Global IndianstoryAparna Chennapragada: Indian-American woman spearheading generative AI at Microsoft

Aparna Chennapragada: Indian-American woman spearheading generative AI at Microsoft

Compiled by: Charu Thakur

(October 18, 2023) “I’ve always thrived on building and scaling products that combine deep foundational technology and intuitive user experience to solve customer problems — whether it is Search that instantly finds relevant information, Assistant that you can talk to, or Google Lens that lets you search what you see,” wrote Indian-American tech veteran Aparna Chennapragada on her LinkedIn as she graciously accepted the new position of Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. She recently stepped down as chief product officer of stock trading app Robinhood.

Aparna Chennapragada | Global Indian

Indian Americans are increasingly making significant strides in various prominent companies, owing to their exceptional talent and contributions. With a strong emphasis on education and a culture that values hard work and innovation, many Indian Americans have risen to prominent roles in the corporate world. This trend is particularly evident in the tech industry as leaders have not only shattered glass ceilings but have also played pivotal roles in driving innovation and growth for their respective organisations. And Aparna Chennapragada is yet another Indian American who has jumped on the bandwagon of Microsoft to help accelerate its generative AI initiatives.

The IIT-Madras alumnus, who later moved to the US for her MS in Computer Science at the University of Texas, was always interested in technology that could transform lives. Interested in building software, she joined her first job as a software engineer in 1999. After gaining experience for a decade, she had the thirst to learn more and enrolled in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s System Design and Management program, where she won third place in the MIT Venture Capital Competition 2008.

This led her to the doors of Google in 2008 where started as a product manager and in a span of 12 years made it to the Vice President of the company. “The biggest exciting moment for me is the combination of data and algorithms with useful user problems like looking for information to buy something. Everyone needs information on the go, and you need quick and bite-sized answers. Phones are turning into remote controls for our daily lives,” she said in an interview.

Aparna Chennapragada | Global Indian

But now with AI taking over in almost every area of life, Aparna will be spearheading the generative AI initiatives within Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Designer. “Every few decades, there is a key shift in computing e.g., PC, the internet, mobile, and most recently AI that opens new possibilities for new helpful products. Just like mobile redefined areas such as news and navigation, I believe that generative AI has the potential to redefine creativity and productivity,” she said, adding, “With generative AI, there is an opportunity to build products that instantly and easily bring your intent and imagination to life. That’s why I am super excited to share that I am joining Microsoft as Corporate VP leading efforts on AI-first creation experiences, across #Microsoft365 and #MicrosoftDesigner.

Before her tenure at Microsoft, Chennapragada held positions at various organizations, including Robinhood, Google, eBay, and Akamai Technologies. Her journey at Google began as a product manager, eventually culminating in her role as Vice President and General Manager overseeing consumer shopping operations across the company. She also spearheaded augmented reality (AR) and visual search products, including Lens. Her impressive stint at the tech giant spanned over 12 years.

Additionally, she served as a board member at Capital One, a financial institution offering a wide range of financial products and services to consumers, small businesses, and commercial clients.

This action occurs within the context of a fierce rivalry in the artificial intelligence sector between Google and Microsoft. Chennapragada’s appointment follows a trend of Indian-American experts assuming significant positions at Microsoft. Previously, Rohini Srivathsa took on the role of Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft India and South Asia in September, and in August, Puneet Chandok was named Microsoft’s Corporate Vice President for India and South Asia.

Praising Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, with whom she had conversations in the last few months, Aparna has come to appreciate “his vision to empower people and organizations across the world using.” “I’m looking forward to diving in and putting AI to use to unleash our collective creativity,” she wrote in the LinkedIn post.

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Published on 18, Oct 2023

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Meet Karan Bhangay: The maverick entrepreneur who has redefined luxury

