Latest news with #Zscaler
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
'Without Her, None Of This Would've Happened,' Says Billionaire Jay Chaudhry, Crediting Wife For Building His $17 Billion Cybersecurity Empire
Crediting his wife and co-founder Jyoti Chaudhry for the $17 billion cybersecurity empire they built together, Zscaler (NASDAQ:ZS) CEO Jay Chaudhry told CNBC in an interview last month, "Without her, none of this would've happened." The buildup began nearly 30 years ago. The Chaudhrys in 1996 invested $500,000 of their savings to launch SecureIT in Atlanta. VeriSign in 1998 acquired the company in a $69 million all-stock deal. "She comes from a strong finance background, and I come from engineering," Chaudhry told CNBC, adding he never handled incorporation papers or payroll. Don't Miss: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — $100k+ in investable assets? – no cost, no obligation. The windfall financed three more startups—CoreHarbor, CipherTrust, and AirDefense—launched between 2000 and 2008. Motorola in 2008 acquired AirDefense to expand wireless-intrusion tools. "Nothing significant gets done by an individual person," Chaudhry told CNBC. The pair in late 2008 founded Zscaler in a Palo Alto loft, betting that cloud delivery would replace appliance firewalls. Today the platform protects federal agencies and thousands of enterprises. Zscaler in late May reported that its fiscal Q3 revenue for the three months ended April 30 was $678 million, up 23% from the prior-year period. Its shares have risen 60% since the start of this year. Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — Zscaler's March AI-risk brief warned of a 36-fold jump in AI-related cloud traffic year over year, highlighting the rapid expansion of enterprise AI adoption and prompting heightened attention to securing emerging threat surfaces. The Zscaler ThreatLabz 2025 VPN Risk Report, released April 10, found that 65% of organizations plan to retire their VPNs within 12 months, while 81% aim to implement Zero Trust strategies. The report also notes that 92% of security leaders are concerned about ransomware threats stemming from VPN vulnerabilities. Forbes put Chaudhry's net worth at roughly $17.8 billion. Yet personal finances remain delegated. "I'm a risk taker," he told CNBC. "She's a lot more conservative. If I get excited, I'm ready to jump; she can pull me back." Only 18% of first-time founders ever reach profitability, Exploding Topics reported last month, underscoring why Chaudhry touts balanced teams. "You want to do a great startup, get your spouse involved as a partner," he said. Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Here's what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy. Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? This article 'Without Her, None Of This Would've Happened,' Says Billionaire Jay Chaudhry, Crediting Wife For Building His $17 Billion Cybersecurity Empire originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
India.com
4 days ago
- Business
- India.com
Sundar Pichai Poorest, Satya Nadella Not In The List, Meet Richest Indian-Americans, No.1 Is Worth Rs 1,538,881,000,000
photoDetails english 2932154 In 2025, nearly 3,000 billionaires span 78 countries with a total net worth of USD16.1 trillion. About one-third live in the United States, and 14 percent of them are foreign-born, holding $1.3 trillion in combined wealth. According to Forbes, 93 percent of these foreign-born billionaires are self-made, with most amassing fortunes in technology (53 individuals) and finance (28 individuals), highlighting the dominance of innovation and investment in wealth creation. Updated:Jul 15, 2025, 02:41 PM IST Jay Chaudhry ($17.9 billion) 1 / 10 Founder of cloud security firm Zscaler, he is the richest Indian-American and a pioneer in cybersecurity. Vinod Khosla ($9.2 billion) 2 / 10 Silicon Valley venture capitalist and co-founder of Sun Microsystems, he backs bold tech and healthcare innovations. Rakesh Gangwal ($6.6 billion) 3 / 10 Co-founder of IndiGo Airlines, he built his fortune through global aviation leadership. Romesh T. Wadhwani ($5.0 billion) 4 / 10 Founder of SymphonyAI, he made his wealth in enterprise software and artificial intelligence. Rajiv Jain ($4.8 billion) 5 / 10 Founder of GQG Partners, he gained massive wealth as a top-performing global investor. Kavitark Ram Shriram ($3.0 billion) 6 / 10 An early investor in Google, he is a key player in the venture capital and tech startup ecosystem. Raj Sardana ($2.0 billion) 7 / 10 CEO of Innova Solutions, he built his fortune in IT consulting and tech services. David Paul ($1.5 billion) 8 / 10 Founder of Globus Medical, he made his billions in the medical devices industry. Nikesh Arora ($1.4 billion) 9 / 10 CEO of Palo Alto Networks, he is a powerhouse in the cybersecurity and tech industry. Sundar Pichai ($1.1 billion) 10 / 10 CEO of Alphabet, he rose from Chennai to lead one of the world's most valuable tech companies.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Forbes America's Richest Immigrants 2025 list: From Jay Chaudhry to Vinod Khosla - Top 5 richest Indians in US
