In the age of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, few leaders have managed to merge technology with human empathy as seamlessly as Srikanth Velamakanni, the Co-founder, Group Chief Executive, and Executive Vice-Chairman of Fractal. His story is not just one of corporate success—it is the tale of an engineer turned visionary who believed that data, when used responsibly, could empower human decision-making at every level.
Srikanth Velamakanni: From Vision to Reality – The Birth of Fractal
The year 2000 marked a turning point in India’s entrepreneurial landscape. While most of the world was grappling with the dot-com bust, Srikanth Velamakanni and his co-founders envisioned a future where data and analytics would become the new oil of the digital economy. With this belief, they founded Fractal in Mumbai—a company that would go on to redefine how enterprises make decisions.
Fractal’s mission was simple yet profound: to power every human decision in the enterprise. Over the years, under Velamakanni’s dynamic leadership, that mission evolved into a global movement. Today, Fractal serves more than 100 Fortune 500 companies, providing them with AI-driven insights and decision-making solutions that have become essential to their success.
In 2022, Fractal achieved a historic milestone—it became India’s first AI unicorn, valued at over $1 billion. For Velamakanni, this was not merely a financial achievement but a validation of his belief that technology, when guided by purpose and ethics, can transform industries and lives.
The Architect of Intelligent Enterprises
Over the last 25 years, Srikanth Velamakanni has stood at the intersection of artificial intelligence, behavioural economics, and business strategy. As the Group Chief Executive and Executive Vice-Chairman of Fractal, he has led the company through continuous innovation, building powerful AI products such as Qure.ai, Cuddle.ai, and Eugenie.ai.
Each of these ventures embodies Fractal’s purpose—combining human creativity with machine intelligence. For instance, Qure.ai, where Velamakanni serves as Chairman of the Board, has revolutionized healthcare by using AI to diagnose diseases like tuberculosis and COVID-19, reaching millions of patients in underserved regions. His leadership has ensured that AI becomes not just a tool for profit but a force for good.
Srikanth Velamakanni: Leadership Beyond Business
What truly distinguishes Srikanth Velamakanni is his ability to think beyond corporate success. As the Vice-Chairman of NASSCOM (National Association of Software and Service Companies), he plays a vital role in shaping India’s technology policy—especially in areas of responsible AI, open data, and digital ethics. His voice has been instrumental in creating frameworks that balance innovation with accountability.
Velamakanni also serves on several prestigious boards, including Metro Brands, BARC India, and NIIT Ltd., and as Non-Executive Chairman of ideaForge. Each of these roles reflects his belief that collaboration and cross-industry learning are key to sustained innovation.
Education, Inspiration, and Early Journey
Born with a natural curiosity for technology, Srikanth Velamakanni earned his Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, followed by a Post-Graduate Diploma in Management from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad—two of India’s most respected institutions. His academic journey was marked by intellectual rigor and a fascination with mathematics, neuroscience, and consumer behaviour, which continue to influence his professional philosophy.
In recognition of his achievements, Velamakanni has received numerous accolades, including:
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Distinguished Alumni Award (2025) from IIT Delhi.
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Young Alumni Achievers Award (2019) from IIM Ahmedabad.
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Best Founder Award (2022) at the BW BusinessWorld Unicorn Summit.
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CEO of the Year (2023) at the Entrepreneur Awards.
Each of these honours symbolizes not only his success but also his consistent pursuit of excellence, innovation, and impact.
Building a Legacy in Education and Philanthropy
Velamakanni’s commitment to the future extends far beyond business. He is a co-founder and trustee of Plaksha University, an institution designed to reimagine engineering and technology education in India. Through Plaksha, he hopes to inspire a new generation of technologists and entrepreneurs who will lead with integrity, creativity, and empathy.