(September 23, 2023) Want to spend your holiday at the Suite Coco Canel at the Ritz Carlton Paris? Perhaps you're in Germany and feel like a night out at the Berghain, one of the world's most exclusive nightclubs. If you like to live in style - and have some cash to spend, obviously - Karan Bhangay is the man for you. The entrepreneur who founded Indulge Global, an invite-only premiere, luxury service, Bhangay is known for pulling off the impossible. One client, who wanted to surprise his wife with a holiday in Paris, got a booking at Suite Coco Chanel (where Coco Chanel spent 34 years of her life), a private stylist with VIP showings at Hermes, and bookings at Le Fouquet and Guy Savoy. The entrepreneur has arranged a pair of Fendi Flow Sneakers and a Hermes Birkin bag in a day for another client and a luxury breakfast, complete with Veuve Clicquot champagne at the Mount Everest Base Camp, where his clients were flown by helicopter. He has even got clientele into world-renowned underground clubs like Berghain, Sisyphos and KitKatClub, which are known for such notoriously strict door policies, they don't have guest lists or online bookings. The

flown by helicopter. He has even got clientele into world-renowned underground clubs like Berghain, Sisyphos and KitKatClub, which are known for such notoriously strict door policies, they don't have guest lists or online bookings.

The rise of an entrepreneur

Over the last decade, the maverick entrepreneur has been instrumental in building companies from scratch and devising business strategies for several versatile companies in the Luxury industry. Bhangay has made his mark in transformative ventures and has come a long, long way from his humble beginning. He was only 17 when he landed his first job and has done it all, from bartending to selling dictionaries door-to-door. He got his first job in 2008, as the receptionist of an Airtel store, where he earned Rs 5000 per month before he got his bachelor's degree. "From a very early age, my parents were keen on teaching me that if I wanted something, I had to get it for myself," the entrepreneur tells Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_45270" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Entrepreneur | Karan Bhangay | Global Indian Karan with his team[/caption]

Although he was qualified as an engineer, Bhangay made his way to the media. A stint at Water Today, a Chennai-based magazine gave him two things - a new idea and a mentor in Mr Shanmugham, the publications Features Managing Editor. He was so taken by the work he was doing that he skipped out on his software engineering degree in his fourth year and joined Lifestyle Magazine - Avant Garde life, as a consultant, growing through the ranks to become a Publishing Partner. By the late 2000s, he soon saw that tech was taking over print, just as it conquering everything else. Retailers didn't need to have physical shops, they could make money through online portals. It was the same with media, there was no need to go through the expensive, cumbersome process of printing in the age of the mobile phone. Also, clocking in hours for someone else just didn't sit right with the entrepreneur .

Always drawn to the idea of creating something from scratch, and doing what was meaningful to him, Bhangay developed a keen interest in entrepreneurship. "It is exhilarating to have the autonomy to shape an idea into a tangible reality and see it make a difference," Bhangay says. "My journey into entrepreneurship began when I realised that I have a natural inclination towards identifying opportunities and finding innovative solutions to problems."

Pioneering the luxury market through TILE

This led to Bhangay founding India's first luxury exhibition, The Indian Luxury Expo (TILE). These were still the early days of online retail, and the entrepreneur was very much ahead of the curve. He wanted to make advertisers exhibitors and readers visitors. "Brands on getting associated with TILE get the opportunity to sell their products directly to consumers, they are able to have better customer engagement and are able to market new products. If you're a brand and you want to launch a new mobile phone, how and where can you launch it," he said, in an interview back in 2014. Those were the days of launches in five-star hotels, to the press and a select group of invitees. The Indian Luxury Expo was created to amplify the scale of reach many times over, to allow brands to reach out to their top clientele and also to a wider audience.

Entrepreneur | Karan Bhangay | Global Indian

Bhangay's idea was very much ahead of its time and his main challenge was getting people to believe in his idea. Exposure to technology and experiential marketing was still low in India and he struggled to get people on board. The entrepreneur persisted and eventually expanded TILE to Mumbai, Hyderabad, Pune and Bengaluru. The company's business model ran through affiliations with top brands, and soon grew to become Asia's largest luxury expo.

Indulge Concierge: Redefining luxury

At the forefront of his most recent achievements is Indulge Concierge, a 24x7, by invitation only platform that redefines the concept of personalised service. Founded in 2019, Bhangay wanted to provide his clientele with only the very best. "With a deep understanding of the market and a profound commitment to excellence, I have positioned Indulge Concierge, as a trusted provided of unparalleled luxury lifestyle management," the entrepreneur explains. It's a fast-paced life, of course, when dealing with such discerning and time-sensitive clients. And he's always on the cutting edge, using technology and AI platforms to leverage the right markets correctly.

