ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Kanwal Rekhi launches memoir at TiE DC, reflects on immigrant journey
Calling on the Indian American community to respond proactively to negative narratives, Rekhi urged greater civic engagement and advocacy.
-
1759953093.png)
Staff Reporter - Fri, 05, Jun 2026
- 04:17 EDT
- 32
Meenakshi Ahamed and Kanwal Rekhi / Courtesy photo
The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE) DC organized a conversation on Indian American entrepreneur Kanwal Rekhi's new book, The Groundbreaker, on June 6 in Washington, D.C., featuring its official book launch and a fireside chat with the author.
Rekhi, one of Silicon Valley's most influential pioneers and a true champion of entrepreneurship, is an entrepreneur, investor, mentor, and thought leader, and the author of The Groundbreaker.
He is widely recognized as the first Indian American founder and CEO to take a company public on Nasdaq, and he co-founded The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE), building it into the largest global network of Indian entrepreneurs.
ALSO READ: TiE New Jersey to host 2025 gala on June 8
He is widely recognized as the first Indian American founder and CEO to take a company public on Nasdaq, and he co-founded The IndUS Entrepreneurs (TiE), building it into the largest global network of Indian entrepreneurs.
In The Groundbreaker, Rekhi shares his firsthand account of what it meant to be an American at the dawn of the digital age, what it means to be an American now amidst massive change and uncertainty, and why democracy is crucial to the role entrepreneurs play in moving the world toward a better tomorrow.
The other invited speakers included Indian American U.S. Rep. Ro Khanna and Indian American journalist Meenakshi Ahamed, who was the moderator for the fireside chat.
During the fireside chat, Rekhi discussed his life at length and highlighted his journey from India to being described as the “Godfather of Silicon Valley's Indian Mafia” by Fortune magazine.
In the interview, he reflected on the challenges he faced as an Indian immigrant in the United States, where Indians were often viewed as capable engineers but not business leaders. He recalled overcoming skepticism from professors, employers and investors before co-founding Exelan, one of the first Indian American startups to go public on Nasdaq.
Rekhi emphasized that success comes from taking risks, persevering through setbacks and focusing on proving oneself rather than dwelling on discrimination. He also spoke about the pressure of succeeding as one of the first Indian entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley, knowing that his performance could influence opportunities for those who followed.
Addressing concerns over rising anti-Indian sentiment and changing perceptions of immigration in the United States, Rekhi argued that Indian talent remains indispensable to the country's economic and technological leadership.
He rejected the notion that Indian immigrants were merely beneficiaries of American opportunity. He said, "It's not a one-way street that they're helping us. They're helping themselves."
Rekhi also underscored the strategic importance of Indian talent in maintaining America's global competitiveness, particularly against China.
He said, "Without Indian engineers, America would not be able to keep up with China. No way."
Calling on the Indian American community to respond proactively to negative narratives, Rekhi urged greater civic engagement and advocacy.
He said, "We need to have Indian people step forward. Step forward, organize, put up the proper narrative," emphasizing the need for the diaspora to articulate its contributions and strengthen U.S.-India ties.
The organizers also announced that along with the book, a documentary on Rekhi's life has been in the works. The attendees were treated to a trailer of the documentary during the event.
Discover more at New India Abroad.
Related
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