
Rajendra (Raj) Kulkarni
Trusted startup mentor and investor helping entrepreneurs succeed
raj-kulkarni
Boca Raton, Florida
Portland, Oregon
Joined June 2026
Summary
Rajendra Kulkarni is a highly experienced entrepreneur and investor in the software and high-tech industries, with a career spanning over 30 years. He has a proven track record of converting ideas into successful businesses and guiding companies to exits, notably with GemStone Systems, which he co-founded and led to acquisition by VMware. theorg+1
As a prolific angel investor, strategic advisor, and mentor, Rajendra actively supports early and growth-stage companies across diverse sectors. His portfolio includes investments in gaming and mobile, and he contributes to multiple venture capital funds and advisory boards, such as SeedFire Venture Advisors, OneSixOne Ventures, and Founders Co-op. theorg+2
Rajendra's leadership extends to the cybersecurity domain, where he currently serves as Co-Chief Executive Officer at Ridgeback Network Defense. His technical background includes foundational roles in object databases at Servio Logic Corporation and work in the Office of CTO at GemStone Systems, demonstrating a deep understanding of technology and business strategy. marketscreener+2
Beyond his direct entrepreneurial and investment roles, Rajendra is deeply involved in fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem as a founding charter member and board member of TiE Oregon and an active member of the Indian Angel Network. He splits his time between Portland, Oregon, and Boca Raton, Florida. theorg+1