About me – Abhi Vyas

I’m a first generation immigrant and am the first in my family to attend college. For most of my life, I’ve felt like an outsider trying to make sense of the world without a map. I’ve used books, media, and questions to build mental models to help me navigate the terrain.

I started college as a pre-med student who was on track to become a doctor in 7 years. I was a certified EMT, have spent 200+ hours volunteering in hospitals, and conducted microbiology research as a freshman.

Despite checking all the boxes, something didn’t feel right.

At the end of my first year, a few friends and I attended a startup weekend at Rutgers. We built a chatbot that made it possible for people to text their doctor’s office for appointments.

It was the first time in my life that I felt like I was creating value.

Until that point, I used to believe that practicing medicine was the only way to help people. It was the only way I knew how. That weekend, I realized that making things people want was going to be my way.

The following semester I switched to the Rutgers Business School, where I wanted to learn how to start a startup. I quickly realized that I was in the wrong place.

Everyone around me was too busy trying to get a job at a big company.

As a competitive student, I started to check boxes again. I was president of the entrepreneurship society, worked full-time at startups while balancing a rigorous course-load, and landed an internship at a FAANG company.

Again, like medicine, I realized this path didn’t excite me.

I reneged my offer and eventually decided to drop out.

Afterwards, I continued work at startups full-time while tinkering with new ideas in my free time.

I’ve mostly worked at venture-backed companies in product, operations, and growth marketing functions as an early team member.

Outside of the office, find me: reading, hosting dinners, writing, learning new skills, or listening to a podcast.

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As of January 1st, 2020, I moved to San Francisco.

If you’ve made it this far, let’s talk. I’d love to hear your story.

Still curious? Listen to parts of my story here.