In the dynamic world of technology and lifesciences, only a few leaders leave behind a trail of transformation, progress, and purpose. Vinod Mahendroo is one such figure.
Vinod Mahendroo: A Strong Foundation – Education Shaping a Global Leader
Long before Vinod Mahendroo emerged as a global technology leader, he was a young engineering student at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology degree in Electrical Engineering in 1974, he carried with him both deep technical knowledge and a hunger to explore the future of computing.
Seeking a broader canvas to apply his ideas, he pursued an MBA at the Harvard Business School, completing the program in 1978. This world-class education in engineering and management became the foundation on which he would build a lifetime of achievements across industries.
Early Career: Cultivating Excellence at Intel
Mahendroo began his professional journey at Intel Corporation in 1978—an era when the microprocessor revolution was just beginning. Over the years, he held several key marketing and operational roles across product lines such as:
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Microprocessors
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Microcontrollers
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Memories
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Single-board computers
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System-level products
At Intel, he learned the art of shaping markets, transforming technologies into global products, and navigating fast-moving competitive landscapes. These experiences forged his ability to think big, execute with precision, and lead with courage—traits that would define his leadership style throughout his career.
Vinod Mahendroo: Leadership at Chips and Technologies
From 1989 to 1992, Vinod Mahendroo served as the Director of Corporate Marketing and New Product Technologies at Chips and Technologies. Here, he strengthened his capabilities in strategic management and helped steer the company through emerging technological waves. His contributions laid the groundwork for the company’s product vision during a crucial phase of evolution in the semiconductor ecosystem.
Defining Impact at Applied Materials
In 1992, Mahendroo joined Applied Materials, the global semiconductor equipment powerhouse. It was here that his leadership reached exceptional heights.
A Transformative Marketing Leader
As Head of Corporate Marketing, he transformed the department from a purely analytical team into a strategic powerhouse. He designed the Opportunity Assessment Process, which reshaped how Applied Materials evaluated markets, investments, and long-term growth opportunities. This methodology remains one of his lasting contributions to corporate innovation.
Rising to Top Leadership Roles
His rapid ascent continued:
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Vice President of Marketing (1995)
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President, Installed Base Support Services (IBSS)
The IBSS division handled technical support and spare parts for more than 9,000 wafer manufacturing systems worldwide—an operation representing nearly 20% of Applied Materials’ global revenue. Under Mahendroo’s leadership, IBSS grew not just in scale but in operational excellence, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
His work at Applied Materials earned him widespread respect and ultimately the Distinguished Alumni Award from IIT Delhi in 1998—a recognition reserved for leaders who bring extraordinary honor to the institute.
Entrepreneurship: Building Startups with Global Impact
After shaping some of the world’s most influential technology organizations, Vinod Mahendroo embraced entrepreneurship with the same ambition and discipline.
He led multiple venture-capital-backed startups, including:
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Nanoconduction – CEO
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Primaxx – CEO
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A third VC-backed startup – COO
All three achieved liquidity under his leadership—an achievement that speaks volumes about his ability to convert ideas into commercially successful ventures. Over the years, he raised more than $50 million in venture and strategic funding, guiding early-stage companies from concept to execution, from prototype to market success.
Current Leadership: Innovating at the Intersection of Technology and Healthcare
Today, Vinod Mahendroo continues to build, shape, and support industries that matter.
CEO – Vitruvian Medical Devices
At Vitruvian Medical Devices—founded by UCSF surgeons and professors—he is leading the development of advanced wound-care technologies. His leadership aims to revolutionize healing and recovery, bringing innovative therapeutics to patients who need them most.
SVP of Operations – Yield Engineering Systems (YES)
At YES, a semiconductor equipment manufacturer, he oversees operations with a focus on scaling, efficiency, and global manufacturing excellence. His decades of experience enable him to elevate operations to world-class standards.
Angel Investor, Mentor, and Builder of Future Innovators
Beyond his executive career, Vinod Mahendroo is a driving force behind the next generation of entrepreneurs.
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15+ angel investments, largely in lifesciences—from cutting-edge medical devices to CAR-T cell therapy innovators.
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Founding board member of Flock Software, Inc.
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Active member of Band of Angels, Sierra Angels, and Life Science Angels.
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Mentor at StartX (Stanford) and Skydeck (UC Berkeley).
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Advisor and board member to investment groups, non-profits, and emerging startups.