Entrepreneur | Karan Bhangay | Global Indian

As an entrepreneur, Bhangay admits that challenges constitute a substantial portion - about 95 percent - of his daily experience. "However, the path to conquering these challenges lies in the art of breaking them down into manageable components and executive each task with efficiency. It is essential to recognize that no challenge is insurmountable when met with a resolute intent to overcome it," he believes.

What's Bhangay's advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? "Transparency - in your own thoughts and within your teams, products and customers." This endeavour is ongoing and the more seamless your progress is, the more likely you are to be successful." As he steers Indulge, he hopes to see it as India's premier startup with a global influence. "Our mission is to reshape the lives of Indulge's managers and clients alike, catalysing efficient and transformative living experiences," he says.

Entrepreneur | Karan Bhangay | Global Indian

In his free time, Bhangay finds joy in the company of his cherished pet, Gulzar and through satisfying his insatiable wanderlust by travelling the world. The entrepreneur is also a trained squash player.

Follow Karan Bhangay on LinkedIn, Instagram, and on his website

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Scientist Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala loves Tom and Jerry, Science and Research, and all things unknown

(February 5, 2024) An avid bird watcher, Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala chose not to use his mobile phone to save birds from radiation. But that was until one fine morning in 2016 when his senior colleague at the Birla Institute of Scientific Research, Jaipur left him with no choice but to start using one, immediately. As he hesitatingly bought an instrument and began using the phone, it eventually brought to life his dream project — house sparrow (passer domesticus) genome sequencing. “The numbers of this bird have been declining in many urban areas because of electromagnetic radiations and other anthropogenic activities in recent times,” points out Dr. Prashanth, Principal Investigator of the Systems Genomics laboratory at Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala, in an exclusive with Global Indian. [caption id="attachment_48760" align="aligncenter" width="711"] Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala[/caption] It was only recently that he completed the one-of-its-kind research on house sparrows sequencing. “We finished the sequencing and assembly of its genome. We found some genes responsible for circadian rhythms in it,” smiles Dr Prashanth, who has inherent interests in exploring the known-unknown regions in the animal and human genomes. He says Passer domesticus is one of the best models for

/span>Global Indian.

[caption id="attachment_48760" align="aligncenter" width="711"] Indian Scientist | Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala | Global Indian Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala[/caption]

It was only recently that he completed the one-of-its-kind research on house sparrows sequencing. “We finished the sequencing and assembly of its genome. We found some genes responsible for circadian rhythms in it,” smiles Dr Prashanth, who has inherent interests in exploring the known-unknown regions in the animal and human genomes. He says Passer domesticus is one of the best models for studies influencing human technological advances on life and commensal life forms in human habitats.

A PhD in Systems Biology from Aalborg University, Denmark, Dr Prashanth went on to gain more than eight years of post-doctoral experience across four reputed laboratories. One of the post-doctoral stints was at Bioinformatics.Org in Boston where he was an Associate Director between 2008-14. Another one was at Dr Haruki Nakaumra’s Lab, at Osaka University, Protein Data Bank of Japan. “These experiences enabled me to come out of my comfort zone,” says the 45-year-old. While the soft-spoken scientist has done some phenomenal work in his field, mentoring youngsters has always been his top priority.

Bioclues

Dr Prashanth founded Bioclues.org virtually in 2005 with support from some of his friends and colleagues. “With several core members and mentors, it is now India’s largest bioinformatics society working for mentor-mentee relationships through Mentoring-Outreach-Research-Entrepreneurship (MORE) verticals,” informs Dr Prashanth.

One of the primary missions of Bioclues is to encourage women scientists to take up bioinformatics besides imparting a complete understanding of the principal bioinformatics algorithms and tools through interactive summaries, polls, and discussions. “Through Bioclues, we are providing an online project platform for mentoring graduate students, while bridging the interaction of students in the field of computational biology,” says Dr Prashanth, who was awarded the Prof. SS Guraya Gold Medal in February 2023.

[caption id="attachment_48762" align="aligncenter" width="483"] Indian Scientist | Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala | Global Indian Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala[/caption]

Among other aspects, Bioclues caters to the need to assimilate existing open-source code and develop novel tools and web servers for the research community. “Essentially, we encourage all researchers to come outside their comfort zones and think. Collaborate, Converge, and Consensus are the three C’s we are aiming at.”