America's Richest Immigrants 2025 list: According to Forbes, there are nearly 3,000 billionaires across 78 countries with a combined wealth of $16.1 trillion in 2025. A significant portion, about one-third, live in the United States, and 14% of them are immigrants. These foreign-born billionaires alone control $1.3 trillion in assets, proving the global appeal and opportunity offered by the American economy. Among them, 93% are self-made, many building fortunes in technology and finance. Notably, three of the world's top ten billionaires are immigrants: Elon Musk (South Africa), Sergey Brin (Russia), and Jensen Huang (Taiwan). India Surpasses Israel as the Top Source of Immigrant Billionaires in the US In a remarkable shift, India has overtaken Israel as the leading country of origin for foreign-born billionaires in America. The number of Indian-origin billionaires in the US has increased from five in 2022 to twelve in 2025, reflecting their growing economic impact. Top 5 Richest Indians in the US – America's Richest Immigrants 2025 1. Jay Chaudhry Net worth: $17.9 billion Global Rank: 8 Company: Zscaler Jay Chaudhry tops the list of the richest Indians in the US with an estimated net worth of $17.9 billion. Born in a remote Himalayan village without electricity or running water, Chaudhry's story is one of perseverance and grit. A graduate of IIT BHU, he further enhanced his leadership and business skills at Harvard Business School. In 2008, he founded Zscaler, a cloud-based cybersecurity firm that revolutionised how companies secure their networks. Zscaler went public in 2018 and has since become a global leader in digital security. Chaudhry and his family still hold a 40% stake in the company. 2. Vinod Khosla Net worth: $9.2 billion Global Rank: 17 Company: Sun Microsystems, Khosla Ventures Next on the America's Richest Immigrants 2025 list is Vinod Khosla, a pioneer in Silicon Valley. Born in Pune, Khosla studied at IIT Delhi, where he co-founded the institute's first computer club. After completing his master's in biomedical engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, he earned his MBA from Stanford. Khosla co-founded Sun Microsystems, then launched Khosla Ventures, a leading venture capital firm funding green tech and disruptive startups. 3. Rakesh Gangwal Net worth: $6.6 billion Global Rank: 29 Co-founder: IndiGo Airlines Rakesh Gangwal, born in Kolkata, is best known for co-founding IndiGo Airlines, India's largest airline. An alumnus of IIT Kanpur and Wharton Business School, Gangwal has also served as CEO of US Airways and chairman of Worldspan Technologies. In 2024, he was appointed chairman of the Southwest Airlines board, further solidifying his reputation in the global aviation industry. 4. Romesh T. Wadhwani Net worth: $5 billion Global Rank: 38 Founder: SymphonyAI Birthplace: Karachi (moved to India) Romesh Wadhwani was born in Karachi shortly after India's independence and moved to India soon after. Despite suffering from polio at the age of two, he pursued education and later earned degrees from IIT Bombay and Carnegie Mellon University. He is the founder of SymphonyAI, a firm focused on artificial intelligence and enterprise software. Wadhwani's journey is a remarkable story of overcoming personal and physical challenges to achieve global success. 5. Rajiv Jain Net worth: $4.8 billion Global Rank: 40 Founder: GQG Partners Rajiv Jain, the founder and CIO of GQG Partners, rounds out the top five. Born in India, he moved to the US in the 1990s to pursue an MBA from the University of Miami. He later joined Vontobel Asset Management, eventually becoming co-CEO. In 2016, he co-founded GQG Partners, which went public in 2021 and now manages multi-billion-dollar portfolios in partnership with firms like Goldman Sachs. Other Prominent Indian-Origin Billionaires in the US The complete Forbes list of the richest Indian-Americans in 2025 also includes: Global Perspective: Where Do These Billionaires Stand? According to Forbes' America's Richest Immigrants 2025, these Indian-origin billionaires are ranked alongside global names like: Elon Musk – $393.1 billion (Tesla, SpaceX) Sergey Brin – $139.7 billion (Google) Jensen Huang – $137.9 billion (NVIDIA) Their inclusion highlights the ever-growing