At the Finbridge Expo 2025 (Delhi edition), we met Shashi, an experienced crypto trader from Bhagalpur, Bihar, whose journey with digital assets began long before crypto became mainstream in India. A fundamental investor by mindset and a learner by nature, Shashi has seen multiple market cycles, from early uncertainty to full-fledged bull runs.
Having started his crypto journey on ZebPay in 2017, Shashi’s story reflects patience, research-driven investing, and long-term conviction, especially in Bitcoin and Ethereum. From learning through experience to formal blockchain education from IIT Kanpur, his evolution mirrors that of India’s growing crypto ecosystem. Here’s Shashi in his own words (Edited Excerpts):
- You’ve been with ZebPay since 2017. What first drew you to the platform, and what has kept you here over the years?
I started my crypto journey in July 2017 through a friend-of-a-friend who introduced me to Bitcoin. At that time, I didn’t know much about crypto, but ZebPay stood out as a simple and reliable platform. Over the years, what really kept me here is the ease of use. Even someone, without any kind of technical knowledge, can operate it comfortably. For me, ZebPay has always been my number one exchange!
- How has your crypto investing journey evolved since you first started on ZebPay?
My journey has gone through clear phases. In the beginning, I invested small amounts and learned alongside a friend who focused heavily on fundamentals. During the 2018 bear market, I booked some profits and even withdrew funds during the uncertainty around the Supreme Court decision.
I re-entered the market during the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, which’s when I began taking my involvement far more seriously. I began researching independently to understand market cycles, study the narratives and trends shaping investor sentiment, track liquidity flows, and analyse reports to build conviction in assets like Ethereum and Polygon (previously MATIC). Watching the 2021 bull run up close gave me a deeper understanding of how capital flows, market sentiment, and innovation collectively shape the crypto ecosystem, along with how rapidly retail momentum can ignite and scale. Over time, I became more disciplined and confident as an investor.
- Was there a particular moment or trade that truly strengthened your belief in crypto as a long-term asset class?
Yes, investing in Polygon (previously MATIC) was a turning point for me. I bought it at around 30 paise after doing my own research and understanding the ecosystem. What started as a Rs. 10,000 investment eventually generated Rs. 30,000 – 40,000 in profits, and over time, that grew further during the bull run.That experience made one thing unmistakably clear: when strong fundamentals are paired with patience and conviction, crypto truly establishes itself as a credible long-term asset class.
- How has education and self-learning shaped the way you approach crypto investing today?
Early on, I learned through mistakes, which made me realize the importance of proper research. That’s why I decided to formally study blockchain fundamentals through a 3-month course at IIT Kanpur. Today, my vision is much clearer. I focus more on understanding technology, use cases, and long-term value rather than just price movements. That education has helped me invest with confidence and discipline. ZebPay’s focus on core crypto fundamentals, a Bitcoin-first approach, and strong security practices, like cold storage and regular reviews, gives me the peace of mind to stay invested for the long term.
- How has your crypto journey impacted your life beyond investing?
Crypto has changed my perspective on money and long-term wealth creation. I’ve seen real-life examples including a close friend who built a restaurant using crypto profits, which was very motivating. Having my wife’s support throughout the journey has also made a big difference. Today, crypto is not just an investment for me; it represents a broader financial and lifestyle mindset built around learning, patience, and long-term thinking, a mindset that platforms like ZebPay have consistently encouraged by making long-term participation in the crypto ecosystem simple, accessible, and trustworthy. Being with ZebPay, which shares this long-term vision, makes it easier to invest with confidence and stay committed through every market cycle.
- Which ZebPay product have you found most interesting, and why?
Spot trading has been my most-used feature. I’ve also invested in CryptoPacks, which I really liked as a diversified option. ZebPay Earn added another layer of value by letting my crypto do more than just sit idle; it offered a simple, secure way to earn returns while staying invested for the long term. Furthermore, withdrawals and crypto transfers have always been seamless and quick, which builds a lot of trust when you’re actively managing funds.
- From your perspective, how has the platform changed or improved over time to meet your needs?
ZebPay has continuously focused on simplicity and user experience. The app has become more intuitive, smoother, and easier to navigate over time. As someone who has seen multiple exchanges, I feel ZebPay has done a good job of evolving while still keeping things straightforward for users at every level.
- How do you typically use ZebPay: are you a long-term investor, an active trader, or both?
I would say both. I strongly believe in long-term investing, especially in Bitcoin and Ethereum, but I also actively trade and explore futures. My approach is research-driven, as it involves following market signals, track fundamentals, and adapt based on market conditions.
- What’s one piece of advice you’d share with someone who’s starting their crypto journey today?
“Bitcoin can help build a lot of wealth if you give it time. Consider investing some amount in Bitcoin as well, alongside gold and fixed deposits.”
- Looking ahead, what would you like to see ZebPay focus on as the crypto ecosystem continues to mature?
As crypto matures, I’d like to see ZebPay continue focusing on crypto education. Making advanced tools easier to understand while keeping the platform simple will help onboard the next wave of users. ZebPay is already on the right path, and strengthening these areas will make it even better.
Looking Ahead with Clarity and Confidence
Shashi’s journey reflects what long-term success in crypto truly looks like – starting small, learning through experience, and steadily building conviction through research and education. From navigating early market uncertainty to actively participating in today’s evolving crypto ecosystem, his story highlights the value of discipline, simplicity, and a strong belief in virtues. With a balanced approach that blends long-term investing and active trading, Shashi continues to see crypto as a powerful wealth-building tool when approached with patience and understanding, which are principles that align closely with how the ecosystem itself is maturing!
