Podcast: "The Company We Keep" with Anshul Jain (AJ), CTO of ThinkSys

Episode Title: CTO Who Started Coding at Age 5 Shares Insights on Fundraising, Hiring, and Community Building
Host: Fanni Gabori
Guest: Anshul Jain (AJ), CTO of ThinkSys

Introduction

Welcome to "The Company We Keep," a podcast where we delve into the journeys of remarkable individuals in the tech industry. Today, Fanni Gabori sits down with Anshul Jain, known as AJ, the CTO of ThinkSys. AJ's story is one of early passion, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to community building. Starting his coding journey at the tender age of 5, AJ has a wealth of experience and insights to share.

Segment 1: Early Beginnings

AJ's journey into the world of tech began with a kids' magazine called "Kids Day Out," which he created with his friends. When printing costs became prohibitive, AJ's father suggested creating a website instead. This advice ignited AJ's passion for web development, setting him on a path that would define his career.

Segment 2: The College Years and Entrepreneurial Spirit

In college, AJ became enamored with hackathons, enjoying the challenge and excitement of building new projects. Post-graduation, he and a friend started a company from scratch, bootstrapping their way to success. This venture was eventually sold to an investment bank, teaching AJ valuable lessons about fundraising and equity. Reflecting on this experience, AJ noted, "Back then, equity felt like a black box, but now there's so much more transparency."

Segment 3: Joining ThinkSys and Co-Founding Capyx

In 2018, AJ joined his father's business, contributing to its growth before co-founding Capyx, a company specializing in software for managing cap tables. Capyx was acquired by another company the same year. AJ's journey continued at ThinkSys, where he now leads a global team of over 450 employees.

Segment 4: Leadership and Hiring at ThinkSys

AJ's daily routine is a testament to his commitment. Starting his day at 7 AM with back-to-back calls and often working late into the evening, he ensures effective communication and project management. AJ places great importance on meticulous hiring practices, sourcing 1,500 to 2,000 candidates weekly, reviewing around 350 resumes, and conducting multiple technical rounds. "We have an incredible in-house hiring team that makes this possible," he shared.

Segment 5: Community Building and Mentorship

Beyond his role at ThinkSys, AJ actively invests in and mentors startups in Los Angeles. His dedication to fostering growth in the tech community is evident in his efforts to stay connected with colleagues and friends, despite a demanding schedule.

Segment 6: The Importance of Office Presence for Learning and Growth

Despite the trend towards remote work, AJ believes in the benefits of physical office presence for new and younger employees. He emphasizes that working in an office environment facilitates better learning and growth. Currently, ThinkSys is expanding its team in Latin America, reflecting AJ's commitment to global development.

Conclusion:

AJ's journey from a 5-year-old coding enthusiast to a leading tech executive is inspiring. His story underscores the importance of starting early, working hard, and caring for the people around you. ThinkSys, under AJ's leadership, continues to excel in building tech teams, developing software, and leveraging cloud technology.

Outro:

Thank you for listening to "The Company We Keep." If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to listen to the full conversation with Anshul Jain and explore more inspiring stories on our podcast. Special thanks to our host, Fanni Gabori, for bringing out these insightful stories.

Link to the podcast: Spotify