He skipped college to intern with an ex-Sequoia director. Three years later, he's a cofounder.

In a compelling narrative of ambition and innovation, Raghav Saraf, a young entrepreneur, embarked on his professional journey just days after completing high school in 2022. His path intersected with Amit Jain, a seasoned executive and former managing director at Sequoia India, during a blockchain hackathon, where Saraf showcased a payment gateway that mirrored Jain's vision for his startup, Zamp. Jain, who previously led Uber's operations in Asia Pacific, had a strong desire to return to the startup landscape after years in venture capital. After an extensive brainstorming phase that lasted six to nine months, he conceptualized the idea that ultimately birthed Zamp. Initially, Saraf intended to pursue an undergraduate degree in the United States. However, he found the prospect of interning with Jain's team too enticing to pass up. His three-month summer internship, at a time when Zamp had a modest team of just five to ten employees, allowed him to tackle significant projects, rapidly accelerating his learning curve. By the end of the summer, Saraf had a revelation: the hands-on experience he was gaining far outweighed what he would learn in a classroom setting, prompting him to consider a permanent role at Zamp. Convincing his parents of the decision to forgo college was a challenge. Saraf recalls a pivotal moment when Jain was ‘interviewed’ by his father over coffee, a conversation aimed at understanding the nature of the startup and the mentor guiding his son. Now, at 21, Saraf reflects on his nearly four-year journey outside traditional education. While he acknowledges the value of college for social connections and experiences, he feels well-prepared for the professional world compared to his peers, many of whom are just graduating. As Zamp has grown to about 80 employees and a diverse global client base, Saraf has taken charge of product development while Jain oversees sales and other operations. Their collaborative approach has fostered a strong working relationship, leading to Saraf's promotion to cofounder—a decision that evolved organically over time. The announcement of his new role in 2025 was met with enthusiasm from the team, reinforcing Saraf's leadership qualities. His journey has not only transformed his career but also shifted his parents' perceptions from skepticism to pride in his accomplishments. Reflecting on the role of a cofounder, Jain emphasizes that it is a journey defined by contributions and responsibilities rather than a fixed point in time. Saraf's self-taught skills and commitment to continuous learning have been vital to Zamp's success, demonstrating that passion and determination can lead to extraordinary outcomes. The camaraderie among the team members, including Saraf's flatmate, highlights a culture of collaboration, where leadership is recognized yet grounded in mutual respect and trust.