Silicon Valley pioneer Kanwal Rekhi shared insights on entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the future of artificial intelligence during a recent TiE DC event in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Few individuals have significantly influenced the Indian American entrepreneurial narrative like Kanwal Rekhi. An immigrant who arrived in the United States in the late 1960s, Rekhi co-founded one of the first Indian American-led technology companies to go public on NASDAQ. He also became a pioneering investor in Silicon Valley and played a crucial role in establishing The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE), which has grown into one of the world’s largest entrepreneurial networks.
Rekhi recently recounted his journey in his memoir, “The Groundbreaker: Entrepreneurship, the American Dream, and the Rise of Modern India,” released in February. Many of the themes from his memoir were brought to life on June 4, when entrepreneurs, investors, professionals, and members of the Indian American community gathered at the Georgetown Marriott for a conversation with Rekhi, hosted by TiE DC.
The event was moderated by journalist and author Meena Ahmed, who guided the discussion through Rekhi’s experiences as an immigrant entrepreneur, the challenges of building a company in Silicon Valley, and the importance of risk-taking and mentorship, as well as the opportunities and disruptions presented by artificial intelligence.
Ahmed, who profiled Rekhi in her book “Indian Genius,” described him as one of the most transformative figures in the technology industry. She noted that Rekhi’s career unfolded during a time when Indian immigrants faced considerable skepticism in corporate America and Silicon Valley.
Rekhi recalled that this skepticism stemmed partly from perceptions of India at the time of his arrival. While America viewed itself at the peak of its global influence, India was often associated with poverty and underdevelopment. Consequently, many Americans struggled to envision Indians leading major businesses or serving as chief executives.
Instead of succumbing to discrimination, Rekhi framed these experiences as challenges to overcome. “We just had to prove it to them,” he stated.
This determination became especially crucial when Rekhi and his partners sought venture capital funding for their startup, Excelan, in the early 1980s. Despite having a working product and paying customers, investors often questioned whether Indian founders could serve as CEOs or manage growing businesses. While they acknowledged the technical skills of Indian entrepreneurs, skepticism remained regarding their leadership capabilities.
Eventually, one venture capitalist decided to take a chance, leading to a historic investment. Excelan became one of the first Indian American-founded companies to go public on NASDAQ, paving the way for future generations of entrepreneurs.
Reflecting on that time, Rekhi expressed that he was less concerned about valuation and financial terms than about the opportunity to prove that Indian founders could succeed. “I just wanted a chance,” he said. “I just wanted a chance to prove it to them.”
The success of entrepreneurs like Rekhi has transformed perceptions of Indians in business and technology. Today, Indian-origin executives lead some of the world’s largest corporations, including Microsoft, Google, IBM, and Adobe. Ahmed noted that attitudes have shifted so dramatically that one board member reportedly asked during a challenging period at IBM, “Where is our Indian CEO right now?”—a testament to the strong association between Indian executives and corporate leadership.
Throughout the discussion, Rekhi emphasized the significance of risk-taking. Referencing a quote from India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, which appears on the cover of his book, Ahmed asked Rekhi about the role of risk in his success. For Rekhi, risk is not something to fear but to embrace. “The only way to move forward is to take risk,” he asserted.
While acknowledging that many prefer stable careers, he argued that those aspiring to build companies or create significant change must be willing to venture into uncertainty. Interestingly, Rekhi suggested that risk often depends on perspective. He believed so deeply in his abilities that he never viewed entrepreneurship as recklessly dangerous; instead, he saw each opportunity as a chance to prove himself and advance. “The notion of risk is in the eye of the beholder,” he said.
This mindset helped him navigate setbacks that might have discouraged others. One of the evening’s most compelling segments focused on Rekhi’s childhood. Born in India, he described himself as a shy and awkward child who often felt underestimated. His father, a military veteran, struggled to recognize his potential and initially failed to appreciate the significance of Rekhi’s admission to the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT).
At that time, IITs had not yet gained the global reputation they enjoy today. His father questioned why anyone would pay tuition for four years without a guaranteed government job at the end. It was only after speaking with senior officials that he began to understand the achievement.
While his father doubted him, Rekhi noted that his mother never did. “My mother was very sure that I was going to make it,” he recalled, emphasizing her encouragement as a vital support during his formative years.
Rekhi also discussed taking on adult responsibilities at a young age, managing household finances and family duties while his father was often stationed away from home. These experiences, he suggested, instilled in him accountability, discipline, and financial awareness long before he entered the business world.
Ahmed also explored a more personal aspect of Rekhi’s life: his marriage to his late wife, Anne. Rekhi spoke candidly about her struggles with depression and the challenges their family faced over the years. He described Anne as a loving partner who believed deeply in his abilities, while also acknowledging the emotional difficulties she endured due to traumatic experiences in her past.
Over time, Rekhi educated himself about mental health and sought professional support for her. Their marriage lasted 54 years until her passing last year, revealing a side of Rekhi rarely visible in discussions focused solely on entrepreneurship and investing.
As the conversation shifted toward artificial intelligence, Rekhi offered an optimistic perspective amid growing public concern over AI’s impact on jobs and society. He argued that technological disruptions have occurred throughout history, and fears surrounding AI mirror concerns raised during previous waves of innovation.
While acknowledging that AI will eliminate certain jobs, he believes it will ultimately create far more opportunities. “This wave is a bigger wave than any other wave we have seen,” he stated. Rekhi pointed out that productivity gains have historically led to greater prosperity, not less. Advances in agriculture, manufacturing, and computing have all displaced workers initially but ultimately created entirely new industries and professions.
He expects AI to follow a similar trajectory, asserting that it will not only enhance productivity but also empower individuals to accomplish tasks that previously required large teams and specialized expertise. For entrepreneurs, this could dramatically lower barriers to entry and accelerate innovation.
Concluding the discussion, Rekhi shared insights into his investment philosophy. Over the years, he has mentored and funded numerous entrepreneurs, earning a reputation for identifying talented founders before others recognize their potential. His approach, however, is surprisingly straightforward. “I never bet on technology or the market,” he said. “The bet has to be on the person.”
Rekhi looks for entrepreneurs who adapt to changing conditions, accept responsibility for failures, remain humble, and possess the energy to inspire others. He identified blaming others for setbacks as a significant warning sign, while entrepreneurs who take ownership of their mistakes are more likely to learn, improve, and ultimately succeed.
For Rekhi, leadership begins with accountability. “The guy who owns that is the guy who will do it right next time,” he said.
As the audience applauded at the conclusion of the event, the themes emerging from Rekhi’s life story were clear: resilience in the face of doubt, a willingness to take risks, confidence without bitterness, and an enduring belief in the power of entrepreneurship. More than four decades after breaking barriers for Indian Americans in Silicon Valley, Rekhi remains focused on the same mission that defined much of his career—helping others find their opportunities and proving that talent, determination, and character matter more than assumptions or stereotypes.
Earlier in the evening, Sundi Natarajan, co-founder of Sparksoft Corporation and a member of the TiE Global Board of Trustees, introduced Rekhi and reflected on his contributions to entrepreneurship and the Indian American community.
According to The American Bazaar, the event highlighted Rekhi’s enduring influence and commitment to fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.