Asif Makhani

Asif Makhani is a highly experienced technology leader with over two decades in search engine development and leadership roles at major tech companies like Amazon, LinkedIn, and Google. He founded and led Amazon CloudSearch, was instrumental in LinkedIn's search platform, and headed Google Image Search, demonstrating deep expertise in information retrieval, relevance, and scaling complex systems. forbes+2

Beyond his technical prowess, Asif is a mission-driven leader with a strong commitment to social impact, particularly in education and youth development. His role as CTO at Handshake focused on democratizing opportunities for early talent and breaking down systemic barriers. He also served a sabbatical for community service with ITREB USA, emphasizing social justice and equity. joinhandshake+1

He is actively involved in the venture capital and startup ecosystem, co-founding Infino AI and serving as a General Partner at K3 Diversity Ventures. He also holds board positions, such as at Qist Bazaar, showcasing his entrepreneurial drive and commitment to nurturing new ventures. rocketreach+1

Asif has a notable background in education and community leadership, including serving as Chairman of the Aga Khan Education Board for the Western US. His academic pursuits include computer science degrees from Stanford University and the University of Waterloo, alongside specialized studies in Mysticism in Islam and Social Justice from Antioch University Seattle and Harvard University, respectively. makhani+1