A new wave of young, second-generation Indian Americans is making a major impact in Silicon Valley by building innovative consumer-facing tech startups. Unlike the earlier generation of Indian immigrants who primarily focused on enterprise technology, these young entrepreneurs are closely tied to American culture and markets, enabling them to create products directly for consumers.
Founders like Gagan Biyani and Neeraj Berry of Sprig, Ankit Jain of Quettra, and Amitt Mahajan, who sold companies to Zynga and Google, are part of this growing trend. Often under 30, they either grew up in the U.S. or moved there early with parents who were typically professionals such as engineers, doctors, or professors. Their upbringing — surrounded by technology, academia, and entrepreneurship — has given them the drive and tools to launch ambitious ventures from a young age.
Many of these entrepreneurs are also well-educated, with degrees from top U.S. universities, and they benefit from access to Silicon Valley’s rich network of investors and mentors. Industry veterans like Gokul Rajaram have played a vital role in guiding this generation by offering mentorship and early-stage investments.
This new generation not only creates startups but also mentors others and invests in emerging businesses both in the U.S. and India. Their comfort with risk-taking and deep understanding of both Indian and American cultures provide a unique edge, allowing them to bridge gaps and innovate within the tech ecosystem. As they continue gaining ground, this second-generation Indian American community is set to become even more influential in Silicon Valley’s future.
