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Sri Rao
Entrepreneur, Product, Company Builder, Investor
Professional Background
Sri Rao is a dynamic professional whose expertise spans across multiple industries, including venture capital, startups, corporate innovation, and academia. With a keen eye for spotting commercial opportunities, Sri specializes in leveraging machine intelligence as a foundational strategy for success. Throughout his career, he has directed his efforts towards product development and human-centric design, which has led to the successful launch of pioneering products and businesses. His experience encompasses a range of fields such as spatial computing, computer vision, hardware, communications, e-commerce, and infrastructure.
As a former Product Manager at Meta, Sri has played a critical role in shaping technology that impacts lives globally. His tenure as Senior Director of Product Innovation at SmartThings further demonstrates his capabilities in driving product strategy and innovation within fast-paced environments.
In addition to his corporate endeavors, Sri has made significant contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. His role as a Venture Partner at UNION Labs Ventures allowed him to guide and support budding startups, enabling them to navigate the complex investment landscape. Sri's impactful journey as an Adjunct Professor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of California, Santa Cruz further highlights his dedication to engaging with future leaders and innovators in the field.
Education and Achievements
Sri Rao's educational background includes an MBA in Collective Intelligence through the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Fellowship at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This program equips leaders with the skills and insights necessary to harness technology for collaborative and innovative outcomes. His foundation in engineering, which includes a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland, has allowed Sri to integrate technical expertise with strategic thinking.
Throughout his career, Sri has held a multitude of investment roles, providing rare insight and expertise to startup companies across diverse sectors. Sri’s influence as an investor spans multiple organizations, including Zive AI, NuMind (Y Combinator S22), Volantis Semiconductor, and Cruise. His commitment to fostering innovation and growth has positioned him as a valuable player in the realms of venture capital and corporate investment.
Notable Achievements
Sri's track record of investments underscores his ability to identify promising technologies and innovative startups early on, ensuring that he supports the next generation of technological advancement. His involvement with notable companies such as Polymath Robotics and SmartThings demonstrates his deep commitment to enhancing consumer experiences through groundbreaking technology.
In addition to his investment accomplishments, Sri has showcased remarkable leadership capabilities through his past roles, such as Founding Entrepreneur In Residence and Sr. Director of Product at Samsung Next, where he drove innovations that propelled the company forward. His dedication to creating a seamless user experience and advancing industry standards continues to leave a lasting impact.
Through his various roles and initiatives, Sri Rao has not only advanced his own career but has also significantly contributed to the tech landscape by introducing impactful products and services that shape how we interact with technology. As he continues on his journey, Sri remains at the forefront of innovation, paving the way for future breakthroughs in technology and entrepreneurship.

