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Chet Kapoor
Chairman & CEO at DataStax
Chet Kapoor is the Chairman and CEO of DataStax, a company specializing in real-time data management and artificial intelligence. He has over two decades of leadership experience in the technology sector, having held significant roles at major companies including Google, IBM, and BEA Systems. Kapoor's career began with an internship at NeXT, the company founded by Steve Jobs, where he gained invaluable insights into product design and user experience that have shaped his approach to technology leadership.147
Early Life and Education
Born in Kolkata, India, Kapoor was inspired by Steve Jobs from a young age. He pursued his education in engineering at Arizona State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree. His early career was marked by a strong entrepreneurial spirit, as he balanced his studies with running a consulting firm and working various jobs.24
Career Highlights
- NeXT (1989-1993): Kapoor started his career at NeXT, where he worked closely with Jobs and learned about the importance of user-centric design.
- BEA Systems (2002-2004): He served as VP/GM, contributing to the company's growth in enterprise software.
- Gluecode (2004): Kapoor was CEO of Gluecode before it was acquired by IBM.
- IBM (2005-2006): He worked as VP, further solidifying his expertise in cloud computing and enterprise solutions.
- Apigee (2007-2016): As CEO, he led the company to a successful IPO and its eventual acquisition by Google for $625 million. This role emphasized his focus on APIs as essential for integrating AI into business operations.1258
- DataStax (2019-Present): Under his leadership, DataStax has launched innovative products like Astra DB and integrated real-time AI capabilities into their offerings. Kapoor's vision is centered on leveraging data to create scalable AI solutions for enterprises.136
Leadership Philosophy
Kapoor is known for his human-centered leadership style. He emphasizes the importance of inspiring teams and fostering a culture that prioritizes user experience and innovation. His approach is influenced by his early experiences at NeXT and his belief that effective leadership involves moving "the human heart" within organizations.68
Chet Kapoor continues to be a prominent figure in the tech industry, advocating for the transformative power of data and AI in business.