Remarkably, Dr. Prashanth has produced five PhD fellows, with nine more students working with him wherein four among them have submitted their theses. “Besides this, three postdocs trained with me while I share a wonderful scientific camaraderie with several grad and undergrad fellows,” smiles Dr Prashanth, who also founded CA Prostate Consortium of India (CAPCI) and Geneticist-Clinicians Consortium of India (GCCI).

Genomic assay technologies

“I was always fascinated by the emerging genomic assay technologies including characterising mechanisms of disease prevalence, genotype-driven therapies, checking patient's risk of disease recurrence and gene expression signatures, to name a few,” informs the scientist, who was twice awarded the Amrita Innovation and Research Award (AIRA) for excellence in publications and Best Faculty Scientist Award by Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham.

On the other hand, he had an interest in understanding vivid post-diagnostic risk assessment tools and facilitating risk classification which would bring personalised medicine to the fore.

From Kothagudem

Dr Prashanth had a humble raising from Kothagudem, a coal city in the erstwhile state of Andhra Pradesh and now in Telangana. His parents Ananta Sastry and Nirmala Sastry were raised in Delhi and moved down south. “My parents, especially my mother, were my inspiration. I was drawn into biology right from school days, transformed it to its heyday where I set up my fascination with systems thinking and evolutionary biology,” says the scientist.

[caption id="attachment_48761" align="aligncenter" width="632"] Indian Scientist | Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala | Global Indian Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala[/caption]

After trying his luck for a seat in Medicine with seven-month-long long-term coaching, in vain, he converted his failures to take up a Ph.D. in Science. While doing his B.Sc, he met his future partner Renuka. “Back then, I used to earn my pocket money through part-time teaching,” informs Dr Prashanth, who left for Denmark in 2004 for his PhD.

A brilliant mind

It was in 2016 when Dr Prashanth returned to India and set up his Systems Genomics group at Birla Institute of Scientific Research (BISR), Jaipur with an aim to carry out quality research. “I led three projects in the areas of systems genomics or rare diseases and next-generation sequencing analysis of cancers and diabetes,” he informs.

Over the last eight years, he developed an interest in long noncoding RNAs in humans, elucidating the mechanisms underpinning small molecular interactions through clinical exomes. His group has developed methods for systems genomic integration. Dr Prashanth has over 90 publications in peer-reviewed journals and edited three books as well. Between April 2022 to August 2023, he was also the Co-Principal Investigator for one-of-its-kind research on early detection, Surveillance, and prevention of Communicable Viral diseases in Jaipur city, which was a Wastewater-Based Epidemiological study.

As a Principal Investigator of the Systems Genomics laboratory at Amrita School of Biotechnology (Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kerala), Dr Prashanth studies protein-protein interactions and top-down systems biology of hypothetical proteins, focusing on next-generation sequencing approaches to identify regulatory aspects of the genome. Apart from this, he had intermittently worked on identifying the candidate genes involved in the synthetic framework in bacteria and viruses, especially understanding what happens to host and pathogen interactions.

[caption id="attachment_48763" align="aligncenter" width="472"] Indian Scientist | Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala | Global Indian Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala[/caption]

Dr Prashanth also got quite a few scholarships from reputed international institutions. In March 2008, he got a scholarship from ISMB/ISCB travel fellowship, in Taipei, Taiwan. In June 2008, he got another scholarship from Recomb Fellowship, Singapore. Similarly in July 2010, he got a scholarship from The International Society for Computational Biology-NY Cornell Fellowship for Cornell University Computational Biology.

The pandemic

The senior scientist says COVID has been a blessing in disguise. “During the COVID times, our group steadfastly collaborated with several peers and published some of the quality and engrossing papers with some of the top scientists in the country,” he says. Among the well-known scientists he collaborated with are Prof Gyaneshwar Chaubey of Banaras Hindu University, and Prof Keshav Singh, both experts in genetics.

Tom & Jerry

When not involved in his research work, Dr Prashanth loves to watch Tom and Jerry, Mr. Bean, and some Telugu comedy movies. He is a bookworm as well. “I buy a book during every trip and finish reading it by the time I travel. I did this across all 90+ countries I traveled,” smiles the scientist whose favourite book is “Transcendence: Conversation between APJ Abdul Kalam and Pramukh Swamiji” which he even gifted to at least 100 people.

