ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Rakesh Tondon to keynote Wittenberg 2026 commencement
He earned an economic degree from the university and was a founding father of one of the campus’ fraternities.
-
Malvika Choudhary - Fri, 13, Feb 2026
- 12:45 EST
- 20
Rakesh Tondon / Wittenberg University
Wittenberg University, a private liberal arts college in Ohio, has named Indian American alumnus and entrepreneur Rakesh Tondon as the keynote speaker for its 2026 commencement ceremony scheduled for May 16.
The university announced the selection during the Class of 2026’s annual “100 Days ’Til Graduation” event. “On behalf of the entire Wittenberg University, I am excited to welcome Rakesh back to his alma mater,” Wittenberg president Christian M.M. Brady said in a statement.
Also Read:Rutgers bestows top public health honor on Vin Gupta
“Today’s rapidly changing world requires creativity, confidence, and exceptional critical thinking, which are exactly the skills Rakesh embodies and that Wittenberg has developed in its graduates since 1845,” Brady said.
“Rakesh also exemplifies the possibilities of a liberal arts education, and I believe his remarks will inspire the members of the Class of 2026 to see all the possibilities that await them as proud Wittenberg graduates,” he added.
Tondon is currently an advisor with Entrepreneurs First, a global investor focused on early-stage entrepreneurial talent. He has more than two decades of experience across e-commerce, retail, software-as-a-service, artificial intelligence, and healthcare, with a career focused on scaling high-growth startups and executing complex acquisitions.
He most recently served as co-founder and chief executive officer of Dr. Treat, a technology-enabled veterinary care company built on an AI-driven platform. Tondon helped lead the company from inception through its sale to a strategic acquirer.
Earlier, he co-founded and led Le Tote, a fashion rental subscription platform that expanded operations in the United States and China and grew to more than 2.5 million members.
During his tenure at Le Tote, Tondon led the acquisition of Lord & Taylor, the oldest department store chain in the United States, along with two other strategic acquisitions. His background in mergers and acquisitions was shaped by earlier roles in investment banking, including positions at J.P. Morgan and Ridgecrest Capital Partners.
An active angel investor and board advisor, San Francisco, California-based Tondon works with startups in AI, fintech, logistics, and SaaS, providing guidance on fundraising, go-to-market strategy, and operational scaling.
A member of the Wittenberg Class of 2001, Tondon earned a bachelor of arts degree in economics. He was a founding father of the university’s Delta Tau Delta fraternity, served as a resident advisor, and was a member of the campus Cricket Club.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
.png)
.jpg){kind=logo}
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login