presence of Indian entrepreneurs in America, especially in high-growth sectors like tech, AI, and cybersecurity. Here's the complete list of the richest immigrants in US 2025 Indian Immigrants Redefining Success in the US Forbes' list of the richest Indians in the US today symbolises more than just financial success—they represent a story of migration, ambition, innovation, and resilience. The rise of Indian-origin billionaires on the America's Richest Immigrants 2025 list showcases how immigrants are shaping the economic future of the United States. Whether it's cybersecurity, venture capital, software, or aviation, these richest Indians in America are not just contributing—they're leading. For the latest and more interesting financial news, keep reading Indiatimes Worth. Click here.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
From rural India to Silicon Valley: How Jay Chaudhry's triad of education fueled a $25 billion cybersecurity empire
From a small village in Himachal Pradesh to the helm of a global cloud security company valued at over $25 billion, Jay Chaudhry's journey is a testament to perseverance, education, and visionary leadership. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Chaudhry, founder and CEO of Zscaler, is recognised as one of the most influential Indian-origin entrepreneurs in the technology sector. His rise reflects a unique blend of academic rigour, international exposure, and strategic insight. Growing up in Panoh, a remote village in the Una district, Chaudhry faced considerable hardships. The village lacked basic amenities such as electricity and running water during his childhood. He walked several kilometres daily to attend a school in a neighbouring village, often studying under trees by daylight. This early display of grit and dedication laid the foundation for his later academic and professional achievements. A strong technical foundation from IIT-BHU Chaudhry's academic journey began with his admission to the Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (now IIT-BHU), where he earned a bachelor's degree in electronics engineering. This education provided him with essential technical knowledge and problem-solving skills that would later underpin his ventures in cybersecurity. At 22, Chaudhry left India to further his education at the University of Cincinnati in the US. There, he pursued a rare combination of three master's degrees: computer engineering, industrial engineering, and marketing. This multidisciplinary approach allowed him to gain deep technical expertise, understand process optimisation, and develop insights into customer behaviour and business strategy. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The breadth of knowledge acquired during his time at Cincinnati equipped him with the ability to bridge technology and business, an advantage crucial in the competitive startup environment. Leadership honed at Harvard Business School To complement his technical and business education, Chaudhry attended the Executive Management Program at Harvard Business School. This experience helped him cultivate leadership skills essential for scaling businesses and managing diverse teams on a global scale. Harvard's emphasis on strategy and organisational culture prepared him to transform innovative ideas into lasting enterprises. Entrepreneurship and the rise of Zscaler Jay Chaudhry's entrepreneurial journey began with founding five tech startups, all in the cybersecurity space. His first company, SecureIT, was acquired by Verisign, followed by CipherTrust and AirDefense, both acquired for significant valuations. However, his most notable success came with Zscaler, founded in 2007. The company introduced a pioneering Zero Trust security architecture for cloud computing, revolutionising how enterprises approach cybersecurity in an increasingly remote and cloud-based world. Today, Zscaler is publicly traded and valued at more than $25 billion, marking Chaudhry as a leader in cloud security innovation. Recognition and legacy Chaudhry's accomplishments have earned him numerous accolades. IIT-BHU honoured him as Alumnus of the Year and later as "Alumnus of the Century in Making." He also received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 2021–22. The American India Foundation recognised his leadership with the Corporate Leadership Award, while he was a finalist for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Northern California. Jay Chaudhry's story illustrates how determination, a broad-based education, and strong leadership can turn humble beginnings into extraordinary success in the global technology landscape. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us .
