Tag: 👨‍💻StartupTalkers

Pushmeet Kohli: The Mind Behind DeepMind’s Most Ambitious AI Projects

When people talk about super-smart AI that can match or even surpass human experts, Pushmeet Kohli is often the quiet genius behind those advancements.

As the head of research at Google DeepMind, he leads groundbreaking projects like AlphaFold (which solved the mystery of protein folding), Gemini (DeepMind’s version of ChatGPT), and important AI safety measures to keep AI under control. His work isn’t just technical; it’s about shaping the future of AI with science, ethics, and real-world benefits.

Pushmeet combines brilliance with humility from his early days at Microsoft to helping set global AI policies. While AI moves fast, he stays focused on one goal: creating AI that helps everyone. Let’s explore the story of the mind powering some of DeepMind’s most ambitious AI missions.

Pushmeet Kohli – Biography

Name	Pushmeet Kohli
Nationality	Indian
Profession	VP Science and Strategy Initiatives at Google DeepMind
Education	Ph.D. in Computer Vision and AI, University of Oxford
Notable Roles	Former Director of Research at Microsoft Research Cambridge

Pushmeet Kohli – Early Life and Academic Brilliance
Pushmeet Kohli – Career Beginnings
Pushmeet Kohli – Pioneering AI Research at DeepMind
Pushmeet Kohli – Pioneering AI Research at DeepMind
Pushmeet Kohli – Key Contributions
Pushmeet Kohli – DeepMind Research Philosophy
Pushmeet Kohli – Awards & Recognitions

Pushmeet Kohli – Early Life and Academic Brilliance

Growing up in the serene hill town of Dehradun, Pushmeet Kohli once dreamed of becoming a teacher. Reflecting on his journey, he shares, “I find the role of teachers in society a very important one. The impact they have on shaping and influencing people cannot be overstated. Currently, I am teaching machines. Maybe at some point, I would like to become a teacher in a school or university.”

He completed his undergraduate studies in computer science before earning a fully funded scholarship to pursue his doctorate at the prestigious University of Oxford. There, his research focused on probabilistic models for computer vision, an area that would later become central to the rise of intelligent machines.

His early work on Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), Markov Random Fields (MRFs), and energy minimization techniques not only earned citations across top-tier AI conferences but also paved the way for practical applications in image segmentation, object recognition, scene understanding, and robotic vision.

Pushmeet Kohli – Career Beginnings

Pushmeet Kohli spent a decade at Microsoft, where he led the Cognition research group and contributed across its global labs in Seattle, Cambridge, and Bangalore. He also served as a trusted technical advisor to Rick Rashid, the then Chief Research Officer of Microsoft.

His research during this time focused on advancing Intelligent Systems and Computational Sciences, with key contributions in Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Game Theory, and Information Retrieval.

At Microsoft, Pushmeet played a pivotal role in bridging foundational AI research with real-world applications, helping shape projects that combined deep theoretical work with practical innovation. His interdisciplinary approach and ability to translate complex algorithms into scalable solutions earned him wide recognition within the AI research community.

In addition to machine learning information retrieval models. He has published papers in conferences on computer vision, machine learning, robotics, and artificial intelligence. The areas of intelligence systems and computational sciences are among his research interests.

Pushmeet Kohli – Pioneering AI Research at DeepMind

Pushmeet Kohli heads the AI for Science initiative at DeepMind, where he leads groundbreaking work on systems like AlphaEvolve, an AI that can discover novel algorithms and even prove mathematical theorems that have stumped experts for decades.

From improving matrix multiplication techniques developed over 50 years ago to generating interpretable code for complex tasks like data center scheduling, AlphaEvolve showcases a powerful fusion of large language models and evolutionary search.

He often breaks down the technical foundations of these breakthroughs and shares insights from collaborations with world-renowned mathematicians like Terence Tao. His work exemplifies how AI is now accelerating scientific progress in fields ranging from chip design to advanced materials science.

Pushmeet Kohli played a key role in the development of AlphaFold, DeepMind’s groundbreaking AI system for predicting the 3D structure of proteins. The system’s impact was profound; its research paper became the most cited publication of 2021.

Since its release, over 1.7 million researchers across 190 countries have used AlphaFold to advance scientific discovery, from engineering plastic-eating enzymes to accelerating the development of next-gen malaria vaccines.

“This is just the beginning,” says Kohli, who believes AI will eventually pave the way toward building a virtual cell, a digital replica of life that could transform biomedical research by enabling biology to be studied entirely in silico, without relying solely on physical labs.

Pushmeet’s current research spans a wide spectrum of cutting-edge AI domains. He is actively exploring 3D reconstruction and rendering, probabilistic programming, and building interpretable, verifiable knowledge representations from deep learning models.

His interests also extend to task-oriented conversational agents, machine learning systems for healthcare, and immersive 3D rendering and interaction technologies for augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR).

Pushmeet Kohli – Key Contributions

Pushmeet Kohli believes that AI has the potential to be one of humanity’s most powerful tools in understanding and shaping the natural world. One of Kohli’s major contributions is to AlphaFold, DeepMind’s breakthrough system that solved the long-standing problem of predicting 3D protein structures, transforming fields like drug discovery and molecular biology.

In 2022, his team tackled another complex challenge: matrix multiplication. By gamifying the problem into a 3D board game called TensorGame, they discovered faster algorithms and addressed a 50-year-old open question in mathematics: how to multiply matrices in the most efficient way.

Kohli is also fascinated by AI’s role in controlling fusion reactors. He calls DeepMind’s success in using AI to stabilize plasma in a reactor “surprising and powerful,” highlighting how far machine learning has come in real-world applications. Kohli remains deeply interested in the future of generative AI, viewing it as the next frontier in creativity, science, and intelligent systems.

Pushmeet Kohli – DeepMind Research Philosophy

For Pushmeet Kohli, two things make DeepMind truly special. First, it’s the shared commitment to a bold mission, not just to solve intelligence, but to use it for the betterment of science and humanity.

Second, it’s the collaborative culture. Tackling complex, long-term scientific problems can often feel isolating, especially when few people truly understand the challenges they present.

But at DeepMind, that isolation fades. “You are surrounded by people who not only understand the problem but are equally passionate about solving it,” says Kohli. “It’s like working with a unified team that shares both the vision and the drive.”

He sums it up with a powerful thought: “You are a product of your interactions.” And at DeepMind, those interactions are what fuel progress.

Pushmeet Kohli – Awards & Recognitions

Sullivan Doctoral Thesis Award: Pushmeet’s Ph.D. thesis, “Minimizing Dynamic and Higher Order Energy Functions using Graph Cuts”, won this prestigious award from the British Machine Vision Association.
Runner-up, Distinguished Dissertation Award: His thesis was also recognized as a runner-up by the British Computer Society.
Best Paper Awards: His research papers have received awards at several top-tier conferences:

ICVGIP 2006
ICVGIP 2010
ECCV 2010
ISMAR 2011
TVX 2014
CHI 2014WWW 2014
CVPR 2015

Prolific Publications: Pushmeet has published widely across major AI and computing venues, including:

Computer Vision: ICCV, CVPR, ECCV, PAMI, IJCV, CVIU, BMVC, DAGM
Machine Learning & AI: NeurIPS, ICML, AISTATS, AAAI, AAMAS, UAI
Robotics & AR/VR: ISMAR
Computer Graphics: SIGGRAPH, Eurographics
Human-Computer Interaction: CHI, UIST
Media Recognition – His work has been featured in leading global media outlets such as:
Forbes
Wired
BBC
New Scientist
MIT Technology Review

ACM Distinguished Speaker: Pushmeet is a recognized speaker in the Association for Computing Machinery’s (ACM) Distinguished Speaker Program, acknowledging his contributions to the global tech and research community.

FAQs

Who is Pushmeet Kohli?

Pushmeet Kohli is the Vice President of Science and Strategy Initiatives at Google DeepMind.

What is Pushmeet Kohli’s educational background?

Pushmeet Kohli holds a Ph.D. in Computer Vision and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Oxford, where he worked on probabilistic models like CRFs and MRFs that have since influenced modern AI research.

What is AlphaFold, and how is Pushmeet Kohli connected to it?

AlphaFold is an AI system developed by DeepMind that predicts 3D protein structures. Pushmeet played a crucial role in its development.

July 29, 2025

Campbell Wilson: The CEO Behind The Journey to Reinvent Air India

Campbell Wilson is rewriting the book on leadership at 30,000 feet, from navigating budget airlines in Asia to spearheading one of aviation’s most ambitious turnarounds. When the Tata Group appointed Campbell Wilson as the CEO of Air India in 2022, the goal was to revitalize a national brand. A 26-year veteran of the aviation industry, Campbell Wilson has worked with both full and low-cost carriers.

Air India has undergone a massive transformation under its leadership, including a big merger of four airlines, a $70 billion aircraft deal of 470 jets, and a stylish new look. But who is this New Zealand-born leader leading Indian aviation? Let’s take off and explore the story of Campbell Wilson, the man helping Air India soar once again.

