While most 11-year-olds are busy doing homework, playing video games or thinking about what they want to be when they grow up, Athvik is busy building a company. Not because anyone asked him to. Not because this is a school project. But because he discovered a problem that almost everyone else thought was normal.Today, Athvik is the founder of ZOZO Connect, a Rs 25-crore startup that is reimagining something that professionals have carried in their wallets for decades — the humble business card. His story is compelling not just because of his age, but because it challenges a common belief: that entrepreneurship can only begin after earning an engineering degree, an MBA, or years of corporate experience.
While others accepted paper business cards, he questioned them
Think about the last time someone handed you a paper business card.Did you keep it? Did you lose it? Or did it end up forgotten in a drawer?This simple question gave Asvik an idea.Traditional business cards are printed in large quantities, and once the phone number or name changes, the business card becomes obsolete and is often thrown into the trash. They also consume paper and require repeated printing, making them expensive and not environmentally friendly over time.Rather than accept this as the norm, the young entrepreneur created ZOZO Connect – an NFC-enabled smart digital business card that allows users to instantly share their contact information with just a tap or scan of a QR code.Unlike paper cards, digital data can be updated at any time without the need to reprint. Professionals can customize their cards to add portfolios, social media profiles and business messages, while also tracking online activity through analytics.
11-year-old Athvik founded NFC digital business card startup, reportedly valued at £250m
An idea grows into a Rs 25-crore startup
What started as a simple solution to everyday inconveniences has now grown into a startup with a reported valuation of Rs 25 crore.ZOZO Connect offers professionals more than just contact sharing. Users can create customized digital identities, update information in real time, integrate with CRM platforms and business tools, and manage everything through personalized dashboards.The platform also supports sharing via NFC technology, QR codes and direct links, making networking faster and more efficient for entrepreneurs, students, freelancers and corporate professionals alike.In an age where nearly every aspect of business has gone digital, Athvik’s innovation raises a simple question: Why do we still rely on paper business cards?
The lessons of his journey extend far beyond startups
Asvik’s story has also sparked discussion online because of the contrast it presents.Every year, thousands of students completing engineering degrees, preparing for competitive exams or planning expensive master’s courses abroad often apply for education loans worth Rs 25 lakh to Rs 40 lakh in search of better opportunities.Meanwhile, an 11-year-old chose a different path.Instead of waiting until graduation to solve a problem, he found a problem around him and developed a product to solve it.His journey is not about comparing ages or seniority. Rather, it highlights important shifts in today’s innovation landscape. Access to technology, online learning and digital platforms means that good ideas are no longer limited by age, degree or years of work experience.For young students, Asvik’s success is a reminder that curiosity is sometimes more valuable than qualifications. For professionals, it’s proof that even the most ordinary, everyday problems can inspire extraordinary careers.At just 11 years old, Athvik has achieved what many entrepreneurs spend years trying to achieve – not just build a startup, but create a solution that makes people rethink how they connect in a digital-first world.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information about Athvik and ZOZO Connect. reported that New business valuation Product details have not been independently verified by TOI Education. Readers should conduct their own research before making business or investment decisions.
