Naval Ravikant is a prominent Indian-born American entrepreneur and investor, best known for his role as the co-founder, chairman, and former CEO of AngelList. His journey began in 1999 when he co-founded Epinions, a consumer product review site that raised $45 million in venture capital. The company later merged with Dealtime, leading to the creation of Shopping.com, which went public in 2004. This early venture laid the groundwork for Ravikant’s future successes in the tech industry.
In 2007, Ravikant established The Hit Forge, a $20 million early-stage venture capital fund that invested in notable startups such as Twitter and Uber. His expertise in venture capital continued to flourish as he co-founded AngelList in 2010, a platform designed to connect startups with angel investors. Under his leadership, AngelList achieved a remarkable $4 billion valuation by 2022, solidifying its position as a key player in the startup ecosystem.
Ravikant’s influence extends into the cryptocurrency space as well. In 2014, he co-founded MetaStable Capital, a hedge fund focused on digital currencies, and later launched Spearhead in 2017, which raised $100 million to support founders in their investment journeys. His keen insights into technology and investing have made him a sought-after advisor and board member for various organizations.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Ravikant is a prolific podcaster and author. He hosts his own podcast, where he shares his thoughts on philosophy, business, and investing. His curated collection of tweets and essays, “The Almanack of Naval Ravikant,” has gained significant recognition, further establishing him as a thought leader in the entrepreneurial community.