Campbell Wilson – Biography

Name	Campbell Wilson
Born	October 1971, Christchurch, New Zealand
Nationality	New Zealander
Current Role	MD & CEO, Air India
Previous Roles	CEO, Scoot (Singapore Airlines), SVP at SIA
Education	M.Com Business Administration, University of Canterbury

Campbell Wilson – Early Life and Career Journey
Campbell Wilson – Contribution to Air India
Campbell Wilson – Strategic Changes in Air India
Campbell Wilson – Challenges Faced
Campbell Wilson – Air India’s Green Commitment

Campbell Wilson – Early Life and Career Journey

Campbell Wilson was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in October 1971. Growing up in a country known more for sheep than skies, aviation wasn’t the most obvious path, but Wilson had big ambitions early on. He went on to earn a Master’s degree in Commerce from the University of Canterbury, where he developed a strong foundation in business, operations, and finance.

After rising through the ranks at Singapore Airlines, Campbell Wilson took on leadership roles across Canada, Hong Kong, and Japan, managing key international operations. His global experience and deep understanding of airline strategy eventually brought him back to Singapore in 2011, where he was entrusted with a bold new mission: to launch Scoot, SIA’s low-cost, long-haul carrier.

As the founding CEO of Scoot, Wilson built the airline from the ground up, leading it from a concept to a fully operational carrier serving major Asia-Pacific routes. He led Scoot until 2016, by which time it had firmly established itself as a rising star in the budget airline space.

Following that success, Wilson was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Singapore Airlines. In this role, he oversaw everything from global sales and brand strategy to pricing, e-commerce, merchandising, and international offices. His tenure saw strong commercial performance and deeper digital transformation across SIA’s global network.

In April 2020, just as the world was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson returned to Scoot for a second term as CEO, helping the airline navigate one of the toughest crises in aviation history.

Campbell Wilson – Contribution to Air India

The merger of full-service carriers Air India and Vistara was officially completed on 12 November 2024, following the successful integration of low-cost carriers Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) on 1 October 2024.

With this consolidation, the Air India Group now operates a unified fleet of 300 aircraft, serving 55 domestic and 48 international destinations across 312 routes, with 8,300 flights per week and a workforce of over 30,000 employees.

Key Post-Merger Operations

Air India (Full-Service): Operates 5,600+ weekly flights, serving 90+ domestic and international destinations with a fleet of 208 aircraft.
Air India Express (Low-Cost): Operates 2,700 weekly flights, connecting 45+ domestic and international destinations with 90 aircraft.

Notably, the premium in-flight experience of Vistara will continue under the Air India brand. Customers can still identify Vistara aircraft by a special four-digit Air India flight number starting with “2”.

Air India is at the midpoint of its ambitious five-year transformation plan, Vihaan.AI, with a clear goal of capturing 30% of India’s domestic market while expanding its global footprint. In just 30 months, the airline has grown its fleet by 40%, reaching nearly 300 aircraft, and has placed firm orders for 570 more jets. Since September 2022, this rapid expansion has led to nearly double the number of weekly flights, marking a significant leap in operational scale.

Campbell Wilson – Strategic Changes in Air India

Under the leadership of CEO Campbell Wilson, Air India has undergone a comprehensive transformation, revamping its brand, cabins, and crew experience. Here’s a detailed look at the key initiatives:

Brand and Visual Identity Overhaul

August 2023: Air India unveiled its new logo and livery, replacing the traditional Maharajah mascot with a chakra-inspired “Vista” symbol featuring deep red, aubergine, and gold tones
Though redesigned, the beloved Maharajah mascot remains part of the brand.

Cabin Upgrades: Comfort & Connectivity

A US$400 million interior retrofit of 43 wide-body aircraft (Boeing 777s/787s) was pledged by Tata, with upgrades including business and premium cabins, in-flight Wi-Fi, and enhanced in-flight entertainment.

Designer Cabin Crew Uniforms

Starting late 2023 and culminating in January 2025, Manish Malhotra’s new uniform line was rolled out for cabin crew, as well as cockpit, ground, and security staff.

Campbell Wilson – Challenges Faced

While Campbell Wilson brings a proven track record and bold vision, the Air India cockpit is far from turbulence-free. Taking charge of the national carrier meant inheriting a long list of legacy issues and the weight of public expectations.

Tackling Debt and Streamlining Operations: One of Wilson’s most immediate challenges is addressing Air India’s massive net debt, reportedly close to INR 61,000 crore at the time of Tata’s takeover. A large part of this debt comes from aircraft leases, operational inefficiencies, and years of underinvestment in tech and service.

Beyond the books, there’s the complex task of modernising the airline’s aging fleet, rationalising unprofitable routes, and standardising service quality across domestic and international segments.

The Multi-Airline Puzzle: Perhaps the biggest challenge Wilson is expected to solve is what Tata Sons has called the “complex puzzle” of operating multiple airlines under one roof.
Merging AirAsia India with Air India Express
Seamlessly integrating Vistara, a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, into Air India’s full-service arm.
Creating a two-brand strategy: Air India (full-service) and Air India Express (low-cost) without losing customer trust or brand value

Campbell Wilson – Air India’s Green Commitment

Air India is deeply committed to reducing its environmental footprint while continuing to connect people and places worldwide. On the occasion of World Environment Day, CEO & MD Campbell Wilson reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to sustainability, highlighting how it is being integrated into every aspect of the business.

From inducting 570 new-generation, fuel-efficient aircraft to optimizing flight routes for lower emissions, Air India is actively modernizing operations with a green focus. The airline is also exploring the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and promoting a circular economy by recycling and reusing resources wherever possible.

In his message, Campbell emphasized that addressing climate change requires a collective effort. He encouraged all Air India employees to contribute meaningfully to the airline’s journey towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to build a cleaner, greener future together.

FAQs

Who is Campbell Wilson, the CEO of Air India?

Campbell Wilson is a New Zealand-born aviation executive appointed as the MD & CEO of Air India in 2022 by the Tata Group.

What is Campbell Wilson’s educational background?

Campbell Wilson holds a Master of Commerce (M.Com) in Business Administration with First-Class Honours from the University of Canterbury, New Zealand.

What was Campbell Wilson’s role before joining Air India?

Before Air India, Campbell Wilson was the CEO of Scoot, the low-cost subsidiary of Singapore Airlines, and also served as Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing at SIA.

July 26, 2025

From Delhi to Lenskart Boardroom: Neha Bansal’s Journey

Neha Bansal’s journey is nothing short of remarkable, from the bustling streets of Delhi to the boardrooms of one of India’s fastest-growing startups. HBer has become synonymous with Lenskart’s phenomenal success story.

Neha, along with her husband and CEO Peyush Bansal, made headlines when they invested INR 160 crore of their funds into Lenskart in July 2024. The bold move, just ahead of Lenskart’s IPO, demonstrates her unwavering belief in the company’s future and its mission to revolutionize India’s eyewear industry.

But Neha’s story isn’t just about financial milestones. It’s a journey fueled by hard work, smart choices, and the courage to dream big. Neha Bansal’s journey from being a student in Delhi to one of the most influential leaders in India’s startup ecosystem exemplifies how strategic thinking can lead to lasting success.

Neha Bansal – Biography

Name	Neha Bansal
Born	Delhi, India
Education	B.Com (Hons), University of Delhi; Chartered Accountant (ICAI)
Current Role	Co-Founder; Lenskart Spearheads Merchandising & Legal functions; Senior governance voice as Lenskart readies for public listing

Neha Bansal – Education & Career Journey
Neha Bansal – From Audit Files to Entrepreneurship
Neha Bansal – Co‑Founding Lenskart
Neha Bansal – The Backbone of Lenskart
Neha Bansal – Philosophy & Vision
Neha Bansal’s Announcement – The Bat-Tech Inspired Eyewear Collection
Neha Bansal – Milestones & Achievements

Neha Bansal – Education & Career Journey

Neha Bansal hails from Delhi, where she completed her schooling and earned a B.Com (Hons) degree from the University of Delhi, grounding herself in the core commerce discipline before moving into professional qualifications. She became a Chartered Accountant (ICAI) after rigorous training over several years, receiving her CA qualification between roughly 2002 to 2006 as per ICAI records and professional listings.

Before co-founding Lenskart in 2010, Neha worked in professional finance and corporate advisory roles, serving as a partner at Vinod Kumar & Associates and later founding DNS Advisors Pvt. Ltd., where she honed her expertise in corporate finance, taxation, and governance.

Her CA background shaped a meticulous, compliance-first mindset, providing a solid foundation for Lenskart’s high-stakes fundraises, ownership structuring, regulatory disclosures, and eventual global acquisitions. This financial discipline has been cited as key to scaling the firm, from private equity rounds raising over $1.8 billion to the INR 160 crore ($19M) co‑founder capital infusion in July 2024, as it geared up for its IPO.

Neha Bansal – From Audit Files to Entrepreneurship

Neha Bansal’s early professional arc ran through India’s accounting and advisory ecosystem before she doubled down on building Lenskart. Public listing documents for Vishal Mega Mart, where she serves as Chairperson, outline that she is a B.Com (Hons) graduate from the University of Delhi (Gargi College), a Chartered Accountant, and has completed post-qualification specializations in valuation and information systems audit from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI).

