The Indian-origin Billionaire-Ankur Jain is an inspiring American entrepreneur with roots in India. He’s the brains behind Bilt Rewards, a groundbreaking company that has changed the way people think about paying rent in the US. The Home rental rewards startup is based in New York City. He transformed the way people approach rent payments, turning them into a rewarding experience, and by 2024, his company had reached a remarkable valuation of $3.1 billion. He revolutionized the U.S. rental market with his groundbreaking innovation. In the US, people typically spend around 30 percent of their income on rent, and Ankur’s innovation has helped alleviate this financial burden.

How Ankur Jain Changed The Rental Markets In US

Various reports suggest that, on average, people in the U.S. spend at least 30% of their income on rent. Jain saw an opportunity to ease this financial burden and began offering rewards to renters. By doing so, he quickly established his name in the rental market. Jain’s Bilt Rewards changed the rental market by tackling one of renters’ biggest frustrations: paying rent without gaining any financial benefit. He introduced a credit card that allowed tenants to pay their rent without extra fees, a concept that was previously thought to be impossible.

Bilt quickly gained traction. Jain’s idea which was compelling to property managers, made them join Bilt. His promise to them was them that he will make their “tenants never want to leave them” — According to Times Now, his innovative model now covers 2.5 million rental units across the US, turning rent payments into a rewarding experience by letting renters earn points redeemable for travel, dining, and more. The platform facilitates rent payments while allowing renters to earn and redeem points across airlines, hotels, gyms, and restaurants. In January 2024, Bilt Rewards secured $200 million in funding from private investors, achieving a valuation of $3.1 billion, as per a Forbes report. Jain holds an estimated 36% stake in the company.

Who is Ankur Jain?

Born in 1990 in the serene city of Bellevue, Washington, Ankur Jain spent his childhood in the vibrant Redmond area. Growing up, he was surrounded by the technological buzz of the Pacific Northwest, which undoubtedly played a role in shaping his innovative spirit. Ankur’s father, Naveen Jain served as a Microsoft executive and was also a billionaire during his time on top.

Ankur’s academic journey took him to the prestigious Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. It was there that he honed his business acumen and developed a keen interest in entrepreneurship. After graduating, he didn’t waste any time and went on to create the Kairos Society. This incredible organization serves as a launchpad for young entrepreneurs across the US, providing them with the resources and support needed to turn their visionary ideas into reality.

Before Ankur Jain transformed the rental market, he made waves in the tech world. He served as the Vice President of Products at Tinder, bringing his innovative spirit to the popular dating app. Ankur’s father, Naveen Jain, was a trailblazer in his own right. Naveen worked as an executive at Microsoft and achieved billionaire status during his career.

Ankur’s journey to Tinder started with an app called Humin, which he developed to organize contacts using contextual cues. After four years of dedicated work, he sold Humin to Tinder, marking a significant milestone in his career. Recognized for his leadership and vision, Ankur was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and earned a spot on Forbes’ 30 under 30 list.

Love, Romance, and the Lavish Wedding in Italy

But there’s more to Ankur than his business success. In April, he married former WWE wrestler Erika Hammond in a stunning ceremony in Italy. The lavish celebration captured global attention, making headlines and delighting fans of both the tech and wrestling worlds. After leaving WWE, Erika Hammond became a successful fitness coach. She worked in Los Angeles and later moved to New York to join Rumble Boxing as founder trainer. According to various reports, Ankur and Erika met while working out at Rumble Boxing, a gym frequented by celebrities. She later shared that the billionaire asked her out while she was sweaty and makeup-free. This thoughtful gesture made her realize that Jain was the “one” for her.

After dating for a short period, Jain and Hammond gott engaged in late 2022. Two years later the couple finally tied the knot in April 2024. Jain and Hammond held an lavish wedding bonanza that lasted four days. In the destination wedding, they tied the knot at the base of the great pyramids in Egypt.

Wedding at the Egyptian Pyramids

Ankur Jain and former WWE wrestler Erika Hammond’s wedding was nothing short of a fairytale. The couple tied the knot in a breathtaking ‘blitz and glam’ celebration, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Egyptian pyramids. The event was filled with dazzling lights, elegant decor, and a touch of ancient magic, making it a truly unforgettable experience for everyone who attended. Their love story, marked by such a grand and romantic setting, captured the hearts of many and became a global sensation. Jain married Erika in presence of about 130 people. In addition to the wedding ceremony, the pre-wedding festivities were equally extravagant. The lavish three-day safari excursion in South Africa reportedly costed a hefty price tag of $2,000 per night, according to The Sun US. After soaking in the wild beauty of South Africa, the couple and their guests then jetted off to Egypt in a private plane, continuing their grand adventure with more luxurious experiences.

The three-day safari excursion in South Africa reportedly costed a whooping $2,000 per night, The Sun US has reported. After the three-day SA trip, the couple then flew to Egypt in a private jet along with their guests.