=Android Authority|work=Abhisek Baxi|date=2018-05-28|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thewire.in/media/cobrapost-expose-top-paytm-official-claims-that-firm-was-asked-to-share-user-data-with-pmo|title=Cobrapost Expose: Senior VP at Paytm Claims Firm Was Asked to Share User Data with PMO|publisher=The Wire|date=2018-05-29|access-date=2019-09-29}}</ref> Later, [[Buzzfeed]] reported that, Sharma has close ties with India's ruling party [[Bhartiya Janata Party]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/pranavdixit/india-paytm-data-sharing-government-jammu-kashmir|title=India's Largest Digital Wallet Has Been Accused Of Handing Over User Data To The Government|work=Pranav Dixit|publisher=[[Buzzfeed]]|date=2018-05-26|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref> Meanwhile, in response, the company tweeted that, it had never shared user's data with third parties, denied the contents in the video, and stated that it had never received requests from law enforcement on [[Twitter]].<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/we-do-not-share-user-data-with-third-parties-govt-paytm/articleshow/64333427.cms|title=We do not share user data with third-parties, government: Paytm|publisher=[[Times of India]]|date=2018-05-26|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pymnts.com/news/security-and-risk/2018/paytm-user-data-privacy-indian-government/|title=Paytm Accused Of Sharing User Data With Indian Government|publisher=PYMNTS|date=2018-05-28|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref> Paytm also stated that any person claiming otherwise "is not aware of the policy and is not authorised to speak on behalf of the company".<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/we-do-not-share-user-data-with-third-parties-government-paytm/article24000832.ece|title=We do not share user data with third-parties, govt: Paytm|work=[[The Hindu]]|date=2018-05-26|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.medianama.com/2018/05/223-paytm-cobrapost-sting/|title=Paytm responds to Cobrapost siting, and claims that it never shares users data|work=Rashi Varshney|publisher=Medianama|date=2018-05-28|access-date=2019-09-30}}</ref>

Paytm has alleged that the Indian telecom companies are not blocking numbers used for [[phishing]] activities and sued them for ₹100 crore in the [[Delhi High Court]].<ref>{{Cite news|title=Paytm claims telecom firms not preventing phishing; HC seeks Centre, TRAI response|url=https://www.republicworld.com/india-news/general-news/paytm-claims-telecom-firms-not-preventing-phishing-hc-seeks-centre-t|access-date=2020-06-03|website=Republic World}}</ref>

On 18 September 2020, the firmsofficial app was briefly unlisted from the [[Google Play Store]] allegedly due to violations of the Play Store's gambling policy.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Paytm|date=2020-09-18|title=Your Money is Safe with us — the Paytm App will be back on Google Play Store shortly.|url=https://blog.paytm.com/your-money-is-safe-with-us-the-paytm-android-app-will-be-back-on-google-play-store-shortly-7de35723cb9d|access-date=2020-09-18|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Ishwar|first=Sai|date=2020-09-18|title=Paytm returns hours after Play Store exit over alleged policy violation|work=Business Standard India|url=https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/paytm-returns-hours-after-play-store-exit-over-alleged-policy-violation-120091801631_1.html|access-date=2020-09-18}}</ref> The company claimed that Google did not offer any prior warning or give the company an opportunity to explain its views on the contentious 'cashback' offers while claiming that Google's own payments app [[Google Pay]] offered similar 'cashback' offers and suffered no repercussions.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Bhalla|first=Tarush|date=2020-09-20|title=Paytm hits back at Google, terms its brief ban from Play Store as 'arm-twisting'|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/paytm-hits-back-at-google-calls-its-ban-arm-twisting-11600607731444.html|access-date=2020-09-21|website=mint|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Paytm|date=2020-09-20|title=The story behind Paytm App's de-listing from Google Play Store|url=https://blog.paytm.com/the-story-behind-paytm-apps-de-listing-from-google-play-store-42b3b6f54da0|access-date=2020-09-21|website=Medium|language=en}}</ref>

==Donations==
During the [[COVID-19 pandemic in India]], Paytm contributed {{INR}}10 to every single user who pays to the [[PM CARES fund]] via their app; within ten days they had collected {{INR}}100 crore in their app. Their 1,200 employees contributed their 15 days or even a few months of their salaries to the fund.<ref>{{cite news |title=Coronavirus: Paytm collects Rs 100 crore for PM-CARES fund from donors |url=https://www.businesstoday.in/current/corporate/coronavirus-paytm-collects-rs-100-crore-for-pm-cares-fund-from-donors/story/400754.html |access-date=16 April 2020 |work=businesstoday.in}}</ref>
Through their platform, Paytm made 21,000 oxygen concentrators available for people in need,<ref>{{Cite web|last=www.ETRetail.com|title=Paytm to make available 21,000 oxygen concentrators from May 1st week - ET Retail|url=https://retail.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/industry/paytm-to-make-available-21000-oxygen-concentrators-from-may-1st-week/82291180|access-date=2021-06-17|website=ETRetail.com|language=en}}</ref> and donated oxygen plants in 13 worst-hit cities to help hospitals get oxygen.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Staff Writer|date=2021-05-04|title=Paytm to set up oxygen plants across 13 cities to assist hospitals|url=https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/paytm-to-set-up-oxygen-plants-across-13-cities-to-assist-hospitals-11620122911152.html|access-date=2021-06-17|website=mint|language=en}}</ref>

== Awards and recognition ==
* Outstanding Startup of the Year Award at ''[[Forbes]]'' Leadership Awards 2016<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.forbesindia.com/aperture/leadership-awards-2016/winners-forbes-india-leadership-awards-2016/44725/7|title=Winners: Forbes India Leadership Awards 2016 {{!}} Forbes India|website=Forbes India|language=en-US|access-date=2018-04-07}}</ref>

==See also==
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*[[E-commerce payment system]]
{{div col end}}
{{Portal bar|Internet|Companies|India|Technology}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
* [https://paytm.com/ Official website]

{{Banking in India}}
{{Mobile payments}}
{{Payment service providers}}
{{FinTech in India}}
{{SoftBank}}

[[Category:Companies based in Noida]]
[[Category:Financial services companies established in 2010]]
[[Category:E-commerce in India]]
[[Category:Indian brands]]
[[Category:Internet properties established in 2010]]
[[Category:Mobile payments in India]]
[[Category:Online payments]]
[[Category:Payment service providers]]
[[Category:Privately held companies of India]]
[[Category:Softbank portfolio companies]]
[[Category:Super-apps]]
[[Category:Payments banks]]
[[Category:2010 establishments in Uttar Pradesh]]
[[Category:Mobile payments]]

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