Those filings also note a prior association with Vinod Kumar & Associates, a multi-disciplinary chartered accountancy firm providing audit, tax, and advisory services, experience that grounded her in the controls mindset Lenskart would later need as it scaled into a multi-entity, multi-jurisdiction group.

Neha Bansal – Co‑Founding Lenskart

Lenskart was born in 2010 under Valyoo Technologies, aiming to disrupt an eyewear market that had long been fragmented, dominated by local opticians and a handful of organised retail chains. While Peyush Bansal, co‑founder and CEO, became the face of the brand for consumers, Neha Bansal played a pivotal role in building the company’s backbone.

As Lenskart evolved from a pure e‑commerce platform to an omnichannel powerhouse with over 2,500 stores globally (as of 2025), Neha’s governance instincts ensured that the company didn’t compromise on transparency, vendor accountability, or operational agility. She was instrumental in shaping partnerships with manufacturing hubs in India and abroad, helping Lenskart integrate tech‑enabled supply chains that reduced costs and delivery times.

This behind‑the‑scenes leadership has been central to Lenskart’s journey from a disruptive online startup to a global eyewear unicorn valued from $5 billion to $6.1 billion in 2025. Her ability to marry financial rigor with strategic expansion was especially vital during Lenskart’s acquisitions (such as Owndays in 2022) and international forays across Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the US.

Neha Bansal – The Backbone of Lenskart

Neha Bansal has remained deeply embedded in Lenskart’s core operations, unlike many startup co‑founders who transition into symbolic roles. She is known as the architect behind two critical pillars: Merchandising and Legal/Secretarial governance, a dual responsibility that uniquely ties what the company sells to how it mitigates risk and maintains compliance within the organization.

On the merchandising front, Neha drives the product mix, seasonal design cycles, and sourcing strategy, ensuring that Lenskart offers a dynamic range of eyewear SKUs that balance affordability, quality, and trend alignment. Her team’s focus on sourcing leverage and vendor partnerships has been pivotal in keeping margins healthy while rapidly scaling the brand’s inventory, from classic prescription frames to premium collaborations.

Neha Bansal – Philosophy & Vision

Neha Bansal’s philosophy of leadership is deeply rooted in financial discipline, operational excellence, and a long-term vision for accessible eyewear. Unlike many startup leaders who chase aggressive growth at the cost of stability, Neha believes in building sustainable frameworks that balance speed with structural strength.

Her Chartered Accountancy background influences her “numbers-first” approach, ensuring that every strategic expansion, whether it’s entering a new market or launching a new product line, is backed by robust data, vendor alignment, and cost efficiency.

Her vision for Lenskart extends beyond being just an eyewear brand. She envisions Lenskart as a global, tech-driven lifestyle company that can democratize access to affordable yet stylish eyewear, blending Indian manufacturing capabilities with international design sensibilities. Neha’s focus on technology adoption, from AI-powered eye tests to data-driven inventory forecasting, reflects her belief that technology and governance must move hand-in-hand to create lasting impact.

Neha Bansal’s Announcement – The Bat-Tech Inspired Eyewear Collection

On the 85th anniversary of Batman, Neha Bansal, Co-Founder of Lenskart, unveiled one of the brand’s most exciting innovations yet: the Bat-Tech Inspired Eyewear Collection. Speaking about the launch, Neha shared her excitement:

“We are thrilled to introduce our latest innovation, an eyewear collection that celebrates 85 years of the iconic Batman. The Bat-Tech Inspired Collection is a fusion of sleek, futuristic design and cutting-edge functionality, created for those who want to merge style with performance. At Lenskart, we believe in pushing boundaries, and this collection is a tribute to innovation, strength, and the spirit of the Dark Knight.”

Neha Bansal – Milestones & Achievements

Lenskart’s Valuation Surge: Under Neha’s operational leadership, Lenskart grew from a valuation of INR 1,000 crore in 2016 to $6.1 billion by 2025, making it one of India’s most successful direct-to-consumer brands.
Strategic Acquisitions: She also played a key role in Lenskart’s acquisition of Owndays (Japan) in 2022, which expanded the company’s footprint across Southeast Asia and positioned Lenskart as Asia’s largest omnichannel eyewear brand. She also contributed to other global expansions, including ventures into the Middle East and the US.
IPO Readiness: Actively involved in mentoring compliance teams and ensuring transparent financial structuring as Lenskart gears up for its IPO. Her focus on corporate governance, regulatory disclosures, and capital infusion (INR 160 crore co-founder investment in July 2024) strengthened the company’s credibility with global investors.

FAQs

Who is Neha Bansal ?

Neha Bansal is the Co-Founder of Lenskart, one of India’s leading omnichannel eyewear brands. A Chartered Accountant by profession, she is known for spearheading the merchandising and legal functions of the company.

What is Neha Bansal’s educational background?

Neha Bansal holds a B.Com (Hons) degree from the University of Delhi (Gargi College) and is a qualified Chartered Accountant (ICAI). She also completed post-qualification specializations in valuation and information systems audit.

When did Neha Bansal co-found Lenskart?

Neha Bansal co-founded Lenskart in 2010 under the umbrella of Valyoo Technologies, alongside her husband and CEO, Peyush Bansal.

Who is Nidhi Bansal’s husband?

Peyush Bansal is the husband of Nidhi Bansal. They got married in 2011.

July 24, 2025

From Windsurf to Google DeepMind: Varun Mohan’s Billion-Dollar Leap

Varun Mohan, a first-generation American of Indian origin, has emerged as a powerful force in the AI and developer tools space. From founding the billion-dollar startup Windsurf to now working at Google DeepMind, his journey is marked by growth, innovation, and controversy.

Varun Mohan – Biography

Name	Varun Mohan
Born	1997, Sunnyvale, California, USA
Nationality	American (of Indian origin)
Profession	Former CEO of Windsurf , Present – Google DeepMind
Education	B.S. & M.Eng. in EECS (MIT)

Varun Mohan – Early Life and Education
Varun Mohan – Internship Experience
Varun Mohan – Early Career
Varun Mohan – Founding Windsur
Moved to Google DeepMind
Varun Mohan – Controversy and Backlash

Varun Mohan – Early Life and Education

Varun Mohan is the co-founder and former CEO of Windsurf, an AI-powered development tool startup. He was born and raised in Sunnyvale, California, to Indian immigrant parents. A technologist at heart, Mohan built a strong career across leading tech firms before launching Windsurf. In July 2025, he joined Google DeepMind following a high-profile bidding war between tech giants.Early Life and Education

Mohan grew up in Sunnyvale. His parents moved from India to the United States before his birth. He attended The Harker School in San Jose. There, he showed remarkable skill in mathematics and computer science. He took part in Olympiad contests and did well.

He went on to study at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). At MIT, he earned both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

During his time at MIT, Mohan focused on operating systems, algorithms, distributed computing and machine learning.

Varun Mohan – Internship Experience

Mohan spent four years as a student intern at top tech companies. In 2016, he interned at Quora. He also worked with LinkedIn, Samsung, Cloudian, and Databricks. These roles gave him solid experience in data systems, machine learning, cloud storage and infrastructure.

Varun Mohan – Early Career

After graduating, Mohan joined Nuro, a company working on autonomous vehicles. He began as a software engineer in early 2018. He rose to lead autonomy infrastructure and later became a Tech Lead Manager by 2020. His work there strengthened his understanding of large-scale software systems.

Varun Mohan – Founding Windsurf

In June 2021, Mohan and MIT colleague Douglas Chen co‑founded a startup first named Codeium. It was later rebranded as Windsurf.

Windsurf set out to build an AI‑powered integrated development environment (IDE) for developers. It focused on creating “Cascade”, a voice‑enabled coding assistant. This tool lets programmers write, test and refine code through natural language prompts.

The platform quickly grew. It attracted more than one million users within months. Windsurf raised about $240–243 million and earned a valuation near $1.25 billion. It became one of the rising stars in AI developer tools.

The Billion‑Dollar Bids

By mid‑2025, Windsurf drew serious interest from both OpenAI and Google. OpenAI advanced talks to buy the company for a reported $3 billion. Google countered by making a $2.4 billion non‑exclusive licensing deal with Windsurf. The company did not acquire equity or control; instead, Google secured rights to use the AI tech and brought in key staff.

Moved to Google DeepMind

In July 2025, Varun Mohan, co-founder Douglas Chen, and several of Windsurf’s top engineers transitioned to Google DeepMind. Their new role focuses on building AI systems that support coding tasks under DeepMind’s Gemini programme.

Following their exit, Windsurf remained active as a separate company. The firm’s assets, including technology, products, and engineering resources, were acquired by Cognition AI. With this shift, business head Jeff Wang stepped in as interim CEO. The move was backed by prominent investors, including Khosla Ventures and Founders Fund, allowing Windsurf to continue operations under new leadership.

Varun Mohan – Controversy and Backlash

The shift to Google provoked a strong reaction. Critics accused Mohan of abandoning his team and disrupting a potential OpenAI deal. Some called his actions a “betrayal”. Vinod Khosla, a prominent investor, was vocal about his thoughts on the social media platform, X (formerly Twitter). He said Mohan and his co‑founder were “bad examples” and that he “definitely would not work with their founders next time.”

