Moneywise

Rajiv Khaneja Made Millions Young, Then Refused to Upgrade His Lifestyle

134 snips
Sep 9, 2025
Rajiv Khaneja is a young entrepreneur and co-founder of Arvita Therapeutics, an innovative biotech company focused on mRNA cancer vaccines. He reflects on building AdButler into an 8-figure business while deliberately avoiding lifestyle inflation. Rajiv shares insights on his frugal choices, such as driving a Prius and living in the same city, showcasing a mindset rooted in his immigrant upbringing. He values attentional freedom over luxury, believes in community support for growth, and now channels his wealth into impactful ventures like cancer research.
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ANECDOTE

Teen Founder Built A Business In His Bedroom

  • At 15 Rajiv built a poll script, scaled it, and began receiving large checks within months.
  • He hired university co-op students and ran a team from his parents' garage while still in high school.
INSIGHT

Worst-Case Mentality Shapes Money Behavior

  • Rajiv's household treated money as protection against downside risk, shaping his cautious instincts.
  • That upbringing encouraged saving, transparency, and careful value-seeking rather than conspicuous spending.
ANECDOTE

Rejected Early Acquisition Offer

  • Rajiv turned down a $2.5M acquisition offer and returned to chemistry class the same day.
  • He kept running the business and continued school obligations despite early acquisition interest.
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