Notable Roles | - Co-Founder & CEO, Virtualness |
Key Recognition | Fortune India’s Most Powerful Women | Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business |
Background and Early Foundations
Kirthiga Reddy was born in Nagpur, India, in 1971. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Engineering from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, securing the second position in her class. Pursuing higher education in the United States, she obtained an M.S. in Computer Engineering from Syracuse University and an MBA from Stanford University, graduating as an Arjay Miller Scholar.
Her early career included roles at Silicon Graphics and Motorola, where she held leadership positions in engineering and product management. In 2008, she returned to India to work with Phoenix Technologies before joining Facebook in 2010 as its first employee in India.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2010 | Joined Facebook as the first employee in India; later became Managing Director for India & South Asia. |
2018 | Appointed as the first female Investment Partner at SoftBank's $100B Vision Fund. |
2022 | Co-founded Virtualness, a Web3 platform for creators and brands. |
2023 | Launched Verix, a GenAI-powered digital verification platform under Virtualness. |
- Net Worth: Estimated at $50 million
- SoftBank Vision Fund Portfolio Managed: $5B+ across nine investments
- Virtualness Funding Raised: $50 million
- Public Company Board Roles: WeWork, Collective Health
- Social Impact Initiatives: Co-founder of Liftery, aiming to support 10 million working mothers
Leadership Style and Influence
Kirthiga Reddy’s leadership is characterized by her pioneering spirit and commitment to inclusivity. At Facebook India, she was instrumental in expanding the platform’s reach and engagement across the region. As the first female Investment Partner at SoftBank’s Vision Fund, she brought a unique perspective to the firm’s investment strategies, focusing on frontier technologies and underrepresented founders. Her approach emphasizes empathy, strategic foresight, and a dedication to empowering others.
Legacy and Future Focus
Reddy’s legacy is marked by her trailblazing roles in major tech companies and her advocacy for diversity in leadership. Through Virtualness, she continues to innovate at the intersection of technology and creator empowerment. Looking ahead, she aims to further develop platforms that leverage AI and blockchain to create secure, engaging digital experiences, while also mentoring the next generation of diverse tech leaders.