Online commentary was sharp. One critic even called Mohan a “generational villain”. Others accused him of ignoring his team’s future while securing a personal windfall. Defenders noted that Windsurf did find another lifeline through Cognition. Jeff Wang and other executives have kept operations running. But Mohan’s reputation in parts of the tech world has suffered.

Final Thoughts

Varun Mohan has reached the top levels of AI quickly. He built strong technical credentials and a billion‑dollar startup. His move to Google DeepMind came amid fierce industry rivalries. That move brought both praise for his vision and criticism for how it affected his team.

He now leads advanced AI work at DeepMind. His long‑term aim is to change how code is written and tested. At age 28, he remains a major figure in AI infrastructure, though his reputation bears deep scars from recent events.

FAQs

Who is Varun Mohan?

Varun Mohan is a first-generation American entrepreneur and AI expert of Indian origin. He is best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Windsurf, a billion-dollar AI coding startup. He is currently working at Google DeepMind.

What led Varun Mohan to join Google DeepMind?

In July 2025, Varun Mohan joined Google DeepMind after Google made a $2.4 billion licensing deal with Windsurf.

What does Varun Mohan do at Google DeepMind now?

At Google DeepMind, Varun Mohan leads a team working on agentic coding systems—AI tools that can write, debug, and test code with minimal human input.

July 23, 2025

The Story of Rakesh Gangwal: From Aviation Executive to Billionaire Co-founder of IndiGo

Rakesh Gangwal, the Indian-American billionaire who co-founded InterGlobe Aviation, transformed India’s aviation landscape by building IndiGo into the nation’s dominant low-cost carrier and a rare profitable airline in a challenging industry.

The co-founder of IndiGo engineered one of the sector’s most remarkable success stories, turning a capital-intensive, unpredictable industry into a model of operational and financial discipline. In a market notorious for failed airlines and thin margins, Gangwal’s disciplined approach to cost control, fleet strategy, and punctuality helped IndiGo soar to unprecedented heights.

Today, the airline dominates India’s domestic market with an over 64% share, operates a growing international network, and is among the world’s most consistently profitable carriers, a rare feat in aviation. Let’s explore Rakesh Gangwal’s remarkable journey through turbulence.

Rakesh Gangwal – Biography

Name	Rakesh Gangwal
Born	July 1953, Kolkata, India
Nationality	Indian-American
Education	B.Tech, IIT Kanpur, MBA from The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania
Current Role	Former Co-founder, IndiGo; Chairman, Southwest Airlines (USA)
Net Worth	$6.6 Billion (As of July 2025)

Rakesh Gangwal – Early Life and Education
Rakesh Gangwal – Career Journey
Rakesh Gangwal – Founding IndiGo & Growth Story
Rakesh Gangwal – Southwest Airlines
Rakesh Gangwal – Achievements
Rakesh Gangwal – Stake Sale & Exit Strategy
Rakesh Gangwal – Philanthropy

Rakesh Gangwal – Early Life and Education

Rakesh Gangwal had a modest upbringing, born on July 25, 1952, in Kolkata, India. His early education was at Don Bosco School in Park Circus, Kolkata, where he developed a sharp interest in mathematics and science. In 1975, he graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

Determined to expand his horizons, Gangwal moved to the United States in 1977 and became a naturalized American citizen. He earned his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, a move that paved the way for his global aviation career.

Rakesh Gangwal – Career Journey

Rakesh Gangwal began his professional career as a financial analyst at Ford Motor Company before transitioning to a production and planning engineer role at Philips India. His aviation career took flight in the early 1980s when he began consulting for United Airlines in 1980, eventually joining the carrier full-time in 1984 as Manager of Strategic Planning, according to Bloomberg.

His expertise and leadership propelled him to global roles, becoming Executive Vice President at Air France in 1994. Four years later, in 1998, Gangwal reached a major milestone when he was appointed CEO of US Airways, steering one of America’s major airlines through a highly competitive era.

Between 2002 and 2003, Rakesh Gangwal explored several entrepreneurial ventures before taking on a key leadership role at Worldspan Technologies, where he served as Chairman, President, and CEO from June 2003 to August 2007.

During this period, Gangwal also co-founded IndiGo Airlines, holding a 37% ownership stake in the company. His vision was clear: to build a world-class airline grounded in operational excellence, offering exceptional customer service, fostering employee satisfaction, and delivering strong shareholder value.

Rakesh Gangwal – Founding IndiGo & Growth Story

In 2005, Rakesh Gangwal joined forces with Rahul Bhatia to co-found IndiGo Airlines, envisioning a low-cost carrier that would redefine air travel in India. Operations began in 2006 with just two aircraft, but the airline’s philosophy was crystal clear: focus on cost discipline, operational efficiency, and on-time performance.

Drawing on Gangwal’s deep aviation expertise, IndiGo adopted a laser-focused strategy on cost efficiency, punctuality, and customer reliability. IndiGo soared to the top, becoming India’s largest and most profitable airline, operating a modern fleet of 108 aircraft and setting new benchmarks for efficiency and reliability in only 10 years. With Gangwal’s strategic vision at the helm, IndiGo rapidly scaled operations to become India’s market leader in aviation. Between 2011 and 2015, the airline delivered an impressive $1.5 billion in profits, a rare feat in the challenging low-cost carrier segment.

Rakesh Gangwal – Southwest Airlines

IndiGo co-founder and billionaire Rakesh Gangwal has taken on a new high-profile role as the Chairman of U.S. airline giant Southwest Airlines. Gangwal, who joined the Southwest board in July 2024, recently made headlines for acquiring $108 million worth of the airline’s shares, signalling his strong commitment to the carrier’s future.

His appointment as Chairman comes shortly after Southwest settled with activist investor Elliott Investment Management, which had been pushing for significant governance changes. Gangwal’s leadership is expected to bring strategic depth and operational excellence to the airline, drawing on his decades of experience in transforming aviation businesses.

Rakesh Gangwal recently strengthened his stake in Southwest Airlines with a massive $108 million investment. According to seven recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gangwal acquired 3.6 million shares of the airline through multiple transactions, at prices ranging between $29 and $30 per share. This strategic purchase underscores his confidence in the future of the carrier as he steps into a key leadership role.

Rakesh Gangwal – Achievements

Rakesh Gangwal’s accomplishments go far beyond financial milestones. Ranked 359th on the Forbes 400 list of America’s richest people in 2020, he remains a prominent figure in global aviation. Even after stepping down from IndiGo’s board in 2022, citing personal reasons, his influence continues to shape the airline industry.

Rakesh Gangwal, the co-founder of IndiGo’s parent company, InterGlobe Aviation, and the current Chairman of Southwest Airlines’ Board of Directors, secured the 29th position on Forbes’ prestigious list, boasting an impressive net worth of $6.6 billion. Moreover, he is featured in the Forbes 2025 list of America’s Richest Immigrants, reflecting his status as one of the most influential Indian-origin entrepreneurs abroad.

Gangwal’s journey, from a young engineer in Kolkata to the co-founder of India’s largest airline and a global aviation leader, stands as a powerful example of vision, resilience, and strategic brilliance. His story inspires countless professionals to pursue excellence with unwavering dedication and persistence.

Rakesh Gangwal – Stake Sale & Exit Strategy

The Phased Exit Timeline

May 2025: Gangwal made headlines by selling a 3.4% stake in IndiGo for INR 6,831 crore through a series of block deals on the Indian stock exchanges. The sale was strategically timed to capitalize on IndiGo’s strong financial performance and rising stock price, which had surged amid robust domestic demand and international expansion plans.
June 2025: Barely a month later, Gangwal executed an even larger transaction, offloading a 5.7% stake worth INR 11,385 crore ($1.33 billion). This was one of the largest secondary share sales in India’s aviation history, underlining the scale of his divestment and the market’s confidence in IndiGo’s future without its founding visionary in an executive role.

Current Holding and Market Impact

The Gangwal family’s shareholding in IndiGo dropped to around 13.5%, a significant reduction from 36.6% in 2022, following these two blockbuster deals. Despite the size of these transactions, IndiGo’s stock price remained largely stable, thanks to the carefully structured deals executed through top global investment banks, including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JP Morgan.

Rakesh Gangwal – Philanthropy

Rakesh Gangwal recently made headlines for his philanthropic gesture of donating INR 100 crore to establish the School of Medical Sciences and Technology at IIT Kanpur, his alma mater. The announcement was confirmed by IIT Kanpur Director Abhay Karandikar through a series of tweets.

Expressing his sentiments to PTI, Gangwal said: “It is a privilege to be associated with such a noble endeavour with my alma mater. I am proud to see that the institution that has produced thousands of leaders across various sectors is now paving the way in the healthcare space. More than ever, healthcare is intertwined with technological advances, and this school will accelerate innovation in healthcare.”

FAQs

Who is Rakesh Gangwal ?

Rakesh Gangwal is an Indian-American billionaire entrepreneur and aviation expert, best known as the co-founder of IndiGo Airlines, India’s largest airline.

What is Rakesh Gangwal’s educational background?

