What were you like as a kid?

I was always a ball of energy — bouncing off the walls, chatting with everyone, and moving my desk closer to talk to my classmates.

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So an extroverted ball of energy!

For sure! Outside, I was all about sports with friends or dreaming up wild new adventures. Those adventures came with their share of mishaps — broken bones, stitches — but each one was a badge of honor that taught me resilience and the joy of exploring with others.

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Is there someone in your family that you take after most? 

Definitely my dad. We’ve been lucky to take a couple of father-son trips recently, which gave me a chance to see firsthand all the incredible qualities he embodies. His generosity and big heart are unmatched. Whether it’s helping out a person in need or supporting causes close to my heart, I strive to emulate his kindness and dedication.

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Sounds like he was a strong influence on you. 

Both my parents were. He and my mom left everything behind to come to the U.S., building a life from scratch so my brother and I could have better opportunities. Their sacrifices and unwavering support have profoundly shaped my values. And there’s also Baa.

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Who’s that? 

My grandma. When she came from India to live with us, it felt like she completed our household. She’d make a hot, homemade Indian meal for my brother and me, and when we got back from school, we’d sit down together and chat in Gujarati about our day. 

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She sounds amazing.

She is. I remember her taking the U.S. citizenship test and failing multiple times because she didn’t speak English. But she kept on working so hard to learn the language and memorize the history until she passed. Also, coming to the U.S. to help raise my brother and I meant she had to make new friends and learn a whole new way of life, but she always took on these challenges with a smile. She’s definitely one of my biggest inspirations.

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Shifting over to business; how do you approach your work with portfolio companies?

I’m really excited about helping entrepreneurs use technology to enhance consumer experiences. My approach is very hands-on — I believe in deeply understanding entrepreneurial challenges and being an active partner in solving them. This means rolling up my sleeves and working closely with founders and their teams.

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Do you move your desk closer to talk to them?

Ha! I guess I really haven’t changed much. Still the same energetic kid at heart, helping ambitious founders overcome challenges in their venture journeys.