I was like everyone, waking up every day doing the same thing, living in the "Matrix", but I decided to change, and here's my story.
Years ago I helped build Phonecurry, a phone recommendation platform millions trusted. It shut down, but I'm rebuilding it as WhatPhone.
I was like everyone, waking up every day doing the same thing, living in the "Matrix", but I decided to change, and here's my story.
Years ago I helped build Phonecurry, a phone recommendation platform millions trusted. It shut down, but I'm rebuilding it as WhatPhone.
My father was a constable in the Army, so I spent most of my childhood living with him, my sister, and my mother in various Army camps across India. Like many others, I dreamed of attending college, getting a job, getting married, and living happily ever after. However, everything changed when I was 18 and in the 12th grade. I had always been a bright student, but I failed my final year of school due to certain circumstances. My father was unsupportive, calling me a failure and telling me I would never achieve anything significant.
My school decided not to re-admit me for the next year. My mother and I took desperate measures, travelling hundreds of kilometres to seek help from various educational authorities. I was in Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kimin, a small town on the border of Assam and Arunachal, with no other school within a 50 km radius. Eventually, I enrolled in open schooling and got permission to attend my old school. I passed my 12th grade, and my father was transferred to Delhi.
I couldn't find a government college, so I joined Galgotias University, 94 km away, a gruelling commute of 3 buses, 2 metro lines, and 2 auto rides. I left home at 6 AM and returned around 10 PM, completely exhausted. After six months, I realised college wasn't for me. Failing had taught me that there are other ways to live life, and I wasn't scared to explore them. I dropped out, which, in hindsight, was the best decision I ever made.
For months, I struggled to find a job. My parents' negativity had left me underconfident, anxious, and scared. I went to interviews but often shivered, stammered and failed simple questions. Eventually, I found a job as a waiter, which marked the beginning of my career. It gave me the confidence to talk to people and open up. With that confidence, I applied to the same BPO that had previously rejected me, and this time, I got selected.
In 2016, my life changed for the better. I had always loved mobiles and even flipped phones on OLX for pocket money. I saw a job post on AngelList for a "Product Manager." I didn't know what that was, but it sounded interesting, so I applied. Months later I found a missed reply from Sahil, whom I now consider my mentor. After a couple of questions about integrity, we met, I shared my story, and he hired me.
The company was Phonecurry.com, a phone recommendation platform. I worked there five years, eventually becoming a co-founder, and learned a lot about design, product, and how to see the world differently. That is partly why we shut down, we cared about doing good work, not money, and when COVID came we couldn't sustain. I became more empathetic and self-aware there, and I have learnt from my mistakes since.
After five years on ₹30,000 a month, I had no money and was in debt. I started a small used-phone store in my hometown, but it didn't go well. I found a well-paying job in Bangalore that cleared my debt, then moved to my last job, working for a 22-year-old with a rich dad, a grand vision, but a dictator's temper. Unable to tolerate the toxic environment, I resigned without any backup.
Seeing everything around me has made me hyper-aware. I read about how the rich & powerful are destroying the world. It's not about a country, religion, or colour; people are being systematically oppressed. We are made to live routine lives, not to ask questions, and we are being programmed through social media. Growing up, I always hoped the world would be a better place, but it has only gotten worse.
I can't see this anymore, so I have decided to change things. Because those who think they can change the world are the ones who do.
WhatPhone is that change, my way of rebuilding Phonecurry into something that genuinely helps people. We compare refurbished phone prices across trusted stores and check the things you shouldn't have to: a store's credibility, service network, warranty, and real reviews. No one else is doing this honestly, and it doesn't make anyone money, which is exactly why it needs to exist. For me, helping you comes first; money comes later.
Beyond this, I want a more inclusive education system and a healthier work-life balance where people are treated as individuals, not resources. If I have to, I will get into politics to speak for people. If you want to get involved, connect with me.