Rakesh Gangwal completed his early education at Don Bosco School, Kolkata, and earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from IIT Kanpur in 1975. He later pursued an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

What was Rakesh Gangwal’s role at US Airways?

Rakesh Gangwal served as the CEO of US Airways from 1998 to 2001, overseeing one of the U.S.’s major carriers during a period of transformation and increased competition in the aviation industry.

July 21, 2025

Peyush Bansal: The Visionary Founder and CEO Driving Lenskart’s Success

When we think of fashion, items like clothes and footwear often come to mind. However, fashion isn’t limited to what we wear. Today, spectacles have become an essential part of style and a key fashion statement, embraced by nearly everyone.

In today’s world, long working hours and rising stress levels contribute to various health issues, including vision problems. In India alone, around 550 million people require vision correction, yet only 170 million have access to it.

To provide better eyewear for every walk of life while keeping in view the quality and trend styles, Lenskart was founded. Peyush Bansal started the company in 2010 with a mission to deliver better eyewear and change the way people see through their eyes.

Peyush Bansal is regarded to be one of the most brilliant entrepreneurs in India. He started his journey from being a studious student to building a company at a global level. Peyush Bansal sparks inspiration for many of us.

He gained much popularity after becoming a judge on one of the most famous reality shows, Shark Tank India.

Let’s explore the roller-coaster journey of Peyush Bansal, from becoming an entrepreneur to building Lenskart from scratch. In this StartupTalky story, we’ll dive into the success story of Peyush Bansal, his early life, childhood, personal life, educational background, and the path he took to success, along with any controversies and more.

Peyush Bansal Biography

Entrepreneur	Peyush Bansal
Born	April 26, 1985
Education	McGill University, Canada, IIM, Bangalore
Occupation	Entrepreneur
Known for	Co-founder and CEO of Lenskart
Net worth	INR 600 crore (As of 2024)
Marital status	Married
Nationality	Indian

Peyush Bansal – Early Life
Peyush Bansal – Career
Peyush Bansal – Investments
Peyush Bansal – Shark Tank India
Peyush Bansal – Controversy
Peyush Bansal – Awards & Achievements
Peyush Bansal – Unknown Facts
Peyush Bansal – Quotes

Peyush Bansal’s Lenskart Journey

Peyush Bansal – Early Life

Born on 26th April 1986 in Delhi, Peyush Bansal lived with his parents and two siblings. His father’s name is Bal Kishan Bansal, and his mother’s name is Kiran Bansal. He has one elder brother and a younger sister.

Peyush Bansal did his schooling at Don Bosco School (Greater Kailash-II, New Delhi). After finishing high school, he prepared for IIT but didn’t get through. So, he went to Canada to study electrical engineering at McGill University.

Just like any person with dreams and goals, Peyush Bansal always wanted to be a businessman. In India, he studied at the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, he holds a diploma in entrepreneurship.

Peyush has been lucky as his parents always supported him in his journey of becoming an entrepreneur. In 2011, he got married to Nidhi Mittal and has a son.

Peyush Bansal – Career

After graduating in electrical engineering, Peyush Bansal bagged his first job at the tech giant- Microsoft, USA. He worked as a Program Manager for nearly one year but left the job in 2008 and came back to India.

Peyush was never interested in engineering, which is why he quit his job at Microsoft. After returning to India, he started to look for ideas to start his own company.

Despite not coming from a business background, Bansal came up with his first startup in 2007 called SearchMycampus while pursuing a degree in entrepreneurship from IIM, Bangalore.

SearchMycampus was an online portal to help students search for various issues related to jobs, housing, coaching, internships, transportation, books, etc. After the fair success of his first company, Bansal launched a couple of startups that ran quite well.

Along with his friends, Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi he founded Lenskart in 2010. The idea came when Peyush came across the statistics of blind people in India, and only a small number of people were wearing spectacles. Thus, he aimed to provide eyeglasses to a large number of people to improve their vision.

Founders of Lenskart - Amit Chaudhary, Peyush Bansal, and Sumeet Kapahi — Lenskart founders – Amit Chaudhary, Peyush Bansal, and Sumeet Kapahi

Peyush Bansal serves as the Chief Executive & People Officer at Lenskart. The company is headquartered in Faridabad, Delhi NCR. Initially, Lenskart dealt with selling only contact lenses, but it slowly witnessed success and expanded its operations.

Today, Lenskart has over 1100 stores across different cities in India, offering more than 5000 eyewear styles. The online eyewear retailer entered the unicorn club in 2019.

Eyewear company Lenskart is planning to skip the confidential DRHP filing for its upcoming IPO in India, reports MoneyControl. Instead, it will use the normal route, which makes all IPO details public once filed with SEBI. Lenskart also changed its name to Lenskart Solutions Limited after shareholder approval.

Currently, the valuation of Lenskart is $5.6 billion.

Peyush Bansal – Investments

Peyush Bansal is a man of a wise and brilliant mind. He has made investments in various startups. His latest investment is in Lenskart. It was a funding round held in July 2024, and as a lead investor, he invested INR 70.70 crore in the company.

Some of the companies Peyush Bansal has invested in are:

Date	Startup Name	Funding Round	Money Raised
July 15, 2024	Lenskart	Funding Round	₹70.70 crore
June 20, 2024	Unknown Innovations	Seed Round	$2 million
March 23, 2024	Farm Didi	Angel Round	$12k
March 15, 2024	Dharaksha Ecosolutions	Angel Round	Undisclosed
February 20, 2024	Without	Angel Round	$90.3k
June 1, 2022	Revamp Moto	Pre Seed Round	$1 million
March 28, 2022	INDmoney	Series D	$11 million
March 21, 2022	Leverage Edu	Series B	$22 million
March 9, 2022	Carragreen	Pre Seed Round	₹5 million
January 31, 2022	Humpy Farms	Angel Round	₹10 million
January 23, 2022	Smiles.ai	Series A	₹1.7 billion
January 6, 2022	Thinkerbell Labs	Seed Round	₹10.5 million
December 10, 2021	Shiprocket	Series E	$185 million
August 4, 2020	inFeedo	Seed Round	$700K
January 19, 2016	DailyObjects	Venture Round	$1.3 million

Peyush Bansal – Shark Tank India

Peyush Bansal is one of the most-admired sharks on the show. He almost turned down the offer. Initially, he wanted to reject it, but his wife, Nidhi, encouraged him to consider it. Even during his first shoot, he hadn’t signed the contract. However, the energy of the startup founders and the show itself inspired him, and from that moment, he was fully committed to the show.

He invested INR 22.204 crore in the first season of Shark Tank India, INR 16.16 crore in the second season, and INR 5.77 crore in the third season of the show. Bansal is known for his compassion and strong support for social causes. On the show, he has invested mostly in food and beverage D2C brands.

Shark Tank India Season -4 Controversy

In a recent episode of Shark Tank India in February 2025, Mohit, the founder of Born Good, a detergent and liquid cleaning startup, pitched his business to the panel of investors. He requested Rs 70 lakh for 1% equity, valuing his company at Rs 70 crore. Mohit aimed to raise Rs 12 crore but left without a deal after facing tough questions from investor Aman Gupta, who criticized his execution skills and compared him unfavorably to Kopara’s founder, Simran. Peyush Bansal defended Mohit, saying Aman crossed the line by making direct comparisons and that Mohit deserved a fair chance to explain his business. He added that emotions ran high due to competing investments, which influenced Aman’s harsh tone. Meanwhile, Aman stood by his tough stance, citing concerns about founder-market fit.

Peyush Bansal – Controversy

In one of the episodes of the Indian reality show, ‘Shark Tank India’, Peyush Bansal was caught in a controversy. He passed down some comments related to CA, which later offended the CA community. The aftermath of comments led to the trend of #SayNoToLenskart on social media platforms, especially among CAs.

Following the events, Peyush Bansal took to social media, where he shared a post asking for an apology.

Peyush Bansal – Awards & Achievements

Some of his achievements are as follows:

Awarded Innovator of the Year Award at NDTV Indian of The Year Awards 2023-24
He received the ‘India TV Yuva Awards in 2015
Red Herring Top 100 Asia Award 2013
Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year Award in 2012
British Honors Award at McGill University
Best 40 under 40 Entrepreneurs 2019 Fortune India

Peyush Bansal – Unknown Facts

He loves watching suspense and thriller shows/web series.
He loves to travel during his free time.
He looks up to Bill Gates.
His favorite sport is Cricket.

Peyush Bansal – Quotes

💡

I think Passion is the most important thing.

💡

As a budding entrepreneur, one should focus on value creation more than anything else.

FAQs

What is Lenskart owner name?

Peyush Bansal along with Amit Chaudhary and Sumeet Kapahi are Lenskart owners.

Who is Lenskart CEO?

Peyush Bansal is the co-founder and CEO of Lenskart.

What is Peyush Bansal age?

Peyush Bansal is 39 years old, he was born in 1985.

Who is Peyush Bansal father or who are Peyush Bansal parents?

Peyush Bansal’s father’s name is Bal Kishan Bansal, and his mother’s name is Kiran Bansal.

What is the net worth of Peyush Bansal?