Time of India
12-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
9 Indian origin business tycoons in the US: Where did they study?
T he American startup ecosystem has long been a magnet for ambitious minds from around the world—but few communities have left as deep an imprint as Indian-origin entrepreneurs. These founders haven't just risen through the ranks of established corporations; they've built billion-dollar companies from scratch, pioneering technologies that power everything from smartphones and space missions to cybersecurity and data infrastructure. Armed with top-tier engineering degrees from institutions like the IITs and advanced education from global universities, these innovators turned bold ideas into global enterprises. Their journeys—often starting in modest towns across India—reflect a powerful blend of education, risk-taking, and long-term vision. Here's a closer look at 10 Indian-origin founders in the US who've made their mark on the global business map—and where their journey began academically. Jay Chaudhry : Founder and CEO, Zscaler Education: BTech – IIT BHU MS in Computer Engineering and MBA – University of Cincinnati Jay Chaudhry built Zscaler into a cybersecurity powerhouse from the ground up, taking it public in 2018. Born in rural Himachal Pradesh, his journey from a small government school to Silicon Valley IPO is powered by relentless innovation and a clear academic foundation in engineering and business. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo He also founded and sold four companies before Zscaler, proving his formula works. Vivek Ranadive: Founder, TIBCO Software Education: BS & MS in Electrical Engineering – MIT MBA – Harvard Business School Ranadivé built TIBCO Software into a real-time data leader, used by Wall Street and big enterprises. Originally from Mumbai, he moved to the US to attend MIT at 17. His blend of engineering and business enabled him to create a platform that changed how companies made real-time decisions. Later, he became the first Indian-origin owner of an NBA team, the Sacramento Kings. Naveen Jain : Founder, Infospace, Moon Express, Viome Education: BTech – IIT Roorkee (formerly University of Roorkee) MBA – XLRI Jamshedpur Naveen Jain first found success during the dot-com boom with Infospace, once one of the most valuable internet companies. He later shifted to moon exploration through Moon Express and preventive health via Viome. His academic training in engineering and business management gave him the versatility to shift between tech, space, and biotech entrepreneurship. Romesh Wadhwani: Founder, SymphonyAI & SAI Group Education: BTech – IIT Bombay MS & PhD in Electrical Engineering – Carnegie Mellon University Romesh Wadhwani founded Aspect Development, which he sold for $9.3 billion, and went on to create SymphonyAI, a group of AI-powered software companies serving various industries. His education in advanced engineering laid the groundwork for his understanding of enterprise systems and product development at scale. Today, he's also a leading philanthropist in education and digital skills. Sanjay Mehrotra: Co-founder, SanDisk Education: BS & MS in Electrical Engineering – University of California, Berkeley Executive Education – Stanford University Mehrotra co-founded SanDisk in 1988, helping make flash memory storage mainstream in consumer electronics. While he currently serves as CEO of Micron Technology, his true entrepreneurial legacy is rooted in building SanDisk into a multi-billion-dollar company. He holds over 70 patents, many based on the technical expertise acquired through his Berkeley education. Kanwal Rekhi: Co-founder, Excelan | Serial Angel Investor Education: BTech – IIT Bombay MS in Electrical Engineering – Michigan Tech University MBA – Santa Clara University Kanwal Rekhi co-founded Excelan, a networking company acquired by Novell, and became one of the first Indo-American tech entrepreneurs to take a company public on NASDAQ. He later became a prolific investor and helped establish TiE (The Indus Entrepreneurs), supporting startup founders of Indian origin. His academic path gave him both the technical core and strategic insight needed to navigate Silicon Valley. Dheeraj Pandey: Co-founder, Nutanix | Founder, DevRev Education: BTech – IIT Kanpur MS in Computer Science – University of Texas at Austin Pandey co-founded Nutanix, a pioneer in hyperconverged infrastructure, and led it to a successful IPO. After stepping down, he launched DevRev, a new-age platform connecting product-led teams directly with customers. His technical training from IIT and UT Austin shaped his deep product focus and engineering-first approach to company building. Ragy Thomas: Founder & CEO, Sprinklr Education: BE – Pondicherry University MBA – NYU Stern School of Business Ragy Thomas built Sprinklr into one of the world's leading customer experience platforms, serving clients like Microsoft and McDonald's. From a small-town engineering degree to an NYU MBA, he represents the growing number of founders who blend local academic roots with global ambition. Sprinklr went public in 2021, cementing his status as a next-gen enterprise software founder. Ash Ashutosh: Founder, Actifio (acquired by Google Cloud) Education: BTech – IIT Kanpur MS in Computer Science – Penn State University Ashutosh founded Actifio, a data virtualisation company acquired by Google Cloud in 2020. Prior to that, he built Serano Systems (acquired by Vitesse) and served in leadership roles at StorageNetworks and HP. His technical education from IIT and Penn State gave him the foundation to build scalable, enterprise-focused tech companies that attracted global acquirers. Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
