Startup Grind is the largest independent startup community, actively educating, inspiring, and connecting 1,000,000 entrepreneurs in over 300 cities. We nurture startup ecosystems in 98 countries through events, media, and partnerships with organizations like Google for Startups. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind has now hosted over 6,000 fireside chats since its founding.

The cornerstone of our global community are monthly events featuring successful local founders, innovators, educators and investors who share lessons learned on the road to building great companies. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind has helped millions of entrepreneurs build their businesses, connect with strategic partners, and secure funding.

This month  we're hosting Vijay Tirathrai,  Managing Director at Techstars

Vijay is the Managing Director at Techstars. Techstars is the worldwide network that helps entrepreneurs succeed with a network of over 10,000 mentors in 150 cities worldwide. Through its mentorship-driven accelerator programs around the world Techstars has invested in 1,900+ start-ups at seed stage with a portfolio valuation estimated at $22Bn. Currently he is managing the Hub71 accelerator in partnership with Mubadala based in Abu Dhabi.

Formerly, Vijay was the Global CEO of the Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) based in Washington D.C. At EO he led the growth of 16,000+ leading entrepreneurs with the combined revenue of $600Bn, through the creation of a world class peer-to-peer network present in over 180 cities worldwide.

As a serial entrepreneur, Vijay founded several start-ups such as in manufacturing of safety helmets, association management, event production and a venture fund. Early in his career he served in senior executive roles namely in fashion retail, clothing manufacturing and real estate development.

Throughout his career, he has taken up leadership and boards roles on several non-profit entities: such as the Young President Organization (YPO International Board), Richmond University (U.K.), the 16th Kuala Lumpur Commonwealth Games and as International Chairman of the Young Entrepreneurs’ Organization.

Now based in Abu Dhabi, Vijay has previously lived and worked in Dubai, Washington D.C, London, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Hong Kong. He is proactive in supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem as an investor and mentor. During his spare time he is passionate about exploring world heritage sites.