The net worth of Peyush Bansal is approximately INR 600 crore as of 2024.

Who is Peyush Bansal wife?

Nidhi Bansal is the wife of Peyush Bansal. They got married in 2011.

What is Peyush Bansal education?

Bansal has an Electrical Engineering degree from McGill University in Canada.

How Peyush Bansal started Lenskart?

Peyush Bansal started Lenskart in 2010 to make quality eyewear affordable and accessible. He began by selling eyeglasses online, focusing on solving vision problems in India.

What did Peyush Bansal study?

Peyush Bansal tried for IIT but could not get into any college, he completed his Bachelor of Engineering from McGill University, Canada, and did the Management Programme for Entrepreneurs and Family Businesses (MPEFB) at IIM Bangalore.

How much stake does Peyush Bansal have in Lenskart?

Peyush Bansal has a 4.7% stake in Lenskart as of September 2024.

June 26, 2025

Pavel Durov: The Rebel Tech Entrepreneur Who Changed Communication

Pavel Durov has always been a figure who stands out in the digital world, known for his strong belief in freedom and privacy. He’s someone who doesn’t back down easily, often finding himself in the spotlight for challenging authority. Durov’s life has been a journey full of determination, where his ideals often clash with those in power.

Durov recently announced in June 2025 that he plans to leave his $17 billion fortune to his future legacy of over 100 children.

He previously made headlines in 2024, not for his tech accomplishments, but for his arrest. This event has sparked fresh debates about the balance between security and freedom online. For Durov, this is just another chapter in his ongoing fight to protect individual rights from government control. Let’s go through his story, which is one of resilience, as he continues to travel through the difficult path of pushing back against the status quo.

Pavel Durov Biography

Name	Pavel Durov
Born	10 October 1984
Birthplace	Saint Petersburg, Russia
Citizenship	Russia, France, UAE, St Kitts and Nevis
Education	Master of Science, Saint Petersburg State University
Position	Co-founder and CEO of Telegram
Net worth	$17.1 billion (June 2025)

Pavel Durov – Early Life and Education

Durov was born in the city of St.Petersburg in Russia in 1984. He had to live in Italy for most of his childhood since his father worked there. Durov left Russia and became a French citizen in 2021, but lives in Dubai.

He had a solid academic background, which paved the way for his entrepreneurial journey in the tech industry. He did his graduation from the Philology Department of Saint Petersburg State University in Russia. His Philology degree was of great help when he started working on social media platforms.

Pavel Durov – Career

Pavel Durov’s career is a story of innovation, defiance, and international intrigue. He began his rise as a tech entrepreneur by founding VKontakte (VK) in 2006 just when he was in his 20s. VK was Russia’s most popular social networking site which was inspired by Facebook. His ambition to create a free and open internet platform quickly collided with the Russian government’s demand for censorship and control. Since then, Durov has mostly been in the news for standing up against the government in matters of protecting the freedom and privacy of his social media users.

In 2011, he refused to cooperate with the Federal Security Service by blocking opposition groups on VK. This did not sit well with the Government. The pressure on him escalated once again when, during the Russia-Ukraine war in 2014, Russian authorities demanded personal details of some leaders from the opposite side and he refused to provide them. He wasn’t able to withstand the pressure from Russia, leading to his eventual ouster from VK in 2014. The government’s increasing influence over VK’s operations, coupled with direct threats, pushed Durov to sell his stake and leave.

In 2013, Durov launched Telegram, a messaging app focused on security and privacy. This move was both a response to the challenges he faced with VK and a forward-looking project aiming to provide users with a platform free from government surveillance. Telegram’s rise was meteoric, gaining millions of users worldwide, especially after privacy concerns with other platforms like WhatsApp emerged.

As an advocate of privacy, Durov understood that to maintain Telegram’s independence, he needed to be outside the reach of Russian authorities. This led him on a nomadic journey across multiple countries, including Dubai, which became a base for his operations.

In 2018, to build TON, a blockchain system, Pavel and his brother Nikolai gathered $1.7 billion from investors. However, the SEC banned the system, and it was eventually shut down.

Despite the constant challenges, including the blocking of Telegram in Russia in 2018 and the collapse of his TON blockchain project due to U.S. regulatory action, Durov has remained resolute in his mission.

Durov’s global travels are a testament to his commitment to freedom and privacy. After leaving Russia, he visited several countries, including France, Italy, and the UAE, where he has reportedly spent considerable time. His moves were often strategic, seeking jurisdictions that offered both safety and a favorable environment for his work.

This is what he says about his nomadic life,

“I did not want to make the same mistake of relying on a single jurisdiction…..no matter how good a place looks, you don’t know what crazy new regulation they will introduce.”

Pavel Durov – Personal Life

Pavel Durov comes from a family with a strong academic background. His father, Valery Durov, is a respected scholar and holds a PhD in philology, which significantly influenced Pavel’s early life and education. His mother also contributed to the intellectual environment in which Pavel and his older brother, Nikolai Durov, were raised. Nikolai has played a crucial role in the development of both VKontakte and Telegram, particularly in the technical architecture and coding of these platforms.

Pavel’s family has always emphasized education and intellectual development, which is evident from the achievements of both Pavel and Nikolai. Despite being a public figure due to his business ventures, Pavel Durov has maintained a relatively private personal life.

Pavel’s marital status is single, and he has six children with his three ex-girlfriends.

Durov recently said that he will leave his US$17.1 billion fortune to more than 100 children, including six of his own and many others born through sperm donations.

In a recent interview in June 2025 with French magazine Le Point, Durov said he recently updated his will to include all his children.

“I see no difference between my children, some were born naturally, others through sperm donation,” he explained. “They are all my children and will have equal rights. I don’t want them to fight over my wealth after I’m gone.”

Pavel Durov – Telegram

In 2013, Pavel and his brother silently launched Telegram. It is a cloud-based messaging app known for its strong emphasis on user privacy, security, and speed. Telegram offers end-to-end encryption for secret chats, ensuring that messages are accessible only to the sender and recipient. The app supports a wide range of features, including group chats for up to 200,000 members, channels for broadcasting to unlimited audiences, and the ability to send various types of media files.

As of 2023, Telegram boasts over 700 million active users globally, and it continues to be a preferred platform for those who prioritize privacy and freedom of speech.

Pavel Durov – Personal Investments

Pavel Durov made the following investments:

Announced Date	Organization Name	Lead Investor	Funding Round
July 18, 2023	Telegram	–	Debt Financing – Telegram
December 1, 2011	Sand Sign	–	Grant – Sand Sign

Pavel Durov – Awards and Recognition

He was listed in the Forbes World’s Billionaires list 2024.

Facts About Pavel Durov

Durov is often known for his mysterious and mercurial behavior.
He is also known for his weird stunts. In 2012, he grabbed attention by showering high-denomination currency notes on the pedestrians from the VK headquarters.
He is always seen dressed in black.
Durov was seen boasting about his sperm donation, calling it a “civic duty”, making him the biological father of more than a hundred children in many countries.

Pavel Durov – Quotes

💡

Privacy is not for sale, and human rights should not be compromised out of fear or greed.

💡

We support free speech and peaceful protest, but terrorist propaganda has no place on our platform. The success of our ongoing anti-ISIS efforts proves that you don’t have to sacrifice privacy for security. You can – and should – enjoy both.

💡

As soon as one agency gets to uncontrollably monitor private communications, soon enough this access falls into the hands of third parties – bribers, hackers, agents of other countries.

FAQs

Who is Pavel Durov?

Pavel Durov is the Co-founder and CEO of Telegram.

Why was Pavel Durov arrested in France?

Pavel Durov was arrested in France on August 28, 2024, facing multiple charges related to illicit activities conducted through the Telegram app.

Is Pavel Durov married?

Pavel’s marital status is single and he has six children with his three ex-girlfriends.

What is Pavel Durov education, or what did Pavel Durov study?

Pavel Durov studied at Saint Petersburg State University, where he majored in English Philology and Translation. He graduated with honors in 2006. Earlier, he also attended the Academic Gymnasium in Saint Petersburg and began learning programming at age 11, which later played a key role in his tech career.

Is Pavel Durov married?

No, Pavel Durov is not married.

Who are Pavel Durov parents and family?

Pavel Durov’s father, Valery Semenovich Durov, is a Doctor of Philological Sciences and has served as the head of the Department of Classical Philology at Saint Petersburg State University since 1992. His mother, Albina Durova, is a professor at the same institution. Pavel has an older brother, Nikolai Durov, who is a renowned mathematician and computer scientist.

What is Pavel Durov citizenship?

Pavel Durov was originally a Russian citizen but later obtained multiple citizenships. In 2013, he became a citizen of Saint Kitts and Nevis through an investment program. In 2021, he was granted citizenship in both the United Arab Emirates and France.

Which is Pavel Durov birthplace?

Pavel Durov was born on October 10, 1984, in Leningrad, which is now known as Saint Petersburg, Russia.

What is Telegram founder net worth?

Telegram founder, Pavel Durov’s net worth as of June 2025 is $17.1 billion.

