Pankaj Kedia

Professional Journey

Early Career and Intrapreneurship

Pankaj began his career in the tech industry, where he held pivotal roles at leading companies such as Intel and Qualcomm. At Intel, he contributed significantly to the development of groundbreaking technologies that defined the personal computing landscape. His tenure included senior executive roles in various segments, where he played a key role in launching the industry's first modern laptops, tablets, smartphones, and handheld devices.

Transitioning to Qualcomm, Pankaj founded and led the wearables business, establishing Snapdragon Wear as a premier brand in the industry. His leadership not only drove the growth of this segment into a nine-figure franchise but also fostered convergence between wearable technology and various markets, including fashion, luxury, sports, and healthcare. His ability to identify market trends and build ecosystems around new technologies has been instrumental in his career.

Investment and Advisory Roles

Currently, Pankaj serves as a Venture Partner at VU Ventures, a Deal Partner at Ganas Ventures, and holds various advisory positions across multiple early-stage startups and non-profit organizations. His investment portfolio includes over 100 early-stage and Series A companies, reflecting his commitment to supporting entrepreneurs at the forefront of technological innovation.

Pankaj’s extensive experience in business development includes leading Intel Capital’s wireless portfolio, which comprised 30 startups with a total investment of $75 million. His insights into market dynamics enable him to provide valuable guidance to both entrepreneurs and investors.

Thought Leadership

Recognized as a thought leader in mobile technology, IoT, wearables, and AI, Pankaj has spoken at numerous industry conferences and has been featured in various mainstream publications. He holds an early defining patent on low power for mobile devices (#7725748), showcasing his innovative contributions to the field.

Pankaj is also an adjunct professor teaching AI courses at the University of San Diego's MBA program. His passion for education extends to mentoring emerging leaders through various platforms, including Techstars and Amazon Web Services (AWS) Generative AI Accelerator.

Education

Pankaj’s academic credentials reflect his commitment to lifelong learning. He holds an MBA from The Wharton School, an MS from the University of Michigan, and a BS from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee. He has also participated in multiple management, leadership, and investing courses at prestigious institutions such as Stanford University and Columbia University.

Personal Interests

Outside of his professional endeavors, Pankaj is an avid photographer and global traveler who has visited over 100 countries. He enjoys exploring new cultures and perspectives that enrich his understanding of technology's impact on society. As a TED speaker, he shares his insights on innovation and entrepreneurship with audiences worldwide.

Community Engagement

Pankaj is committed to making a positive impact through his involvement in various community initiatives. He serves on the boards of non-profit organizations such as the Salvation Army Kroc Center and Wearable Tech Ventures. His dedication to social responsibility is evident in his efforts to leverage technology for societal benefit.

Conclusion

With a rich background as a tech intrapreneur turned investor and advisor, Pankaj Kedia exemplifies a forward-thinking leader dedicated to driving innovation in AI and deep tech. His extensive experience across multiple sectors positions him as a key figure in shaping the future of technology while empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. As he continues to explore new frontiers in tech investment and advisory roles, Pankaj remains focused on making a lasting impact on society through innovation.

Citations: [1] https://techconsocal.com/team/pankaj-kedia/ [2] https://www.socallinuxexpo.org/scale/21x/speakers/pankaj-kedia [3] https://www.iit-socal.org/speakers/pankaj-kedia [4] https://www.whartonny.com/article.html?aid=3892 [5] https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/05-pankaj-kedia-from-intrapreneur-to-entrepreneur-a/id1678277087?i=1000613436650 [6] https://www.linkedin.com/in/pankajkedia [7] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Gf_YSX-xjA [8] https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottsummit