Vinayak Hegde
Big Data EngineerAI is analyzing your overall score…
Identifying your key strengths…
Evaluating your skill match against the job requirements…
Assessing your cultural and operational fit
AI is analyzing your overall score…
Identifying your key strengths…
Evaluating your skill match against the job requirements…
Assessing your cultural and operational fit
Fractional CTO | AI Advisor | Startup Investor
I have more than 20 years of experience in product development & software architecture. My areas of expertise are IoT (and embedded systems), Large scale networks (and internet protocols) and large scale data processing and management, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. I have worked both as a technical contributor (IC roles) and also leadership leading large teams across continents that developed complex software products in Ad-tech, developer tools, Content delivery networks, Analytics, IoT, e-commerce and logistics. I have been a founder, part of a team (Speedera) that got acquired by NASDAQ-listed Akamai (AKAM), part of early stage teams in Unicorns (Inmobi), led the technology team at NASDAQ-listed Zoomcar (ZCAR). I been fortunate to have lead teams in different stages of growth (0-1, 0-10, 10-100) and more while launching cutting edge products and scaling them. I also an advisor and investor in select deep-tech startups.
NCST (Now part of CDAC)
APGDST, Computer Science
January 1, 2003 – January 1, 2004
University of Mumbai
Bachelor of Engineering, Computer Engineering
January 1, 1998 – January 1, 2002
Brainy Yak Consulting LLP
Designated Partner
September 1, 2025 – Present
Bangalore Urban, Karnataka, India · On-site
Tensor Planet Inc.
Fractional CTO
August 1, 2025 – Present
Greater Bengaluru Area · Remote
Microsoft
Principal AI Advocate
July 1, 2024 – May 1, 2025
Self-employed
Startup Advisor | Investor
July 1, 2020 – Present
Remote
Microsoft
CTO-in-Residence at Microsoft for Startups
September 1, 2019 – September 1, 2024
Zoomcar
Chief Technology Officer
October 1, 2017 – September 1, 2019
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Vinayak Hegde Consulting (Sole Proprietorship)
Fractional CTO / Architecture Consultant
December 1, 2014 – October 1, 2017
Bangalore Area, India
Helpshift
VP Engineering
December 1, 2013 – December 1, 2014
Pune, India
InMobi
Lead Architect / Manager
November 1, 2009 – June 1, 2013
IETF
Volunteer
July 1, 2009 – August 1, 2019
Akamai Technologies
Architect
June 1, 2004 – November 1, 2009
Microsoft India R&D
Software Engineer (Contract)
April 1, 2003 – June 1, 2004
Aparna Web Services India Ltd
Development Lead
February 1, 2002 – April 1, 2003
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's extensive experience across startups (InMobi, Zoomcar, Helpshift) and large corporations (Microsoft, Akamai) indicates adaptability to various organizational cultures. Their advisory and investment roles in multiple startups, along with volunteer work at IETF, demonstrate a proactive, collaborative, and community-oriented mindset. The focus on AI-driven products and scaling aligns well with innovative and fast-paced environments.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate demonstrates strong leadership, mentorship, and strategic thinking skills. Their experience in scaling teams and products, coupled with advisory roles, indicates excellent operational fit for driving technical initiatives and fostering growth. The ability to work across diverse domains (AdTech, IoT, shared mobility, AI) suggests adaptability and a broad understanding of business needs.