June 26, 2025

Theresia Gouw: The First Woman Billionaire Shaking Up Venture Capital

Theresia Gouw, veteran Silicon Valley investor and co-founder of Acrew Capital, has made history as the first and only female billionaire venture capitalist in the United States. As the world’s first self-made female billionaire venture capitalist, she’s changed how investing works with her smart decisions, bold moves, and strong support for diversity.

Starting as a founding partner at Accel, then launching Aspect Ventures and later Acrew Capital, her career is proof that patience and smart risks pay off. By 2025, her net worth hit $1.1 billion, thanks to early bets on companies like Imperva and Forescout, plus new IPOs from Acrew’s portfolio.

Let’s explore Theresia Gouw’s inspiring journey, career, and influence.

Theresia Gouw – Biography

Name	Theresia Gouw
Born	1968, Jakarta, Indonesia
Nationality	American
Profession	Venture Capitalist, Entrepreneur
Education	B.S. in Engineering (Brown University), MBA (Stanford University)
Notable Roles	Co-founder of Acrew Capital, Former Partner at Accel, Board Member at Imperva, Forescout, Trulia and others
Net Worth (As of June 2025)	$1.2 Billion

Theresia Gouw – Early Life and Education
Theresia Gouw – Career Beginnings
Theresia Gouw – Contributions and Growth at Acrew Capital
Theresia Gouw – Philanthropy
Theresia Gouw – Awards and Recognition

Theresia Gouw – Early Life and Education

Theresia Gouw was born in Jakarta, Indonesia, in 1968 to a dentist father and a nurse mother, both of Chinese-Indonesian descent. When she was around three years old, her family fled the country to escape discrimination during the Suharto era and settled near Buffalo, New York. Her parents started over and her father worked as a dishwasher while re-qualifying as a dentist in the U.S.

Theresia Gouw took a different path by going against the norm at her high school, where only about 40% of students pursued higher education. In 1986, she enrolled at Brown University, choosing to major in engineering. It was during her summer internships at General Motors and British Petroleum that she discovered a strong interest in business development, which would later shape her career in venture capital.

After graduating from Brown in 1990, Gouw prepared for the GMAT and landed a role as a management consultant at Bain & Company in Boston. Her time at Bain sharpened her interest in strategy and business leadership, leading her to pursue an MBA at Stanford University, where she further developed the skills that would later fuel her success in venture capital.

Theresia Gouw – Career Beginnings

Theresia Gouw’s career kicked off with a strong foundation in business strategy and problem-solving. After earning her engineering degree from Brown, she joined Bain & Company in Boston as a management consultant. At Bain, she worked closely with senior executives across industries, helping solve complex business challenges.

Soon after earning her MBA from Stanford in 1996, Theresia Gouw joined forces with a few of her classmates to launch her first startup. Together, they raised $1 million in venture funding to co-found Release Software, a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) company focused on enabling payment and licensing technologies for the software industry. This early entrepreneurial experience gave Gouw firsthand insight into the startup world from fundraising to product-market fit.

Gouw began her venture capital journey in 1999 when she joined Accel as an investment associate. Over the next 15 years, she played a key role in several standout investments, including Trulia, a real estate platform that later went public and was acquired by Zillow, and Imperva, a cybersecurity firm that also made a successful public debut.

However, the most transformative moment in her career and the biggest contributor to her wealth came in 2005. Less than two years after Facebook’s blockbuster IPO in May 2012, one of the most successful tech listings of all time Theresia Gouw decided it was time for a new chapter. In 2014, she left Accel and teamed up with fellow venture veteran Jennifer Fonstad to launch her own firm Aspect Ventures.

Theresia Gouw – Contributions and Growth at Acrew Capital

In 2019, Theresia Gouw took her venture capital journey a step further by co-founding Acrew Capital, a values-driven firm built around the belief that “diversity of perspective is a competitive advantage.” After parting ways with Aspect Ventures, Gouw joined hands with a team of next-generation investors, including Lauren Kolodny and Mark Kraynak, to launch Acrew, aiming to reimagine how venture capital operates in modern markets.

Acrew Capital doesn’t follow a strict rule to invest a set amount or percentage based on diversity metrics. Instead, the focus is on finding exceptional talent, regardless of background. As Simon Taylor, founder and CEO of data protection startup HYCU, puts it: “Having someone like Theresia on the board, who truly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), sends a clear message, people will be judged on their capabilities, not on how they look or where they come from.”

Notably, Acrew led HYCU’s $53 million Series B round in 2022, backing the company’s mission and team with confidence. Since its launch just over five years ago, Acrew Capital has made around 150 investments, according to PitchBook. The firm has already scored several major wins. One standout is Chime, the fintech giant preparing for an IPO at a projected $11 billion valuation. The success of that deal earned Acrew partner Lauren Kolodny a spot on the Forbes 2025 Midas List, a ranking of the top venture capitalists in the world.

Theresia Gouw – Philanthropy

Gouw also co-founded All Raise, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the representation and success of women in venture capital and tech. Additionally, she played a key role in launching the Diversify Capital Fund, the largest initiative of its kind focused on boosting equity ownership and access to funding for underrepresented communities in the tech ecosystem.

At a time when DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) efforts are being challenged across the tech industry, Theresia Gouw continues to lead by example. She made headlines by personally donating $1 million to Fisk University, a historically Black institution, enabling it to invest in one of Acrew Capital’s funds. This groundbreaking move not only provided Fisk with access to venture returns but also marked a powerful step toward diversifying the ranks of venture fund investors.

Theresia Gouw – Awards and Recognition

She has been featured on Forbes’ 100 Most Powerful Women list, recognized nine times on the Forbes Midas List, and named one of TIME Magazine’s 40 Most Influential Minds in Tech.

FAQs

Who is Theresia Gouw?

Theresia Gouw is an American venture capitalist and entrepreneur, known for co-founding Acrew Capital and previously serving as a partner at Accel.

What is Theresia Gouw educational background?

Theresia Gouw earned a B.S. in Engineering from Brown University and later completed her MBA at Stanford University, where she honed her business and strategic leadership skills.

What companies has Theresia Gouw invested in?

Theresia Gouw has led or contributed to investments in successful companies like Trulia, Imperva, Chime, and HYCU. Her involvement has often played a key role in these companies’ growth and public offering.

June 18, 2025

From Reebok to Meta: Arun Srinivas’s Cross-Industry Leadership Story

“Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.” — Simon Sinek.

Arun Srinivas’s journey reflects this idea perfectly. From his early days working in sales roles at Reebok to becoming the face of Meta in India, he has built a career based on learning, leading, and adapting. He did not start in tech, but over nearly 30 years, he moved through FMCG giants, investment firms, and mobility platforms, always bringing a deep understanding of people, brands, and business.

Now, as he prepares to step into the role of Managing Director and Head of Meta India from 1 July 2025, Arun is ready to shape the future of one of the world’s biggest tech companies in one of its fastest-growing markets. This is the story of his path, from classrooms in Chennai to boardrooms at Meta.

Arun Srinivas – Biography

Name	Arun Srinivas
Nationality	Indian
Profession	Managing Director and Head of Meta India (1 July 2025)
Education	Bachelor of Science in Physics, University of Madras; Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, IIM Calcutta; Strategic Customer Management, Northwestern University

Arun Srinivas – Education
Arun Srinivas – Career
Arun Srinivas and Meta India
What Does Arun Srinivas Bring to the Table at Meta?

Arun Srinivas – Education

Arun Srinivas completed his schooling at Bhavan’s Rajaji Vidyashram in Chennai. He pursued a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Madras, graduating in 1993. His passion for marketing led him to the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Calcutta, where he completed his Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing in 1996. Furthering his education, he attended the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in 2007, undertaking an executive programme in Strategic Customer Management.

Arun Srinivas – Career

Arun Srinivas began his professional journey with Reebok in 1996, where he held multiple roles including Product Manager, Regional Sales Manager (South India), and Marketing Manager. This early experience helped him build a foundation in brand and market strategy.

In 2001, he joined Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL), one of India’s most respected consumer goods companies. Over his 16-year tenure, he served in various leadership positions, ultimately becoming Category Vice President for Foods across South Asia. At HUL, he managed a broad portfolio including skin care, beverages, and food products, overseeing household brands like Fair & Lovely, Lakmé, Vaseline, and Knorr. His work spanned India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, giving him exposure to diverse consumer markets.

In 2017, Srinivas moved to the investment sector, taking on the role of Operating Advisor at WestBridge Capital. There, he led the consumer vertical and supported investments in high-growth companies such as Vini Cosmetics and Enrich Salons.

In 2019, he joined mobility company Ola (ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd.) as Chief Operating Officer and Global Chief Marketing Officer. He managed the India P&L and was responsible for revenue, marketing, user experience, and category development. Notably, he spearheaded Ola’s international expansion into the UK, where the platform quickly became the second-largest ride-hailing service in London within weeks of its launch.

Srinivas entered the tech sector in 2020, joining Meta (formerly Facebook) as Director and Head of the Global Business Group in India. In this role, he worked closely with large advertisers and agencies, helping scale Meta’s platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, across India. In 2022, he was promoted to lead the Ads Business for Meta India, where he focused on strategy and execution around AI, short-form video (Reels), and business messaging.

