India’s billionaires continue to make headlines for their wealth and entrepreneurial successes. According to the Hurun India Rich List 2024, India now boasts 334 billionaires, a remarkable 75 more than last year, with a collective wealth of Rs 159 lakh crore. While prominent names like Narayana Murthy often take the spotlight, there’s another Infosys co-founder who surpasses him in wealth—Senapathy Gopalakrishnan. With a net worth of Rs 38,500 crore, Gopalakrishnan has now become the richest co-founder of Infosys, even outpacing Murthy, who is valued at Rs 36,600 crore.
Senapathy Gopalakrishnan: The Richest Co-Founder of Infosys
In 1981, Narayan Murthy and his fellow co-founders—NS Raghavan, Ashok Arora, Nandan Nilekani, SD Shibulal, K Dinesh, and Senapathy Gopalakrishnan—together founded Infosys, which would later become one of India’s most successful IT firms. Infosys, which generated $18.2 billion (around Rs 1,51,762 crore) in revenue in 2023, began with an initial investment of just Rs 10,000 by Sudha Murthy, Narayana Murthy’s wife.
While Narayan Murthy continues to be one of India’s wealthiest individuals, Senapathy Gopalakrishnan has consistently remained in the background, despite his crucial role in the company’s success. With a wealth of Rs 38,500 crore, Gopalakrishnan has now emerged as the richest co-founder of Infosys, surpassing even Murthy in terms of net worth.
Who is Senapathy Gopalakrishnan?
Senapathy Gopalakrishnan, 69, played a pivotal role in Infosys’s growth. He served as the CEO and Managing Director of the company from 2007 to 2011, leading Infosys through a period of expansion and innovation. Gopalakrishnan also served as the Vice Chairman of the firm from 2011 to 2014.
After stepping down from his role at Infosys, Gopalakrishnan shifted his focus to nurturing new businesses. He is currently the Chairman of Axilor Ventures, an accelerator that supports early-stage startups. Under his leadership, Axilor Ventures has invested in several promising startups such as GoodHome, Kaagaz, and EnKash, among others. His deep understanding of technology and business makes him a valuable mentor to emerging companies.
Education and Early Life
Born in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Gopalakrishnan’s early academic pursuits set the foundation for his future success. He attended Government Model Boys Higher Secondary School, where he excelled in his studies. He went on to complete his master’s degree in physics and computer science from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Madras. His academic background in both physics and computer science helped shape his approach to technology and problem-solving, making him a key contributor to Infosys’s technological innovations.
Senapathy Gopalakrishnan’s Philanthropy and Other Endeavours
Beyond business, Gopalakrishnan and his wife, Sudha Gopalakrishnan, are involved in significant philanthropic activities. They manage the Pratiksha Trust, an organization dedicated to brain research, which reflects their commitment to advancing science and healthcare.
Gopalakrishnan is also an active member of various academic boards. He serves on the Board of Trustees at the Chennai Mathematical Institute, and on the Board of Governors at IIT-Madras and IIT-Bangalore, further contributing to the development of India’s education and research landscape.
Awards and Recognition
Gopalakrishnan’s contributions to the IT industry and his philanthropic work have been widely recognized. In 2011, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan, India’s third-highest civilian award, for his exceptional service to the nation. This prestigious award solidified his reputation as one of the country’s most respected figures in both business and science.
Senapathy Gopalakrishnan’s story is one of remarkable success and vision. As the richest co-founder of Infosys with a net worth of Rs 38,500 crore, Gopalakrishnan’s journey from an IIT graduate to an influential entrepreneur and philanthropist showcases the power of innovation and dedication. His legacy extends beyond Infosys, as he continues to shape India’s startup ecosystem, contribute to education, and support brain research. While Narayana Murthy remains a towering figure in the Indian tech industry, it’s clear that Gopalakrishnan’s wealth, influence, and contributions have positioned him as a leader in his own right.
