Kris Gopalakrishnan – Who He Is and Why He Matters

If you follow Indian tech news, you’ve probably heard the name Kris Gopalakrishnan. He is one of the four co‑founders of Infosys, the company that put India on the global software map. Over the last three decades, Kris has moved from building a basement office to becoming a mentor for thousands of new entrepreneurs.

Born in Kerala and trained as an electrical engineer, Kris started Infosys in 1981 with three friends. The early days were tough – long hours, limited cash, and a lot of belief in the idea that Indian engineers could serve the world. By the time Infosys went public in 1993, the company was already a big player, and Kris was sitting on the board as a senior leader.

From Infosys Co‑founder to Mentor

After stepping down from Infosys’ board in 2011, Kris didn’t disappear. He turned his attention to teaching, philanthropy, and guiding startups. He joined the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) as a professor of entrepreneurship, where he shares real‑world lessons with students. His classes are famous for no‑fluff stories about handling failure, raising money, and building culture.

Kris also set up the Center for Entrepreneurial Learning at IIMB. The center runs workshops, hackathons, and incubator programs that help early‑stage companies get off the ground. Many founders say that Kris’s feedback on their pitch decks saved them from costly mistakes.

His Influence on Today’s Startup Scene

What makes Kris stand out is his focus on sustainable growth. He often warns founders against chasing quick exits and pushes them to think about long‑term impact. In interviews, he repeats a simple mantra: “Build something useful, then scale responsibly.” That advice resonates with founders who want to avoid the hype‑driven pitfalls of the tech world.

Beyond teaching, Kris sits on the advisory boards of several Indian tech firms and nonprofit initiatives. He supports clean energy projects, digital education, and rural entrepreneurship. His network connects budding startups with seasoned investors, which speeds up funding cycles.

For anyone looking to understand the Indian startup ecosystem, following Kris’s social media or reading his occasional columns is a good habit. He often shares practical tips on product‑market fit, team dynamics, and fundraising tactics. Those nuggets are easy to apply – no jargon, just straight advice.

In short, Kris Gopalakrishnan’s legacy isn’t just Infosys. It’s the many founders he has coached, the students he has taught, and the startups that have benefited from his practical, no‑fluff approach. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, a first‑time founder, or an experienced entrepreneur, there’s something to learn from his journey.

Keep an eye on his upcoming talks and workshops. They’re usually packed with real stories and actionable steps you can try right away. And if you’re lucky enough to attend a session, bring your questions – Kris loves a good challenge.

Infosys Co-Founder Kris Gopalakrishnan Amongst High-Profile Figures Accused Under SC/ST Atrocities Act

28.01.2025 By: Aarav Bhatnagar

Kris Gopalakrishnan, Infosys co-founder, faces accusations under the SC/ST Atrocities Act, alongside former IISc Director Balaram P and 16 others. The complaint, filed by Durgappa, a member of the tribal Bovi community, alleges caste abuse and false allegations. The case, highlighting serious issues of caste discrimination, demands a comprehensive investigation. Legal proceedings are underway in Bengaluru.