Smita Bakshi

Smita Bakshi is a serial EdTech entrepreneur and executive, co-founding zyBooks (acquired by Wiley in 2019) and more recently FlyingPenguins. Her work consistently focuses on building innovative learning solutions that leverage technology to improve student engagement and outcomes, particularly in STEM fields. uci+4

With over 25 years of experience, Smita's career spans academia (Assistant Professor at UC Davis), industry (Symantec, Intuit, Synplicity), and venture capital (Venture Partner at Emerge VC). This diverse background has equipped her with a deep understanding of technology, business strategy, and educational needs. uci+3

Smita is a proponent of mission-driven entrepreneurship, believing that strategy is crucial for reducing challenges in early-stage startups. She emphasizes identifying undeniable needs, leveraging inflection points, delighting users, and a hands-on approach to sales and market fit. youtube+1

Her academic contributions include an MS and PhD in Information & Computer Science from UC Irvine and research on hardware/software partitioning. She has also been recognized through the establishment of the Smita Bakshi Digital Learning & Teaching Award at UC Davis, acknowledging her impact on digital learning. uci+1