Kris Gopalakrishnan: Infosys Cofounder’s Journey from a One-Room Office to Billion-Dollar Philanthropy
In a captivating rags-to-riches narrative, Kris Gopalakrishnan, one of the prominent cofounders of Infosys, has emerged as one of the most successful and generous alumni of the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT). With a net worth of $3.2 billion (around Rs 26,471 crore), Gopalakrishnan’s journey is a testament to vision, determination, and a commitment to give back.
Back in 1981, Gopalakrishnan, along with six others, laid the foundation for what would eventually become the IT giant, Infosys. The company that began as a humble “one-room office” has grown into a multibillion-dollar empire with a market cap exceeding Rs 599,000 crore. Notably, co-founders like NR Narayana Murthy and Nandan Nilekani have become renowned tech visionaries.
Despite the remarkable success that followed, Gopalakrishnan reminisces about the early days of struggle when the cofounders lived hand-to-mouth for nearly a decade. Office space was a luxury, with the one who arrived first or had customer meetings securing the room, while the rest hung around outside.
Gopalakrishnan retired from Infosys in 2014 after holding several significant positions, including CEO and Vice Chairman. Since then, he has been an active investor and founded the business incubator, Axilor Ventures. His philanthropic efforts have made a substantial impact, with Gopalakrishnan contributing at least Rs 752 crore to various institutions, particularly in the domain of brain research, including his alma mater, IIT Madras.
Today, Kris Gopalakrishnan’s story serves as a remarkable inspiration, showcasing that success, when coupled with dedication and generosity, can create an enduring legacy. His journey from a modest one-room office to a billionaire philanthropist demonstrates the power of entrepreneurship and giving back to society.
