In the modern digital era, where artificial intelligence (AI) defines business success and innovation, Pranay Agrawal stands as one of the most visionary minds in the technology world. As the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Fractal, a global leader in AI, engineering, and design, Agrawal has redefined how data-driven decision-making powers enterprises across the globe. His journey from the lecture halls of IIM Ahmedabad to leading one of India’s most admired AI unicorns is a story of vision, perseverance, and purpose.
Pranay Agrawal: The Beginning of a Transformative Journey
Pranay Agrawal’s professional journey began with a strong academic foundation. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce from Bangalore University, he went on to earn his MBA from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, one of India’s most prestigious business schools. Early in his career, Agrawal worked with leading organizations such as ICICI Bank Ltd., ANZ Grindlays Bank, and S.B. Billimoria & Co., where he gained first-hand insights into the workings of finance, analytics, and client management.
But Agrawal’s ambitions extended beyond conventional career paths. At the dawn of the new millennium, when the world was just beginning to grasp the power of data, he envisioned a company that would use analytics and AI to empower business decisions. This vision materialized in 2000, when he co-founded Fractal along with Srikanth Velamakanni and a group of like-minded innovators.
Building Fractal: A Dream That Shaped the AI Industry
The founding of Fractal was more than just a business venture—it was the birth of a movement. From its humble beginnings in Mumbai, Fractal quickly emerged as a pioneer in the field of data analytics and artificial intelligence. The company’s early focus on data-driven problem-solving allowed it to help global corporations make smarter, faster, and more human-centered decisions.
Over the years, Fractal expanded its presence to the United States, the United Kingdom, and other major global markets, eventually becoming a trusted partner for over 50 Fortune 500 companies. The company’s unique approach combined AI, design thinking, engineering, and behavioral science, enabling enterprises to make decisions that are not only intelligent but deeply empathetic.
When Pranay Agrawal took over as CEO in November 2016, he brought with him a renewed strategic vision—to make Fractal synonymous with decision intelligence. Under his guidance, the company evolved into a global powerhouse, delivering AI solutions across diverse industries such as consumer goods, healthcare, finance, insurance, retail, and life sciences.
Pranay Agrawal: Leading Fractal to Unicorn Status
Agrawal’s leadership philosophy is anchored in the belief that “technology should serve humanity.” With this guiding principle, he transformed Fractal into a company that values both innovation and people. His forward-thinking strategies led Fractal to achieve one of the most remarkable milestones in its history—becoming a unicorn in January 2022, after a $360 million investment from TPG.
This achievement was not just a financial triumph; it was a validation of Agrawal’s long-term vision of making Fractal a global force in AI and analytics. His leadership played a crucial role in strengthening Fractal’s partnerships with some of the world’s largest corporations and establishing new business verticals such as Qure.ai and Cuddle.ai, which apply AI to healthcare and enterprise productivity.
A Culture of Innovation and People-Centric Leadership
What truly sets Pranay Agrawal apart is his deep commitment to building a purpose-driven organization. Under his leadership, Fractal has been consistently recognized as a “Great Place to Work”, earning global accolades for its inclusive and empowering culture.
Agrawal believes that innovation thrives where people feel valued and inspired. His leadership style combines strategic foresight with empathy—balancing cutting-edge technology with human insight. By integrating AI, design, and behavioral science, he has helped shape Fractal into a company that powers what he calls “every human decision in the enterprise.”
Recognition and Legacy
Pranay Agrawal’s contributions have earned him widespread recognition in the global business community. In 2019, he received the IIM Ahmedabad Young Alumni Achiever’s Award for his outstanding work in entrepreneurship.