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Rishi Malhotra
Entrepreneur & Investor: Founder & CEO [cafeteria], Co-founder & Board Member JioSaavn, Former VP HBO
Rishi Malhotra is a prominent media entrepreneur, board member, and investor known for his role in building start-ups into billion-dollar enterprises, particularly in the music streaming industry.
With over 20 years of experience, Rishi has been involved in shaping iconic brands like HBO and JioSaavn, with a focus on digital content, original programming, and data systems.
He co-founded Saavn, which later merged with Jio to form JioSaavn, one of the largest music DSPs globally, demonstrating his ability to lead successful ventures from start-up phase to international prominence.
Rishi's influence extends beyond business, as he has executive produced creative solutions for renowned artists such as U2, Beyoncé, and Nas, highlighting his impact on the entertainment industry.
His recent role at Luminary involved redefining the audio platform, home to distinguished figures like Dave Chappelle and Lena Dunham.
Rishi's commitment to fostering lasting company cultures and developing exceptional teams underscores his belief in the importance of talent and temperament in leadership.
Recognized in industry publications like The New York Times, Forbes, and Rolling Stone, Rishi's contributions have earned him a place among Billboard's Digital Power Players and Rolling Stone's Future 25 for Music.
A graduate of Washington University in St. Louis, Rishi is based in New York City and continues to be a sought-after speaker at prestigious events such as CES and Web Summit.
Highlights
We are humbled and energized to introduce [cafeteria].
In 2023, we envisioned a production platform for generation teen. A private platform where they can shape brands they love, earn for their insights, and start building career skills.
Our angel investors quickly mobilized to give us the runway to build, prove, and test. You believed in us in a blink and we are here because of your support.
This week, we are honored to announce our series seed round with Collaborative Fund and Imaginary as our co-leads, Bertelsmann and Guy Oseary.
Thank you Craig Shapiro Andrew Montgomery Andrew Maxman Nicholas Brown Pankaj Makkar Guy Oseary.
Collectively, we are building a generationally empowering company, bringing together culture and technology in ways that are rejuvenating.
I’m grateful to build next to the most talented people I know Leeann Sheely Mark Silverstein Clint Balcom Yoni Kassar Ryan J. Peterson Josiah Heigel Mia Malhotra We are repeat entrepreneurs who have developed some of your favorite digital products.
More than anything, we are parents who believe time should be valued and rewarded positively.
[cafeteria] is a continuous relationship between teens and the companies they know best.
The waitlist is open at www.teamcafeteria.com
All love, rishi
PRODUCT LAUNCH = COMPANY LAUNCH. As you get closer to taking product live, you are shaping the company and the culture in real time.
Build a "Run of Show" that involves all edges of the company. Including finance, HR, and support teams in product launch will elevate launch success. It fosters palpable collaboration and shared achievement.
Most importantly, all teams are informed as adjustments need to be made post-launch whether product fixes, new KPIs, customer feedback, spend, resources...or just empathy for overall stress levels being elevated for the short term.
When a product goes live, companies come alive too.
— — — @rishimalhotra