Follow Dr Prashanth N Suravajhala on LinkedIn

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Defeating misogyny: Saxophone Subbalaxmi’s rise to stardom

(February 28, 2022) A diminutive pre-teen girl clutching an outsized saxophone - the image alone was enough to make Subbalaxmi an object of ridicule among her boisterous male peers. Her unwavering determination to learn the instrument only made things worse - how could a girl dare to do something meant only for boys? "Tell her to learn how to cook," they called out. "At least that will help her in the future." The 12-year-old Subbalaxmi, however, refused to back down. She sat through the class, with the blessing of her Guru, Kadri Gopalnath, who fully supported this attempt to break free of a stereotype. Her Guru passed away in 2019 and before she steps on stage, Saxophone Subbalaxmi always takes a minute to close her eyes and pay him tribute. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JHF-uYzIiw Unconditional support from her teacher and her father MR Sainath, went a long way but Saxophone Subbalaxmi's personal journey was far from easy, at least in the early days in Mangalore where she was born and brought up. Back home, disapproving neighbours would complain about her evening riyaaz. Whether or not she was fazed by the mockery, Subbalaxmi had no intention of giving up. She continued learning and

ving up. She continued learning and later went to Chennai for higher training.

Amongst numerous brilliant performances across the world, her memorable one has been at Singapore - a concert for the Tamil Association. She had been expecting Indians in the audience but to her surprise there were many Singaporeans. She immediately improvised fascinating them all. With over 3,000 performances, and awards like the prestigious Padmabharathi and Yuvakala Bharathi amongst others, Saxophone Subbalaxmi has also made it into the Limca Book of Records.

Making music count

Today, 'Saxophone Subbalaxmi' has made a name for herself in an industry where rules are sacrosanct, and she boasts a fan base across the world. And if she broke stereotypes as a child, she continues even today – her music has its own signature style, a blend of Indian and Western, played on an instrument that came to India from the West.

[caption id="attachment_20409" align="aligncenter" width="572"] Saxophone Subbalaxmi | Global Indian Saxophone Subbalaxmi[/caption]

She began training in Carnatic vocals at the age of five, having been born into a family of musicians. Her grandfather, MR Rajappa was an Asthana Vidwan in the royal court of Mysuru. Her uncles were percussionists and her father, an exponent of the Mridangam, was an A-grade staff artiste at All India Radio. Growing up, Subbalaxmi would accompany her father as he travelled for shows with Padma Shree Kadri Gopalnath, the noted saxophonist. That was a turning point. “I found divinity in his Gamakams,” Saxophone Subbalaxmi recalls, in an interview with Global Indian. “I fell in love with the instrument but I didn't realise then that it's a very difficult instrument to play, especially for girls, because it requires a lot of lung power.”

Subbalaxmi soon announced that she would learn nothing but the saxophone. It was a radical choice. Her surprised father decided to stand by her. He encouraged her dreams, as did Kadri Gopalnath, who even volunteered to be her guru. That’s how Saxophone Subbalaxmi became Gopalnath’s first female disciple. Her determination and hard work also impressed her two older siblings, both of whom also took to the instrument. Today, after two decades spent performing in India and abroad, Saxophone Subbalaxmi is a role model for young women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41ZojXfUKSk

Charting her own path

"My challenges mostly are off stage, though,” she says. “There is simply no time to relax when you’re on tour. The only time I manage to sleep is on the flight. Eating hours can also get erratic; this leads to other problems like weight gain. Late-night treats after performances will also play havoc.” She keeps herself fit through yoga, swimming and gymming.

It was during a concert in Chennai, she met the man who would become her husband - Kiran Kumar. The couple married in 2009. Kumar manages his celebrity wife’s business. “Without each other, we would not be able to do anything,” she says, glowingly. They live in Bengaluru with their 12-year-old son, Rudransh.

Her daily riyaaz remains the mantra to her success, Subbalaxmi admits. She keeps herself updated with the latest trends while ensuring that she stays rooted in tradition. "I’m also particular about how I present myself. On stage, I improvise as it’s important to stay in touch with the audience’s taste," says the musician who has an affinity to the stage. “Many tell me that I enjoy myself when I perform and dance along to the music. To this, I say that I am deeply honoured to be playing music written by the greatest composers - how I can do them justice if I lack energy and excitement? Simply put, I just enjoy the whole atmosphere,” she adds.

