LinkedIn: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgururaj/](https://www.linkedin.com/in/rgururaj/)
Professional Roles and Affiliations
Ravi Gururaj is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, mentor, and technology executive primarily based in Bengaluru, India. He is a founder and co-founder of multiple technology ventures and investment networks, notably including the Harvard Business School Alumni Angels Association (HBSAA), which he co-founded and serves as Chairman. The HBSAA functions as a global network of Harvard Business School alumni for angel investing, started in 2007 as a special interest group of the HBS Northern California Alumni Association.
In addition to his work with HBSAA, Gururaj is the Founder and CEO of QikPod, a technology company focused on innovative solutions in logistics and delivery. He also founded VMLogix and serves as an active board member and advisor across various startups.
Entrepreneurial and Investment Background
- Gururaj has over 26 years of experience in building, scaling, and advising technology ventures.
- His entrepreneurial career includes founding six technology startups, with two acquired by publicly listed NASDAQ companies.
- As an angel investor, he has invested in more than 25 startups spanning sectors such as cloud computing, SaaS, enterprise software, e-commerce, wireless/mobile software, edu-tech, privacy, and security.
- He is recognized for his hands-on role in startup mentorship, providing critical advice on product development, fundraising, and market strategy.
- Gururaj has chaired the NASSCOM Product Council, emphasizing his influence within India’s technology ecosystem.
Role and Contributions at Harvard Business School Alumni Angels Association (HBSAA)
- As a co-founder and Chairman of HBSAA India, Gururaj has significantly shaped the organization’s investment approach and community engagement.
- He actively participates in organizing virtual pitch events and quarterly alumni gatherings to connect investors with promising startups.
- Under his leadership, HBSAA has supported early-stage funding rounds and strategic guidance, leveraging the expertise of Harvard alumni globally.
- He frequently speaks about the benefits of incubators and accelerators to startup founders and is noted for promoting structured investment evaluation criteria.
- His work at HBSAA aligns with promoting cross-border angel investments, expanding the reach and impact of alumni-backed ventures.
- Gururaj's leadership extends to multiple HBSAA chapters worldwide, reflecting his role in expanding the network’s global footprint.
Additional Executive Experience and Achievements
- Prior to his entrepreneurial ventures and angel investing, Ravi Gururaj held senior executive roles including Vice President of Cloud Platforms at Citrix Systems, emphasizing his expertise in cloud computing and enterprise software.
- His career includes promoting software exports via India’s Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) program.
- He is recognized as a thought leader in product management and entrepreneurship, with involvement in various industry events like the NASSCOM Product Conclave.
- He has been publicly featured in multiple investment and startup forums, including interviews and panel discussions hosted by entrepreneurial media such as YourStory and YouTube.
Notable Startups and Industry Impact
- Gururaj has invested in and mentored startups across diverse sectors, notably in technology-enabled logistics (QikPod), robotics (LeapMile Robotics), and consumer internet platforms.
- His portfolio reflects an emphasis on early-stage startups with strong technological differentiation and scalable business models.
- His guidance is sought for investment diligence, product-market fit, and go-to-market strategies, particularly within the Indian startup ecosystem and among HBS alumni ventures.
Summary of Relevant Attributes
- Domain Expertise: Technology entrepreneurship, angel investing, product management, cloud computing, SaaS, digital economy.
- Leadership: Co-founder and Chairman of a major alumni angel investing network (HBSAA), Founder & CEO of QikPod.
- Network Reach: Extensive global alumni network facilitating cross-border investment opportunities.
- Influence: Past Chair of NASSCOM Product Council, mentor to over 25 startups.
- Professional Recognition: Featured speaker, panelist, and media contributor on angel investing and startup growth strategies.
This profile indicates Ravi Gururaj as a highly experienced and influential figure within the HBS Alumni Angels Association, with a strong track record of entrepreneurship, investment, mentorship, and leadership in India’s tech and startup sectors. His multiple executive and entrepreneurial roles position him as a valuable connector and decision-maker for innovative technology ventures seeking growth capital and strategic guidance.
