In this episode of Cloud Currents, host Matt Brickey, Senior Vice President of Professional Services at @tierpoint6101, sits down with Shikhar Agarwal, co-founder and CTO of Spotnana. Shikhar, a seasoned expert with a rich background in cloud infrastructure, databases, machine learning, and engineering leadership, shares his journey from a child inspired by Bill Gates to a tech entrepreneur disrupting the trillion-dollar travel industry. With previous stints at Google Brain, Tensorflow, and VMware, Shikhar brings a unique perspective to the table, discussing the challenges and triumphs of innovating within a legacy industry.
In This Episode:
- Shikhar recounts his personal journey into technology, influenced by his parents' professions and an early fascination with computers.
- The transition from working at large corporations like VMware and Google to the excitement and agility of startups.
- The founding story of Spot Nana and the realization of the need for disruption in the corporate travel industry.
- The impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry and how Spot Nana capitalized on the market changes to secure funding and grow their team.
- The technical challenges faced while leveraging cloud infrastructure and the strategic decisions made to ensure security, compliance, and cost optimization.
- The importance of maintaining a startup culture amidst rapid growth and the strategies employed to keep the team motivated and innovative.
- Shikhar's vision for the future of travel technology, including AI, blockchain, and sustainability, and how Spot Nana is positioning itself as a central operating system for the industry.
Listen today to hear Matt and Shikhar discuss the intersection of cloud technology and corporate travel, exploring how innovation can transform an industry ripe for change. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a travel professional, or someone interested in the power of cloud computing, this episode offers a compelling look at the future of travel and the role of technology in shaping it. Listen to the full episode to learn how Spotnana is navigating the complexities of the travel industry and harnessing the power of the cloud to create a seamless, efficient, and modern travel experience.
00:00 - Intro the Shikhar Agarwal and Spotnana
04:45 - The Founding of Spotnana and Industry Disruption
09:05 - Leveraging Cloud Infrastructure and Technical Challenges
13:03 - Scaling the Business and Navigating COVID-19
18:07 - Maintaining Startup Culture and Team Motivation
35:17 - The Future of Travel Technology and Spotnana's Vision