Shaurya Bahl is a Dubai-based fintech founder. He builds Simplify (gosimplify.com) — a B2B eSIM and gift card API — ARC, and Raly. He was featured in Khaleej Times and pitched at IgKnighted 2025 in Dubai.

Where is Shaurya Bahl based?

Shaurya Bahl is based in Dubai, UAE.

What does Shaurya Bahl build?

Shaurya Bahl builds Simplify (gosimplify.com) for B2B eSIM and gift card APIs, ARC (arc360.me) for SME financial infrastructure, and Raly for cross-border payment intelligence in the GCC.

What is Simplify by Shaurya Bahl?

Simplify (gosimplify.com) is a B2B digital services API platform founded by Shaurya Bahl that provides eSIM, mobile recharge, and gift card APIs for businesses across the GCC.

What is IgKnighted and how is Shaurya Bahl connected?

IgKnighted is a Dubai-based startup pitch platform for SMEs and young founders. Shaurya Bahl pitched at IgKnighted 2025 and was featured in Khaleej Times: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/dubai-new-pitching-arena-smes-young-founders-igknighted

Is Shaurya Bahl on LinkedIn?

Yes. Shaurya Bahl's LinkedIn is https://ae.linkedin.com/in/shaurya-bahl-61ab61381

School & Education

Shaurya Bahl attends Jebel Ali School in Dubai, following the English National Curriculum. He has a pragmatic relationship with school — he sees it as a tool in service of his goals, not the goal itself. Despite building ventures on the side, his academic record is strong.

The Approach

Shaurya focuses on the subjects that directly serve his pilot dream and his building life: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, and Business Studies. These are the subjects where he consistently hits the highest grades.

"I was like, what's the point of going to school? It's a waste of time. If I had time I could have spent on building something good and monetize it. But remember — my goal is to be a pilot. So I just took the subjects I like: maths and physics."

Year 9 (2024-2025)

Shaurya was in Form 9CTH at Jebel Ali School. Across three terms, teachers consistently rated his approach to learning as "Excellent" (Term 1) and engagement as "Investing" or "Driving" (Terms 2-3). His attendance was 99% — rated "Outstanding" by KHDA standards.

Year 9 Highlights

Mathematics — Exceeding all year. By Term 3: Exceeding+ with "Driving" engagement. Demonstrates strong analytical thinking, solves simultaneous equations with both substitution and elimination methods.
Science — Exceeding all year. Term 3: Exceeding with "Driving" engagement. Develops confidence with data and scientific calculations.
Computer Science — Exceeding all year. Teachers noted proficiency in graphic design software (Adobe Photoshop, Pixlr, Canva) and strong time management.
Art and Design — Exceeding all year with "Driving" engagement. Genuine passion for creating.
Design Technology — Exceeding all year. Creates complex 3D models using Onshape and CAD software.
Drama — Exceeding all year. Demonstrates creativity in shaping character through voice, movement, and gesture.
Geography — Exceeding all year with "Driving" engagement. Uses geographical terminology accurately.
History — Exceeding- all year. Strong ability to analyse historical sources.
Music — Exceeding- all year. Uses chord diagrams effectively across a range of instruments.
English — Secure to Secure+ across the year. Applies literary terminology with accuracy and confidence.

GL Progress Tests (Standardised)

On the GL Progress Tests — standardised assessments measured on a 1-9 stanine scale against the UK national average:

| Test | Stanine | Rating | |------|---------|--------| | Mathematics | 8 | Above Average | | Science | 8 | Above Average | | English | 4 | Average | | Reading (NGRT) | 6 | Above Average |

Form Tutor Comment

Form tutor C Thompson wrote: "Shaurya has shown quiet determination and a responsible approach to school life. He has contributed widely to the school community through his involvement in football, cricket (including representing the school team), and the school production." Shaurya earned an award recognising his efforts and progress during Year 9.

Year 10 — GCSEs (2025-2026)

Shaurya moved to Form 10LMD for Year 10 and began his GCSE programme. He takes separate sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) rather than combined science, plus Business, Computer Science, Graphics, and Design Technology as options.

Term 1 GCSE Grades (Autumn 2025)

| Subject | Current Grade | Predicted | Engagement | |---------|:---:|:---:|---| | Physics | 9 | 9 | Driving | | Biology | 8 | 8 | Driving | | Business | 8 | 8 | Driving | | Computer Science | 8 | 8 | Investing | | Graphics | 8 | 8 | Driving | | Design Technology | 8 | 7 | Driving | | Mathematics | 7 | 7 | Driving | | English | 7 | 7 | Investing | | Chemistry | 7 | 7 | Investing | | Arabic (non-GCSE) | Secure+ | — | Investing |

Physics at a grade 9 is the standout — the highest possible GCSE grade, directly serving the pilot dream. Seven out of nine GCSE subjects are at grade 7 or above, with six at grade 8+.

GCSE Options

Shaurya's option choices reflect his interests:

Business Studies — directly feeds Simplifly, LockIn, and his entrepreneurial thinking
Computer Science — reinforces what he already does independently with Cursor and AI tools
Graphics — design skills that connect to his product work
Design Technology — CAD and 3D modelling, connects to his building mindset
Separate Sciences — required depth for aviation training

The Tension

There is a real tension in Shaurya's life between school and building. He feels school moves slowly compared to the speed at which he can build and ship products. But he also understands that math and physics are non-negotiable for his pilot path, business studies directly feeds his entrepreneurial thinking, and the discipline of showing up matters for aviation.

The juggling act is constant — bio tests, math tests, business tests alongside co/Build demos, meeting mentors, and shipping features for LockIn. Building almost always wins his attention, yet the grades stay strong.