In Focus by The Hindu In Focus-Weekend | Talking entrepreneurship with ‘Ground Breaker’ Kanwal Rekhi
Jan 24, 2026
Kanwal Rekhi, an Indo-American entrepreneur and venture capitalist who founded a Nasdaq‑listed tech company and helped start TiE. He recalls arriving in 1960s America, breaking barriers in Silicon Valley, and the early risks of founding a startup. He discusses choosing cofounders, avoiding distraction, mentoring styles, and how policy and capital shape entrepreneurship today.
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Three Layoffs That Changed His Path
- Kanwal Rekhi was laid off three times in the early 1970s, which pushed him to reassess employers' viability.
- Those layoffs convinced him to never be surprised by company failure and to vet employers before joining them.
Equity Splits Shape Perceptions
- Rekhi described a founding trio where equity splits and differing commitment levels skewed perceptions.
- A partner holding 40% was seen externally as the senior lead despite lower contribution.
Pick Complementary Founders
- Choose partners with complementary skills, not duplicates of your strengths.
- Aim for a two-person founding team of a technical 'Mr. Inside' and a sales 'Mr. Outside'.