[caption id="attachment_20410" align="aligncenter" width="599"] Saxophone Subbalaxmi | Global Indian Saxophone Subbalaxmi with popular Bollywood singer, Alka Yagnik[/caption]

Even Western audiences clamour for her trademark fusion style. “My inspirations come from all over the world too,” Subbalaxmi explains. She has always returned, over the years, to Pandit Bhimsen Joshi and Lata Mangeshkar. Tunes like Baahon Mein Chale Aa, Nile Nile Ambar Par and Chura Liya Hai Tumne always find a spot in her concert repertoire. “Once, I had to perform Jab Koi Baat Bigar Jaye eight times on audience demand,” she recalls, laughing.

Not backing down

At the age of 12, she was teased and told to learn how to cook. She did, in fact, find her way around the kitchen, and cooking is one of her hobbies today. “I’m a pro when it comes to rustling non-vegetarian food,” she remarks. The same people who mocked her once are full of praise, and Saxophone Subbalaxmi now finds herself besieged by fans asking for selfies. Even her neighbours no longer complain about her riyaaz, instead, they come to their windows to hear her play as she practices. “Sometimes, they even call me to request a particular song while they listen outside, or drop by to hear me play! I am blessed to have these people in my life,” she smiles.

Follow Saxophone Subbalaxmi on Linkedin and Instagram

Reading Time: 7 mins

Bringing Silicon Valley to India: How Vani Kola sparked a startup revolution

(November 6, 2024) In 2006, Vani Kola returned to India after spending more than two decades in the United States, fueled by a desire to be part of a rapidly transforming landscape. This wasn’t just any homecoming; it was the beginning of a bold venture — Kalaari Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm that would become one of India's leading investors in technology startups giving 3x to 5x returns to its investors. Kola, a pioneer in venture capital in India, has invested in companies like Cure. Fit, Myntra, Snapdeal, Dream11, Urban Ladder, and YourStory which have thrived under her guidance. At 60, she has over 22 years of entrepreneurial experience in Silicon Valley and has invested in over 90 companies. Recognized as one of Fortune’s Most Powerful Women in Business, Kola is dedicated to collaborating with entrepreneurs to create high-value businesses. What truly distinguishes her is her commitment to being accessible to her founders, along with her focus on nurturing and mentoring ambitious first-time entrepreneurs. "I approach everything with the question, ‘Will I find meaning in the context and horizon of time that truly matters to me?’ Ultimately, everything you do is for yourself," said Vani, whose venture capital firm

thing with the question, ‘Will I find meaning in the context and horizon of time that truly matters to me?’ Ultimately, everything you do is for yourself," said Vani, whose venture capital firm has grown to have over $650 million in assets under management.

Understanding that AI is the future, Kalaari Capital has been investing heavily in AI startups. Recently, they invested $2 million in Hyperbots, a startup that uses AI for finance and accounting, which was followed by another $2.25 million investment in Figr which uses AI to design products insanely fast with ease. Explaining why they invested in Figr, Kalaari Capital said, "Generative AI is now revolutionising design space, with AI agents autonomously executing design tasks and streamlining workflows from ideation to implementation."

Pushing the Envelope

Vani's story begins in Hyderabad, where she was born in 1964. Growing up, she faced the challenge of being one of only six women in a class of 400 electrical engineering students at Osmania University. The odds were against her, but Kola has always believed in doing things differently. "I was encouraged to dream, to pursue a career in a male-dominated world." She is grateful that she had a nurturing home and an encouraging school environment that nudged her constantly to push the envelope.

The Silicon Valley Chapter: Building Success Abroad

After earning her bachelor’s degree, she moved to the US in 1985 to pursue her Master’s degree from Arizona State University. This was a time when very few women chose this path, especially in fields dominated by men. After completing her studies, she settled in California, where she founded her first startup, RightWorks, in 1996. The company focused on global procurement management and quickly gained traction. Under her leadership, RightWorks was sold for an impressive $567 million, establishing Kola as a force to be reckoned with in the tech world.

[caption id="attachment_59371" align="aligncenter" width="641"] Vani Kola | Global Indian Vani Kola[/caption]

Her success didn’t come without challenges; Kola often faced gender bias, with male colleagues questioning her commitment as a mother while pursuing her career. Reflecting on this, she recounted an experience where a male acquaintance asked if she felt guilty for leaving her infant daughter at home while traveling for business. “It just doesn’t occur to men! You just have to develop tools to cope,” Kola explained. It was her tenacity that helped her navigate these challenges, establishing herself as a strong entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. For many, including Kola, Silicon Valley represented not only a place of opportunity but also a launching pad for ideas that would later impact India and the world.

