Nikith Rajendran
Founder & CEO
In an exclusive interview with CEO Insights Magazine, Nikith Rajendran walks us through his professional journey along with the unique traits of the company.
Could you provide an overview of your professional background and experiences, and what fuels your daily routines?
Currently, I wear two hats. Firstly, I actively contribute to my family's manufacturing business in India, specializing in steel castings for heavy engineering applications. Our group of three companies employs approximately 400 individuals. Secondly, I serve as the CEO of LitPoodle, a proptech startup that launched its product in late 2021 after a dedicated year of development. Before these endeavors, I spent six years at Tesla, four with Solar City before its merger with Tesla and two at Tesla itself. And prior to that, I pursued a Master's in Management, Science, and Engineering at Stanford, along
with a Master's in Manufacturing (Mechanical Engineering )at MIT.
Can you share the unique experiences Stanford University offers and what you learned beyond academics?
Stanford University was akin to being a kid in a candy store for me. The sheer presence of inspiring individuals that surrounded me left me in awe. From sharing classes with the likes of Melinda Gates to encountering Condoleezza Rice while working in the same building, I was starstruck throughout my time there. However, what truly stood out for me at Stanford was the network effect it offered. The opportunity to collaborate and connect with such a diverse and inspiring group of people left an indelible mark on me. The inspiration gained from interacting with individuals deeply committed to their work will continue to influence me for a lifetime.
Define Litpoodle as an organization and elaborate on its current position in the market.
LitPoodle is a proptech startup, emerged from a personal experiences while house hunting in the United States. It became apparent that many people overlooked the crucial financial analysis required when purchasing a home, despite it being one of the most significant financial decisions in their lifetime. Recognizing this gap, LitPoodle was born with the goal of spreading awareness about the financial implications associated with home ownership.
Our startup incorporates patented technology and proprietary metrics that are unrivaled in the world. We encourage individuals to consider various angles when comparing home buying to other investment opportunities, not limited to real estate alone. We provide exclusive recommendations by evaluating potential returns and assessing whether purchasing a particular home is a worth while investment. In simple terms, LitPoodle empowers people to make informed financial decisions whether purchasing a home for personal use or for investment purposes. Simultaneously, we assist those
Can you share the unique experiences Stanford University offers and what you learned beyond academics?
Stanford University was akin to being a kid in a candy store for me. The sheer presence of inspiring individuals that surrounded me left me in awe. From sharing classes with the likes of Melinda Gates to encountering Condoleezza Rice while working in the same building, I was starstruck throughout my time there. However, what truly stood out for me at Stanford was the network effect it offered. The opportunity to collaborate and connect with such a diverse and inspiring group of people left an indelible mark on me. The inspiration gained from interacting with individuals deeply committed to their work will continue to influence me for a lifetime.
Stanford University was akin to being a kid in a candy store for me from sharing classes with the likes of Melinda Gates to encountering Condoleezza Rice while working in the same building
Define Litpoodle as an organization and elaborate on its current position in the market.
LitPoodle is a proptech startup, emerged from a personal experiences while house hunting in the United States. It became apparent that many people overlooked the crucial financial analysis required when purchasing a home, despite it being one of the most significant financial decisions in their lifetime. Recognizing this gap, LitPoodle was born with the goal of spreading awareness about the financial implications associated with home ownership.
Our startup incorporates patented technology and proprietary metrics that are unrivaled in the world. We encourage individuals to consider various angles when comparing home buying to other investment opportunities, not limited to real estate alone. We provide exclusive recommendations by evaluating potential returns and assessing whether purchasing a particular home is a worth while investment. In simple terms, LitPoodle empowers people to make informed financial decisions whether purchasing a home for personal use or for investment purposes. Simultaneously, we assist those
who are unaware of how to leverage real estate for wealth building, guiding them through the process step by step. Our ultimate aim is to address these pertinent issues and facilitate positive change.
What future destination are you heading towards?
My current venture may seem unrelated to my background in mechanical engineering and my experience at Tesla. However, it stems from my passion for economics, which I have nurtured over the years. I find great joy in exploring economic principles, analyzing macroeconomic data, and staying updated on infrastructure projects in India. Ultimately, I aim to leverage this knowledge and skill set to contribute to macroeconomic policy making in India. I firmly believe that effective macroeconomic policies can address many societal challenges, and I aspire to be in a position where I can actively influence such decision-making processes. This future destination aligns with my desire to make a meaningful impact on society as a whole.
Based on your strong industry experience, what advice would you give to budding industry leaders?
My advice to budding industry leaders is to recognize that there are no shortcuts to success. The journey will undoubtedly be long and challenging, but it is essential to remain focused on the long term. While trends and fads may come and go, it is crucial to maintain a steadfast commitment to your vision and work towards achieving it. Embrace the process and find joy in the journey, as it is this enthusiasm that will sustain your drive and commitment. Further more, I encourage aspiring leaders to cultivate a diverse network and surround themselves with inspiring individuals.
Nikith Rajendran, Founder & CEO, Litpoodle
Nikith Rajendran is a visionary leader with a diverse background in manufacturing and technology. He is an active contributor to his family's manufacturing business in India, specializing in steel castings for heavy engineering applications, while also serving as the CEO of LitPoodle, a promising proptech startup that focuses on spreading awareness about the financial implications of home ownership.
•Hobbies:Engaging with Indian Heritage Restoration Projects and Travelling
•Favorite Cuisine:Thai, Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, Indian Food
•Travel Destination:Norway
•Awards and Recognitions: ‘Outstanding Young Alumni Award’
‘Outstanding Corporate Fleet Management Award (2016)’‘Fleet Visionary Award’
What future destination are you heading towards?
My current venture may seem unrelated to my background in mechanical engineering and my experience at Tesla. However, it stems from my passion for economics, which I have nurtured over the years. I find great joy in exploring economic principles, analyzing macroeconomic data, and staying updated on infrastructure projects in India. Ultimately, I aim to leverage this knowledge and skill set to contribute to macroeconomic policy making in India. I firmly believe that effective macroeconomic policies can address many societal challenges, and I aspire to be in a position where I can actively influence such decision-making processes. This future destination aligns with my desire to make a meaningful impact on society as a whole.
Based on your strong industry experience, what advice would you give to budding industry leaders?
My advice to budding industry leaders is to recognize that there are no shortcuts to success. The journey will undoubtedly be long and challenging, but it is essential to remain focused on the long term. While trends and fads may come and go, it is crucial to maintain a steadfast commitment to your vision and work towards achieving it. Embrace the process and find joy in the journey, as it is this enthusiasm that will sustain your drive and commitment. Further more, I encourage aspiring leaders to cultivate a diverse network and surround themselves with inspiring individuals.
Nikith Rajendran, Founder & CEO, Litpoodle
Nikith Rajendran is a visionary leader with a diverse background in manufacturing and technology. He is an active contributor to his family's manufacturing business in India, specializing in steel castings for heavy engineering applications, while also serving as the CEO of LitPoodle, a promising proptech startup that focuses on spreading awareness about the financial implications of home ownership.
•Hobbies:Engaging with Indian Heritage Restoration Projects and Travelling
•Favorite Cuisine:Thai, Hawaiian-inspired cuisine, Indian Food
•Travel Destination:Norway
•Awards and Recognitions: ‘Outstanding Young Alumni Award’
‘Outstanding Corporate Fleet Management Award (2016)’‘Fleet Visionary Award’