Ashesh C. Shah: A Visionary Leader Breaking Boundaries

Born in New York and raised between Bombay and Brooklyn, Ashesh navigated a journey shaped by curiosity, challenges, and a deep passion for pushing boundaries. From his early days of experimenting with computers to testifying before a Senate subcommittee, his path has been anything but ordinary.

Ashesh has navigated a diverse and dynamic career across industries such as telecommunications, special effects, venture capital, and infrastructure. Throughout his journey, he has innovated groundbreaking technologies, guided companies toward successful IPOs, and encountered transformative life events, including a near-miss with the tragedy of 9/11.Currently, as the co-founder of The London Fund, Ashesh is revolutionizing the venture capital landscape. He has developed a unified platform that seamlessly combines services and equity, introducing a model that generates exceptional value for stakeholders while driving unparalleled growth and innovation.

In this discussion, Ashesh seeks to share his wealth of experiences, from overcoming challenges to achieving ambitious goals. Through his stories and insights, he hopes to inspire others to embrace their own journeys with courage and determination.

Tell us about yourself and your story, how did you end up where you are?

Born in New York and raised between Bombay and Brooklyn, I embraced the journey of a first-generation immigrant, cultivating a passion for technology early on. This drive led me to explore data systems, launch companies, develop tech for Hollywood, and manage a $1.5 billion portfolio with global firms.

The impact of 9/11 inspired me to create The London Fund in 2003, building innovative businesses and earning 14 patents across tech and real estate. In 2020, I reimagined venture capital with INFLUENCE, a platform where service providers trade expertise for equity, aligning interests and unlocking over $500 million in value.

What ‘s your biggest lesson learned on your journey?

It’s our failures that make us. No book ever told me my first failed company would be taken down by terrorists, or that my second would implode because a neighbor who was also a renowned entrepreneur embezzled from us (despite backing from MIT, DFJ, and Common Angels). My third? That one revealed Eike Batista’s multi-billion-dollar fraud in Brazil. Each of those failures taught me something invaluable.

What separates you from the competition or other companies?

We align closely with founders and limited partners (LPs), focusing on creating real value rather than just managing money. Our investments begin with a three-day Lal Toofan™ workshop, addressing team dynamics, competitive analysis, and revenue planning, and providing a guiding focus statement for the team.

We complement traditional investors by providing the tools and services companies need, lowering costs and improving efficiency. Our active engagement stands out – we track KPIs directly from companies’ systems, offering real-time valuations for LPs with transparency akin to public companies.

Through our Storyteller™ app, we enhance transparency by showing how services perform and the value created, ensuring founders, LPs, and auditors have real-time, on-chain insights for success.

It’s a win-win for everyone involved.

Any tips/advice for young professionals or entrepreneurs?

Be brave enough to take risks, to fail, to stand up for others, and to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Take care of yourself first. Just like putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others, prioritize your well-being to stay strong and effective. The “mask” can also help hide your nerves while you build your confidence.

Teach the world through your mistakes. Share your failures and what you’ve learned from them, so others can avoid repeating them and create new lessons of their own. The world doesn’t need more polished success stories – it needs real, honest accounts of challenges and growth.

How do you see yourself in 10 years?

Probably with a whiter beard!

I see this platform as my legacy. The global economy generates over $60 trillion in services each year, driven by relationships. By aligning these services with companies and rewarding the connectors, we can unlock incredible value.

In 10 years, I envision our platform facilitating $100 billion in service bartering, transforming the way businesses collaborate and create value.

What keeps you motivated every day?

Knowing that this can change innovation and entrepreneurship. It can solve major problems. If we get this right, we create fuel for so much good.

What is your favorite quote of all time?

Be brave.

What are the main factors that led you to where you are right now?

Family, friends, and access. They gave me strength in dark times and a swift kick when I needed it. We didn’t have much at the start, but over time, networks opened, and access made things easier.

Who is your role model or inspiration in your life?

My grandfathers are my greatest inspiration. After losing their father at a young age, the three brothers made a remarkable decision – one would go to school and pursue a better future for the family. He became a CPA, got married, and boarded a steamer to Africa to start an accounting firm.

When no one wanted to hire an Indian firm, they cleverly created a company called PSJ Alexander. Little did people know, it stood for Patel, Shah, Joshi… and Alexander (who, as the story goes, might have been the family dog). Their resilience, creativity, and determination continue to inspire me every day.

What are the top 3 core values in life?

Stay true to yourself.

Have the courage to be brave.

Honor your word, it’s your bond.

What are the key moments or turning points in your life?

There have been many pivotal moments in my life that have shaped who I am today. Getting my first computer, a 1980 Apple II+ that I still own, sparked my passion for technology. Facing legal trouble with the Feds was a challenging experience that taught me valuable lessons. Joining the government marked a major shift in my career path, while being fired from a job after just three months reminded me of the importance of perseverance. Getting married and becoming a parent were life-changing milestones that brought new perspective and purpose. The tragic events of 9/11 deeply impacted me, leaving a lasting imprint on my outlook. And, of course, the unforgettable moment of being trapped in my wine cellar is a story I’ll never forget. Each of these experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and perspective, shaping the person I am today.

What personality traits make a good leader?

Good leaders often have a strong sense of self-belief that draws others into their vision. However, truly great leaders balance this confidence with empathy, understanding, and genuine care for the people supporting their mission. It’s this blend of conviction and compassion that makes leadership effective and inspiring.

What is the best and worst part of your job?

The best part is collaborating with my team and founders. Their energy, diversity, and open-mindedness are incredibly motivating. The worst part? Facing naysayers and skeptics. I often wish there were more optimists in the world to see the possibilities ahead.

What is the biggest challenge you have faced in your career? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?

One of the toughest challenges was 9/11- it was a life-altering event. I leaned heavily on my family, friends, and mentors to help me navigate through it. That experience taught me the true meaning of bravery and revealed inner strength I didn’t know I had.

What do you look for when outsourcing or hiring?

Integrity, intelligence, and loyalty – these three traits are my guiding principles for hiring, a mantra shared by my CTO and close friend. Without all three, the decision to hire often leads to regret.

What strategies do you use to stay ahead of the curve in your industry?

Constant learning is key. I read over 100 articles daily and stay deeply engaged with news and trends. Being a lifelong learner and staying informed is how I maintain an edge in a fast-evolving industry.

In what ways do you foster innovation and creativity within your organization?

We brainstorm. Constantly. Nothing is sacred. We hold nothing back.

How do you balance the pursuit of wealth and success with personal fulfillment and happiness?

Fulfillment comes from loving what I do. This journey allows me to travel the world, connect with incredible people, and face exciting challenges. That’s what brings me both success and happiness.

Name three books that changed your life and what did you learn from them!