The Founder Catalyst

A no-nonsense guide for startup founders who want to become decisive, authentic CEOs—without losing their soul along the way.

In this deeply practical and refreshingly honest book, entrepreneur and mentor Venkatarangan Thirumalai shares lessons he’s lived—not just learned—over three decades of building, leading, and advising companies. From early product bets to strategic pivots, from hiring giants to leading remote teams, and from pitching with clarity to navigating the messy, noisy world of AI—this book gives you what most founders wish they’d known earlier.

Venkatarangan Thirumalai is a lifelong entrepreneur, mentor, Microsoft Regional Director (honorary), and keynote speaker who has built software products, scaled businesses, and advised CEOs on strategy, growth, and AI. He is a trusted advisor to the Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation, Rameswaram. Today, he is a sought-after speaker on Generative AI and its real-world impact on founders, teams, and business growth.