Ankur Jain, a trailblazing entrepreneur, has revolutionized the U.S. rental market while capturing global attention with his lavish wedding to former WWE star Erika Hammond
Ankur Jain, an inspiring Indian-origin entrepreneur, is the mastermind behind Bilt Rewards, a New York-based startup valued at $3.1 billion in 2024. His innovative credit card allows tenants to pay rent without additional fees, a concept previously deemed impossible. In the U.S., where individuals often spend 30% of their income on rent, Jain’s platform transforms rent payments into a rewarding experience by offering points redeemable for travel, dining, and more. By 2024, Bilt Rewards covered 2.5 million rental units nationwide, making waves in the rental market, reported news24online.com.
How Ankur Jain Revolutionized the Rental Market
Jain tackled renters’ frustrations by introducing a credit card with no extra fees for rent payments. His compelling proposition attracted property managers who joined Bilt to enhance tenant loyalty. His innovative model led to partnerships across the U.S., enabling renters to earn points on essential payments. By January 2024, Bilt Rewards secured $200 million in funding, elevating its valuation to $3.1 billion, with Jain holding an estimated 36% stake in the company.
Who is Ankur Jain?
Born in 1990 in Bellevue, Washington, Ankur Jain grew up in Redmond, Washington, in a tech-driven environment shaped by his father, Naveen Jain, a former Microsoft executive and billionaire. Jain graduated from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he nurtured his entrepreneurial spirit by founding the Kairos Society, an organization supporting young innovators.
Before Bilt, Jain made waves in tech as Vice President of Products at Tinder, where he introduced groundbreaking innovations. His career began with Humin, an app organizing contacts through contextual cues, which he later sold to Tinder. Recognized for his contributions, Jain was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list.
A Love Story and a Wedding to Remember
In April 2024, Ankur Jain married Erika Hammond, a former WWE wrestler turned fitness coach, in a fairytale ceremony at the base of the Egyptian pyramids. Their love story began at Rumble Boxing, a celebrity-frequented gym where Jain asked Hammond out while she was sweaty and makeup-free—a moment she found endearing.
After dating for a short period, the couple got engaged in 2022 and tied the knot in an extravagant celebration lasting four days. The festivities began with a luxurious three-day safari excursion in South Africa, reportedly costing $2,000 per night. The guests then traveled to Egypt via private jet, where the couple exchanged vows in a glamorous event attended by 130 guests.
Wedding at the Egyptian Pyramids
The wedding was a dazzling blend of ancient grandeur and modern elegance, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Egyptian pyramids. Pre-wedding events included safari adventures and private flights, showcasing the couple’s penchant for luxury. Their union captivated fans worldwide, blending tech innovation with wrestling fame.
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