Returning to her Roots

After selling her second startup, Certus, in 2005, she took a moment to reflect on her future. It was during a solo trip to Hawaii that Kola experienced an awakening, realising it was time to return to India after briefly travelling to her homeland. It felt like a new country to her and she was drawn to it.

"This is a very different India and if I don't participate in it, India will be fine, but I will miss out. My entrepreneurial fervour or my entrepreneurial bone drove me here." -- Vani Kola

Founding Kalaari Capital: A Return with Purpose

Within a few months, she packed her bags and bought a one-way ticket to India in 2006, where she set up Indo-US Venture Partners which was later rebranded as Kalaari Capital, taking inspiration from Kalaripayattu, a martial arts form which to her represented entrepreneurial traits she deeply values - commitment, strength and perseverance. Having raised funds in North America, she came with credibility and reputation but she had to unlearn many things. Having worked for 22 years in Silicon Valley, she was keen to make India global. However, back then, the market was yet to evolve. "My US network and experience was useless because Indian companies weren’t rapidly going global at that point," she said, adding that's when she started venturing into e-commerce and gaming. "You can call it a leap of faith or a deep conviction but we started taking early bets on that." Despite entering into a new space in India, Vani was happy to take the chance as she saw it as an adventure and a learning experience that could test her in a fulfilling way.

Starting with an initial fund of $150 million, Kalaari Capital has expanded its portfolio over the years, investing in diverse areas such as e-commerce, gaming, digital media, and healthcare. Kalaari Capital was an early investor in Snapdeal, Myntra, Dream11 via Simplilearn, and many companies that made great returns. "Coming from a very conservative middle-class family, the sense of money and its value is very intimate to me. Money is a means to an end; it is not the end itself. But money brings responsibilities and obligations. We have always wanted to create par returns globally and have been able to consistently return 3x to 5x of our funds. This puts us in the top quartile in the world," the Global Indian revealed.

Her journey also intersects with the broader narrative of the Indian diaspora, particularly in Silicon Valley, where many Indians have made significant contributions to technology and entrepreneurship. This community has played a crucial role in the growth of the tech industry, bringing diverse perspectives and innovations. Vani, as part of this community, has demonstrated how cross-cultural experiences can lead to meaningful contributions back home.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Throughout her career, Kola has remained committed to empowering others. As a mentor to many first-time entrepreneurs, she actively seeks to bridge the gap in the venture capital space for women. When discussing the scarcity of women venture capitalists, she emphasised the need for more women in STEM leadership positions to create a more inclusive ecosystem. “You need women in those positions to be tech venture capitalists,” she asserted.

Reflecting on her journey, Vani Kola encourages aspiring entrepreneurs to embrace challenges without fear of risks. “The principle of pushing yourself for challenges without worrying about calculating the risk, but instead looking at the upside, looking at the positives was imbibed in me.” Her story is a powerful reminder that success is not just about the destination but also about the journey and the lessons learned along the way.

As Vani Kola continues to lead Kalaari Capital and support the next generation of entrepreneurs, her legacy will undoubtedly inspire many to break through barriers and redefine what is possible.

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A global delight: Discover the irresistible flavours of Indian street food

(July 15, 2023) In a delightful surprise, Indians across the world woke up to a resplendent Google Doodle paying homage to pani puri - a humble desi street food. Pani puri, a quintessential treasure, has transcended boundaries, effortlessly weaving its delectable charm among individuals of diverse backgrounds, forever remaining an esteemed staple of the roadside fare in India. [caption id="attachment_41697" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Google doodle on pani puri[/caption] Yet, pani puri isn't the only Indian street food that has won over food lovers across the globe. From tempting samosas and flavourful chaat to irresistible vada pav, dosa, and bhel puri, Indian street food’s culinary gems have become popular choices at music festivals and busy food markets. People embark on a delightful journey to savour the unique flavours of India. Join us as Global Indian shines a spotlight on a few select restaurants that are dedicated to sharing the mouthwatering wonders of Indian cuisine with the world. Shree Krishna Vada Pav, London Sujay Sohani and Subodh Joshi attended prestigious colleges in Mumbai and pursued careers in renowned hotels in London. However, when the recession hit in 2010 and hotels started to shut down, they lost their well-paying jobs. Not ones to lose heart, the duo successfully introduced London to vada pav, affectionately referred to as the Indian rendition of

n us as Global Indian shines a spotlight on a few select restaurants that are dedicated to sharing the mouthwatering wonders of Indian cuisine with the world.

