The Groundbreaker - by Kanwal Rekhi (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

The Groundbreaker is an inspirational and riveting account of Kanwal Rekhi, who defined a generation of Indian entrepreneurs that changed the world. In many ways, Rekhi's fascinating and singular journey mirrors the rise of modern India, offering a deeply personal account of US-India relations, both past and present.

Dubbed the "Godfather of the Silicon Valley's Indian Mafia," by Fortune Magazine, Rekhi rubbed shoulders with luminaries named Gates, Jobs, and Ellison on his meteoric ascent through the tech industry. He went on to advise presidents and prime ministers on culture-shifting policies and is perhaps best known for his work inspiring and launching the careers of thousands of aspiring entrepreneurs, many of whom have become millionaires and even billionaires. Underscoring his own stories as an entrepreneur, investor, and mentor, Rekhi embraces American values, proving that immigrants not only contribute to the economy but often employ thousands of Americans in the process.

In The Groundbreaker, Rekhi shares his firsthand account on what it meant to be an American at the dawn of the digital age, what it means to be an American now amidst massive change and uncertainty, and why democracy is crucial to the role entrepreneurs play in moving the world toward a better tomorrow. Drawing on his roles as an advisory board member at Stanford's Institute of Economic Policy Research and Rand Corporation's Center for Asian Pacific Policy, Rekhi explores the precarious but interdependent relationships between the US, India, China, and Russia; and how competition and alliances might evolve in the future, especially between America and India; and why the cooperation of the world's oldest democracy and the world's largest democracy is crucial to the continued balance of global power.

More than just a business memoir, this book is a call to action--for dreamers, doers, and those brave enough to bet on themselves. With lessons on resilience, leadership, innovation, and purpose, it's at once a deeply personal story of overcoming adversity and an urgent rallying cry for the next generation of changemakers.

Review Quotes

ADVANCE PRAISE FOR THE GROUNDBREAKER

"I've known Kanwal since our days at Novell, and he's always stood out for making bold calls long before they became conventional wisdom. Immigrants like him have shaped the DNA of Silicon Valley, and this book provides a firsthand account of how that transformation took place."

--Eric Schmidt, cofounder of Schmidt Futures and former CEO of Google

"In 'The Groundbreaker, ' Kanwal Rekhi shares a life rich with lessons in resilience, innovation, and the enduring importance of values. For over 40 years, I have known Kanwal as a man of both vision and integrity, and this book reflects that. It is a powerful reminder that true success lies not just in personal achievement, but in the positive impact we have on the world around us."

- N.R. Narayana Murthy, Co-Founder of Infosys

"Kanwal Rekhi tells an honest story, detailing both his successes and his failures. Through anecdotes and good humor, Rekhi illustrates his unconventional path, showing how the American Dream is accessible to those who dare to try--and fail--and try again.

--Raja Krishnamoorthi, Member of Congress

"Kanwal Rekhi's ground-breaking, ceiling-defining story--from post-Partition India to Silicon Valley pioneer--is a powerful reminder of what's possible: resilience, entrepreneurship, and leadership forged through the immigrant journey. It spans a remarkable personal and professional arc, a legacy of mentorship that has shaped both his homeland and his adopted country."

--Laxman Narasimhan, former CEO of Starbucks and former CEO of PepsiCo Latin America, Europe, and Africa

"Kanwal is a pioneer, a change agent and an incredible trailblazer. He always challenged the status quo and achieved many firsts, redefining "entrepreneurship" in the process. "The Groundbreaker" chronicles his inspiring journey from his humble beginnings to his enormous success, proving that with tenacity and hard work realize your full potential no matter where you start."

-Jayshree Ullal, CEO and Chair Arista Networks

"Kanwal Rekhi's The Groundbreaker is more than a memoir; it's a powerful testament to the impact one individual can have on the entrepreneurial ecosystem. This book captures the essence of his wisdom, his strategic thinking, and his unwavering commitment to helping entrepreneurs build and thrive."

--Manish Chandra, founder and CEO, Poshmark

About the Author

Kanwal Rekhi was the first Indo-American founder & CEO to take a venture-backed company public on the NASDAQ, co-founded and built The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) into the largest global network of Indian entrepreneurs, and cofounded Inventus where he applies his full time, energy, and attention building the venture franchise into a catalyst for India's tech revolution. He came to the United States from India for graduate studies, advanced through the engineering ranks in a number of technology companies, and then cofounded Excelan in Silicon Valley to commercialize ethernet and TCP/IP--standards which became the basis of the Internet.