Meet a Member: Rajiv Shah
Tell us about your background…
I was born in Ahmedabad, India. I completed my schooling and earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering there. I then moved to the US and received my MS in Mechanical Engineering (Robotics) from the University of Missouri, Rolla. I also participated in and graduated from a Global Executive Leadership program jointly conducted by Stanford University and St. Petersburg University, Russia. I’m married to Neha, who writes travel blogs about our various trips. Both of our children are based in Boston and work in the healthcare industry. We moved to Massachusetts in 2004 when the organization I was part of had an acquisition in Boston. I came to integrate the acquisition and drive its growth.
What is your professional background, and how did you get started?
I am a member of the Advisory Board at StrongHer Ventures, an early-stage fund investing in the next generation of female-founded, women-led/focused companies. I’m also on the Executive Board at Happiest Minds Technologies, where I serve on various board committees and chair the strategic initiatives committee. I am currently leading the establishment of the Gen AI business at Happiest Minds and assisting with inorganic growth opportunities. Additionally, I advise and mentor founder CEOs and management teams of various companies and selectively advise PE firms during their investment evaluation processes.
After graduating from the University of Missouri, I joined EDS and worked in various positions and locations within the US, eventually leading their Aerospace Business Unit. I then moved to India as CEO of EDS — India to establish EDS and A.T. Kearney’s presence there. After 15 years at EDS, I worked for Consolidated Press Holdings (Kerry Packer Media Empire) and Bharti Group (Sunil Mittal’s AirTel) to help establish a BPO company. I later joined Wipro as head of their Financial and Healthcare Business Units.
In 2011, with seed funding from General Atlantic Partners, I established a SaaS company in the travel, hospitality, transportation, and logistics sector. After scaling the company to $150M in revenue, I sold it to Blackstone. After completing the transaction and running it for a couple more years, I moved to London to work with private equity firms, advising them during acquisition evaluations.
What advice would you give to entrepreneurs who want to follow in your footsteps?
Do not be afraid to take on new challenges and try new things. If you remain true to yourself and all stakeholders, things have a way of working out.
You have been a member and advisor for several angel investor networks. What do you find most rewarding about being a mentor and advisor for pre-seed to early-stage ventures?
Working with young companies provides me with an opportunity to learn new things. While the fundamentals of starting a company remain the same, it’s about how you can help young entrepreneurs stay focused and constantly think about value creation.
Who is your role model and/or leadership mentor?
I have been privileged to work for Azim Premji, who continues to be my role model. It’s not just about how he built Wipro, but also his commitment to philanthropy, dedicating a large portion of his wealth and time.
I have two mentors: Abhay Havaldar of General Atlantic Partners, who believed in us when we started a SaaS company, and Dr. Srini Srinivasan, my go-to person, who is the ex-Managing Partner of A.T. Kearney.
What is the biggest challenge facing entrepreneurs and professionals in your industry today?
Disruptions in technology and business are happening at a very rapid pace, so it’s essential to keep an eye on them. Ultimately, it’s about value creation. It’s easy to get distracted, but don’t lose sight of the problems you are trying to solve.
What tech or industry trend excites you the most, and why?
Generative AI is a powerful emerging technology that is reshaping business. It has the potential to disrupt the way we think, define, and execute.
What parts of the current movement for AI excite you the most?
“The new programming language is going to be English.” Keeping up with new trends and continuous learning excites me.
How would you advise entrepreneurs or existing companies who want to start using generative AI to augment their business outcomes?
Do not get overwhelmed by technology. Invest in a head of technology during the inception phase, as it is changing rapidly. Keep in mind that it’s a journey and we are all learning together, including your customers. Trying and failing are normal. Ultimately, we are here to solve a business problem, and Gen AI is an enabler.
How did you find TiE Boston, and what prompted you to become a member?
I always wanted to be a TiE Boston member, but my travels and living overseas didn’t allow me to follow through. I finally got connected to its President, and here I am.
What is your current involvement in TiE?
I am a Charter Member and participate in angel investment opportunities. I also am involved in evaluating proposals from women entrepreneurs.
What do you find most rewarding about this role?
The ability to interact with successful leaders and learn from them.
Are there any books and/or podcasts you would recommend to rising professionals and entrepreneurs?
I’m not into management books as they can be very prescriptive. However, here are some books I have recently read:
- Don’t Overthink It by Ann Bogel (make easier decisions, stop second-guessing, and bring more joy to life)
- The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker
- The Right Call: What Sports Teaches You About Life and Leadership by Sally Jenkins
- Meet 100 People by Pat Hedley
Specific to AI/Gen AI:
Your AI Survival Guide by Sol Rashidi
