Thejo Kote

Serial founder who builds across domains: Thejo has founded and led companies in consumer hardware/IoT (Automatic) and enterprise fintech (Airbase). He combines an engineering background with product‑driven company building, moving from device+service businesses to SaaS and financial workflows. foundersnetwork+2

Successful exits and scale: Automatic (connected‑car startup) was acquired (reported sale to SiriusXM) and Airbase was signed for acquisition by Paylocity in 2024, demonstrating experience taking startups from concept through fundraising, scaling, and liquidity events. foundersnetwork+2

Operator with engineering roots and formal training in information management: Kote began his career as a software engineer in India, holds a B.E. in Electrical & Electronics Engineering and an MIMS from UC Berkeley’s School of Information — a mix that influences his product‑first approach to building infrastructure that solves operational problems for finance and operations teams. berkeley+1

Fundraising and go‑to‑market experience for mid‑market software: Airbase raised multiple rounds (investors included Menlo, Bain Capital, First Round), grew ARR into eight figures at points, and positioned the business for a strategic sale — signalling strengths in fundraising, GTM strategy, and building enterprise finance products. baincapitalventures+1