Shree Krishna Vada Pav, London

Sujay Sohani and Subodh Joshi attended prestigious colleges in Mumbai and pursued careers in renowned hotels in London. However, when the recession hit in 2010 and hotels started to shut down, they lost their well-paying jobs. Not ones to lose heart, the duo successfully introduced London to vada pav, affectionately referred to as the Indian rendition of a burger, earning it a place as one of the city's beloved snacks.

[caption id="attachment_41698" align="aligncenter" width="602"] Indian street food | Global Indian Sujay Sohani and Subodh Joshi[/caption]

Before starting their venture - Shree Krishna Vada Pav - the two roamed across London offering free vada pavs to people. The dish was received well by Londoners, and today the restaurant sells over 70 varieties of this mouthwatering Maharashtrian street food.

Delhi Streets, Melbourne

Delhi Streets is a bustling haven, consistently filled to the brim most days of the week. Tucked away in a secluded corner of Melbourne's CBD, this small spot has been thriving for nearly a decade. Despite the immense challenges posed by the pandemic, Delhi Streets has emerged as a beloved establishment that has weathered the storm of uncertainty. Their menu is a delightful fusion, offering a diverse range of delectable dishes such as pani puri, samosa chaat, pav bhaji, dosa, paneer pizzas, and chicken tikka burritos.

Indian street food | Global Indian

Inside this lively establishment, the atmosphere is electric. Bollywood movie posters adorn the walls, Indian pop music fills the air, and the chefs skillfully work their magic in the open kitchen, easily observed through glass windows. Just like the vibrant city of Delhi itself, the bustling ambiance is an inherent part of the charm that draws patrons in.

The Brooklyn Curry Project, USA

Nestled in the lively community of Fort Greene, Brooklyn, an epicurean marvel has blossomed, delighting palates and fostering camaraderie among residents. Established by a dynamic Indian couple - Swetha and Venkat Raju - The Brooklyn Curry Project is a humble yet remarkable South Indian food stand, and has become a beloved dining spot. With its irresistible dosas and warm hospitality, this hidden gem has rightfully won the affection of food enthusiasts all across NYC.

The Brooklyn Curry Project | Global Indian

Their journey commenced with a humble lemonade stand and an insatiable desire for the flavours of their homeland. In 2016, this couple embarked on a delicious adventure upon their arrival in Brooklyn. Seeking solace in the art of cooking, they warmly welcomed neighbours to their City Point residence, eager to impart a taste of their rich cultural heritage and foster new bonds. The response was nothing short of astounding - their culinary creations resonated deeply, leaving everyone craving for an encore.

Thelewala, New York

A small joint, with only five seats precariously perched on the balcony, Thelewala specialises in Calcutta-style Indian street food, and their pani puri stays true to its authentic form. No extravagant ingredients or fancy names; the dish is served just the way you know and love it.

Thelewala | New York | Global Indian

With prices comfortably below $10, the diverse selection at this eatery consists mostly of Nizami rolls - generous roti wraps filled with a choice of meat, vegetables, eggs, or enticing combinations. Vegans particularly adore the smoky gobi roll, enveloping minced cauliflower, smoked chiles, red onions, and a generous sprinkle of cilantro. The chapli roll bursts with savory ground lamb, while the chicken phall roll embraces the reputation of its fiery curry filling.

Werribee Food Truck, Melbourne

If you happen to be in the western suburbs of Melbourne, make sure to visit the food truck park in Werribee, where you can savour some of the finest delicacies from the streets of India. From bhel puri and dahi puri to dosa, kebabs, and chaat, this park offers a wide range of mouthwatering options.

Werribee Food Truck | Melbourne | Global Indian

Although it's a street food truck park, you can enjoy your meal in the comfort of your car or find an outstanding spot nearby. While there may not be outdoor dining arrangements, the food is absolutely delicious. The park is a hub for local music concerts, movie nights, and festivals, making it an exciting destination to satisfy your cravings.

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