Kunal Shah’s decision to step down from CRED and take charge of WhatsApp globally has sparked widespread discussion online, with users debating why the founder of an IPO-bound fintech company would choose to leave for a leadership role at Meta.
The conversation gained momentum after a post on X questioned the move. “What would make a founder—running a multi-billion-dollar, profitable and about-to-IPO startup that he has put blood and sweat to build—leave in favour of a job at Meta? (Whatever may be the perks, it’s still a job),” the post read.
On second thoughts, what would make a founder – running a multi-billion-dollar, profitable and about-to-IPO startup, that he has put blood and sweat to build, leave in favour of a job at Meta? (Whatever nay be the perks, it’s still a job)
What would have been the line of…
— Harshdeep Rapal (@harshdeeprapal) June 23, 2026
The remark quickly resonated with users, many of whom echoed the same question. Some argued that Shah had spent years building CRED into one of India’s most recognised fintech companies and that his departure comes at a time when the company appears to be moving closer to a public listing.
“Leaving a multi-billion-dollar company pre-IPO for a job at Meta, hmmm interesting,” one user commented, reflecting the sentiment shared by several others on the platform.
Not everyone agreed. Many users viewed the move as a rare opportunity to lead one of the world’s largest communication platforms, arguing that heading WhatsApp globally represents a challenge that extends far beyond the startup ecosystem. Others suggested the decision highlights how career ambitions evolve, even for founders who have built successful businesses of their own.
The debate has also reignited broader conversations about what success means in the startup world. While some see entrepreneurship as the ultimate goal, others believe leadership roles at global technology companies can offer influence and scale that few startups can match.
Founded in 2018, CRED currently serves 1.7 crore monthly active members and claims to process more than 40 per cent of India’s credit card bill payments. The company reported a reduction in operating losses to ₹298 crore in FY25 from ₹609 crore in FY24, while consolidated losses narrowed by 11.5 per cent to ₹1,457 crore. Operating revenue grew 16 per cent to ₹2,735 crore during the fiscal year.
Following Shah’s departure, Miten Sampat has been appointed interim CEO as the company works towards establishing its next leadership structure and continuing preparations for an eventual initial public offering.
Also read: ‘The delta between WhatsApp today and its full potential is massive’: Kunal Shah on joining Meta to lead WhatsApp
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