From Humble Beginnings to Blockchain Titan: The Inspiring Journey of Sandeep Nailwal

In the fast-evolving world of blockchain technology, few names resonate as powerfully as Sandeep Nailwal. As the co-founder of Polygon, a groundbreaking layer-2 scaling solution for Ethereum, Nailwal has emerged as a visionary entrepreneur, transforming the landscape of decentralized finance and Web3. His story is one of resilience, innovation, and a relentless drive to empower the underdog—a narrative that continues to inspire millions worldwide.

A Challenging Start in Delhi

Born and raised in the "Jamna-Paar" area of Delhi, India, Sandeep Nailwal’s early life was marked by hardship. Growing up in a modest household, he faced financial struggles and personal challenges, including a turbulent home environment. Despite failing to clear the prestigious IIT entrance exam—a significant setback for many—he refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he pursued an MBA in Finance and Supply Chain Management from the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE) in Mumbai, laying the foundation for a remarkable career.

From Corporate Roles to Blockchain Innovation

Nailwal’s professional journey began in 2010 as a software engineer at Computer Sciences Corporation, where he honed his technical skills. Over the years, he worked as a consultant at Deloitte and later as Head of Technology and Supply Chain at Welspun Group, gaining valuable experience in technology and business operations. However, it was in 2016, when he co-founded ScopeWeaver—a Dapp development firm—that his passion for blockchain technology ignited.

This passion culminated in the launch of Polygon (initially Matic Network) in 2017, alongside co-founders Jaynti Kanani, Anurag Arjun, and Mihailo Bjelic. What started as a solution to Ethereum’s scalability issues—boosting its transactions per second (TPS) from 30 to an impressive 65,000—has grown into a global phenomenon. Today, Polygon is a cornerstone of the Web3 ecosystem, supporting decentralized applications (dApps) in finance, gaming, and beyond.

The Polygon Phenomenon

Under Nailwal’s leadership, Polygon’s native token, Matic, skyrocketed from a modest $26 million valuation in 2019 to over $14 billion, cementing his status as one of India’s first crypto billionaires. With a personal stake estimated at 4-5% in the token, his success is a testament to his foresight and dedication. Based in Dubai as of 2025, he oversees branding, marketing, adoption, and operations at Polygon Labs, supported by a team of over 400 across multiple regions.

Recently, Nailwal expanded his role to Chief Business Officer at Polygon Labs, focusing on accelerating the adoption of Polygon’s Agglayer and zero-knowledge (zk) solutions. These innovations are poised to revolutionize industries like DeFi, gaming, and AI, further solidifying Polygon’s position as a leader in the blockchain space.

Beyond Business: A Commitment to Impact

Sandeep Nailwal’s influence extends far beyond Polygon. In 2022, he co-founded Symbolic Capital with Kenzi Wang, raising $50 million to invest in promising Web3 startups, nurturing the next generation of innovators. His Nailwal Fellowship, launched with a $50,000 grant, supports global Web3 entrepreneurs, reflecting his belief in uplifting talent from emerging markets.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nailwal demonstrated his humanitarian side by initiating the Sandeep Relief Fund in 2021. Raising over $2.2 million with support from luminaries like Vitalik Buterin, the fund provided critical aid to India, showcasing his commitment to social good alongside technological advancement.

A Vision for the Future

Nailwal’s journey is shaped by his roots and a personal philosophy of resilience. Having overcome a challenging upbringing, he advocates for mental health awareness and supports underdog entrepreneurs, drawing from his own experiences. As of June 12, 2025, his recent efforts to expand Polygon’s reach into new sectors highlight his ongoing mission to democratize access to blockchain technology.

Whether through Polygon’s cutting-edge solutions or his philanthropic endeavors, Sandeep Nailwal continues to leave an indelible mark on the world. His story is a powerful reminder that with determination and innovation, anyone can rise to shape the future—no matter where they start.