Arun Srinivas and Meta India

Starting 1 July 2025, Arun Srinivas officially takes over as Managing Director and Head of Meta India. He will report directly to Sandhya Devanathan, who now oversees operations for both India and Southeast Asia.

In this role, Srinivas will be responsible for aligning Meta’s business, innovation, and revenue goals in India while strengthening partnerships with key brands, developers, and advertisers. His leadership comes during a pivotal time for Meta, as the company expands its investments in artificial intelligence, creator tools, and messaging-based commerce.

Under his supervision, Meta is expected to enhance its focus on AI-powered advertising, scale Reels monetisation for creators, and further drive WhatsApp business integrations across sectors like retail, travel, and services.

His leadership will also be key in navigating regulatory issues. In late 2024, Meta faced scrutiny from the Competition Commission of India over WhatsApp’s data-sharing practices. Though the order was suspended in early 2025, the episode highlights the regulatory complexities Srinivas must address moving forward.

What Does Arun Srinivas Bring to the Table at Meta?

Srinivas’s deep knowledge of Indian consumers and his adaptability across sectors from FMCG to ride-hailing to digital platforms make him a uniquely positioned leader. During his time at Meta, the company’s India ad revenue saw notable growth. In FY24 alone, Meta India’s gross advertising revenue rose by approximately 24% to INR 22,730 crore, with net profits reaching INR 505 crore. His strategic focus on AI integration and business messaging has led to early collaborations with brands such as Dream11 and Zomato, who are now using Meta’s LLaMA AI models.

Moreover, Srinivas’s diverse background makes him a great leader to lead through complexity. His experience in launching new markets (as seen at Ola), overseeing brand portfolios (at HUL), and managing investor relationships (at WestBridge Capital) shows a clear pattern of high-impact execution.

Conclusion

Arun Srinivas’s story is not just about titles or companies, it’s about growth, learning, and staying curious through every step of the journey. From managing food and skincare brands at HUL to launching Ola in a global market, and now leading Meta India, his career shows how one can evolve with time while staying grounded in strong values and clear thinking.

As he takes on this new role at Meta, Arun brings with him decades of experience and a deep understanding of both people and business. With India playing a key role in Meta’s global strategy, his leadership will help shape how millions of Indians connect, communicate, and grow in the digital world.

FAQs

Who is Arun Srinivas?

Arun Srinivas is an Indian business leader and the incoming Managing Director and Head of Meta India, effective 1 July 2025. He has over 30 years of experience across industries including FMCG, investment, mobility, and technology.

What is Arun Srinivas’s educational background?

Arun holds a B.Sc. in Physics from the University of Madras, a Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing from IIM Calcutta, and completed an executive program in Strategic Customer Management at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

When did Arun Srinivas join Meta?

Arun Srinivas joined Meta (formerly Facebook) in 2020 as Director and Head of the Global Business Group in India. He was later promoted in 2022 to lead Meta India’s Ads Business.

June 17, 2025

Who Is Jayshree Ullal? The Indian-American CEO With a $4 Billion Net Worth—Richer Than Pichai and Nadella

In the fast-paced world of technological innovation, few stories shine as brightly as Jayshree Ullal’s. She is one of the most influential women in technology and among the richest self-made women in the world.

As the President and CEO of Arista Networks since 2008, Ullal has not only built a powerhouse in the cloud networking space but has also stated what it means to be a leader in a male-dominated tech industry like Microsoft, Meta, and Google Cloud.

Let’s explore the inspiring story of Jayshree Ullal, who helped build the Internet as we know it, one step at a time.

Jayshree Ullal – Biography

Name	Jayshree V. Ullal
Born	March 27, 1961, London, United Kingdom
Nationality	American (born to Indian parents)
Profession	CEO & President, Arista Networks
Education	B.S. in Electrical Engineering, San Francisco State University M.S. in Engineering Management, Santa Clara University
Spouse	Vijay Ullal
Children	2 Daughters
Net Worth	$4 Billion ( as of April 2025)

Jayshree Ullal – Early Life and Education
Jayshree Ullal – Career Beginnings
Jayshree Ullal – The Arista Networks Story
Jayshree Ullal – Stock Holdings and Wealth
Jayshree Ullal – Board Roles and Influence
Jayshree Ullal – Awards & Recognitions

Jayshree Ullal – Early Life and Education

Jayshree Ullal was born in London in a Hindu family, where her father, a physicist by training, served with the Indian government. His mission was to strengthen academic collaborations between Indian and British universities.

When she was just four years old, the family moved back to India. She spent her early years in New Delhi, where she studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, an all-girls Catholic school known for its academic rigour and discipline.

Then she later moved to the United States at the age of 16. She pursued Electrical Engineering at San Francisco State University and later earned a master’s degree in Engineering Management from Santa Clara University.

Jayshree Ullal lives in Saratoga, California, with her husband, Vijay Ullal, a venture capitalist and former President & COO of Fairchild Semiconductor. The couple has two daughters.

She is also the sister of the late Susie Nagpal, a former Saratoga City Councilwoman, who is survived by her own son and daughter.

Jayshree Ullal – Career Beginnings

Her career formally began in the 1980s, with over a decade spent at Fairchild Semiconductor and AMD, where she made a significant transition from engineering into business and marketing.

She later joined networking pioneer Ungermann‑Bass, attracted by the leadership vision of John Chambers. In 1993, she became VP of Marketing at Crescendo Communications, which Cisco promptly acquired, marking its first acquisition and ushering her into the company.

Rapidly ascending at Cisco, Ullal led the Catalyst LAN switching business to $7 billion between 1993 and 2000. As Senior Vice President of the Data Center, Switching and Services Group, she oversaw multi-billion-dollar operations, acquisitions, and strategic growth initiatives.

Jayshree was responsible for a $10B data center, switching, and services business, prior to joining Cisco.

In October 2008, long-time colleagues Andy Bechtolsheim and David Cheriton personally recruited her to lead their startup, Arista Networks, as President and CEO, marking a pivotal moment in her distinguished tech career.

Jayshree Ullal – The Arista Networks Story

When Jayshree Ullal joined Arista Networks in 2008, it was a relatively unknown startup in the crowded networking space. Under her guidance, Arista went public in June 2014, and the company’s growth ratio has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Under Jayshree Ullal’s leadership, Arista Networks transformed from a startup into a powerhouse in the networking industry, achieving a milestone IPO in June 2014. The company has become a major player in data center networking solutions with its innovations in 10/25/40/50/100/400/800 Gigabit Ethernet networking.

The revenue soared from under $200 million in 2010 to over $5.7 billion in 2024, with key clients including Microsoft Azure, Meta, Amazon AWS, and Google Cloud, all relying on Arista’s high-performance, scalable switches and routing systems to run hyperscale data centers. Arista is targeting $1.5 billion in AI-related revenue in 2025.

Jayshree Ullal – Stock Holdings and Wealth

Jayashree Ullal directly holds about 3% of Arista’s shares. The publicly-traded company recorded revenue of $7 billion in 2024, up nearly 20% from the prior year. Forbes notes that some of this stake is designated for her children, niece, and nephew.

Jayshree Ullal – Board Roles and Influence

Beyond Arista, Jayshree Ullal has been a member of Snowflake Inc.’s board since mid‑2020, reflecting her influence in cloud and data infrastructure. She is a recurring figure in Fortune’s “Most Powerful Women in Business” rankings.

Jayshree Ullal – Awards & Recognitions

Entrepreneur of the Year – Ernst & Young (2015): She was recognized for her impressive leadership in scaling Arista Networks into a major player in the cloud networking space. The award celebrated her innovative strategies and transformative impact on the tech industry.
World’s Best CEOs – Barron’s (2018): Ullal was named among the global elite for her consistent performance, long-term vision, and shareholder value creation. Ullal stood out for her focus on profitable growth and technological excellence.
Top 20 Business Persons – Fortune (2019): She was honoured for delivering exceptional results while driving innovation in a competitive industry. Her leadership helped Arista outperform many legacy tech companies on both revenue and relevance.
Global Indian of the Year – The Economic Times (2023): The award underscored her contributions to India’s image in the global business ecosystem.
Silicon Valley Power 100 – Silicon Valley Business Journal (2023 & 2024): She was featured in the prestigious list of the most influential executives shaping the future of tech. Her repeated inclusion reflects sustained leadership, influence, and business excellence in Silicon Valley.

FAQs

Who is Jayshree Ullal?

Jayshree Ullal is the President and CEO of Arista Networks, a leading company in cloud networking solutions.

What is Jayshree Ullal’s educational background?

Jayshree Ullal studied at the Convent of Jesus and Mary in New Delhi before moving to the U.S. at 16. She earned a degree in Electrical Engineering from San Francisco State University and a master’s in Engineering Management from Santa Clara University.

What is Jayshree Ullal’s role at Arista Networks?

Jayshree Ullal has been the President and CEO of Arista Networks since 2008. Under her leadership, the company went public in 2014 and has grown into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise providing data center networking solutions.

What is Jayshree Ullal’s net worth?

Jayshree Ullal’s net worth is $4 Billion ( as of April 2025).

June 10, 2025