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S. Anil Kumar

@aktxt • 12,507 subscribers

CEO, Jodi365. Earlier: Angel investing, consulting, research, @ChicagoBooth, @UMich, @IITmadras Posts on: Startups, Learning, Life, Relationships, Fitness, Dogs

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A placeholder of a post, to thank you all for your kind condolences in the wake of my mother's passing. 🙏

A placeholder of a post, to thank you all for your kind condolences in the wake of my mother's passing. 🙏

149,579 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

I had an interview scheduled with @ChennaiLive1048 for last Saturday. Sadly, my mother passed away early that morning. I could grieve and brood indefinitely, but I choose to go about life and work with renewed purpose. Kyunki maa ka naam roshan karna hai! To make her proud. 💖

I had an interview scheduled with @ChennaiLive1048 for last Saturday. Sadly, my mother passed away early that morning. I could grieve and brood indefinitely, but I choose to go about life and work with renewed purpose. Kyunki maa ka naam roshan karna hai! To make her proud. 💖

51,158 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

4:30 AM. I've been up all night working… again. Not the smartest move with a full workday ahead, but there's something peaceful about an early morning walk with my dog and petting the neighborhood street dogs. This moment feels very different from so many sleepless nights over the first decade and a half of building Jodi365 — one existential crisis after another, the classic Founder's Struggle. People say about my success: "I persevered." That's true. But here's the truth: Startups don't just die when they run out of money. They die when the founder runs out of energy. Jodi365 should have died at least half a dozen times. There were nights I asked myself, "How deep are my emotional reserves?" I'm incredibly proud that I had the stomach to keep going. It came at a cost — including a failed marriage — but I am pleased that my team and I get to create real, meaningful impact in people's lives every single day. To every entrepreneur out there fighting the good fight: Pivot when you need to. Lean on wise people in your circle. Sleep well. Eat right. Work out regularly. You need to have a sound mind in a healthy body. But above all: Keep the faith! You've got this. Save this if you're in the struggle right now. Tag an entrepreneur who could use the encouragement. And for more unfiltered perspectives not only on life, love, and relationships, but also careers and entrepreneurship, follow along. ❤️

4:30 AM. I've been up all night working… again. Not the smartest move with a full workday ahead, but there's something peaceful about an early morning walk with my dog and petting the neighborhood street dogs. This moment feels very different from so many sleepless nights over the first decade and a half of building Jodi365 — one existential crisis after another, the classic Founder's Struggle. People say about my success: "I persevered." That's true. But here's the truth: Startups don't just die when they run out of money. They die when the founder runs out of energy. Jodi365 should have died at least half a dozen times. There were nights I asked myself, "How deep are my emotional reserves?" I'm incredibly proud that I had the stomach to keep going. It came at a cost — including a failed marriage — but I am pleased that my team and I get to create real, meaningful impact in people's lives every single day. To every entrepreneur out there fighting the good fight: Pivot when you need to. Lean on wise people in your circle. Sleep well. Eat right. Work out regularly. You need to have a sound mind in a healthy body. But above all: Keep the faith! You've got this. Save this if you're in the struggle right now. Tag an entrepreneur who could use the encouragement. And for more unfiltered perspectives not only on life, love, and relationships, but also careers and entrepreneurship, follow along. ❤️

103,060 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

A Mother's Day Tribute. I visited my elderly mother the other night. As always, she asked, in Hindi, "Beta, business kaisa chal raha hai?" "Son, how is the business doing?" She has short-term memory loss, sadly, and doesn't remember what I do, other than that I run a business. (I founded and run Jodi365, an app-enabled bespoke matchmaking service—since 2009—for elite Indian singles.) When I told her, yet again, that things were going well, that our discerning clients and their families pay us in the lakhs of rupees for our service, her jaw dropped – yet again. In her time, she said, an entire wedding cost just ₹15,000. Then, in that pure, loving way you can only expect from a parent, she said: "Beta, hamesha mehnat aur imandari se kaam karna." That's Hindi for, "Son, always work with integrity and dedication." The key words in Tamil, for my Tamil audience: Uzhaippu and nermai! That's the simple, powerful theme I want to share today. To every entrepreneur, young professional, and next-generation builder: Work hard. Work with integrity. To succeed, of course, hard work and luck may not be enough. Luck matters, too. It's the X-factor. But the harder you work, the luckier you get, and I could talk about the benefits of maximizing one's luck surface area. I am grateful for much in life, including knowing the love that I have known and to be able, with a lot more gray hair today, to add much value to others' lives. Good luck to you all on your respective life journeys. Be good. Do well. Save this if it touched you. Share it with someone building something meaningful. For more real perspectives on life, love, relationships, careers, and business, follow along. Take care.

A Mother's Day Tribute. I visited my elderly mother the other night. As always, she asked, in Hindi, "Beta, business kaisa chal raha hai?" "Son, how is the business doing?" She has short-term memory loss, sadly, and doesn't remember what I do, other than that I run a business. (I founded and run Jodi365, an app-enabled bespoke matchmaking service—since 2009—for elite Indian singles.) When I told her, yet again, that things were going well, that our discerning clients and their families pay us in the lakhs of rupees for our service, her jaw dropped – yet again. In her time, she said, an entire wedding cost just ₹15,000. Then, in that pure, loving way you can only expect from a parent, she said: "Beta, hamesha mehnat aur imandari se kaam karna." That's Hindi for, "Son, always work with integrity and dedication." The key words in Tamil, for my Tamil audience: Uzhaippu and nermai! That's the simple, powerful theme I want to share today. To every entrepreneur, young professional, and next-generation builder: Work hard. Work with integrity. To succeed, of course, hard work and luck may not be enough. Luck matters, too. It's the X-factor. But the harder you work, the luckier you get, and I could talk about the benefits of maximizing one's luck surface area. I am grateful for much in life, including knowing the love that I have known and to be able, with a lot more gray hair today, to add much value to others' lives. Good luck to you all on your respective life journeys. Be good. Do well. Save this if it touched you. Share it with someone building something meaningful. For more real perspectives on life, love, relationships, careers, and business, follow along. Take care.

48,408 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Raghuram Rajan famously said, in 2015: "I do what I do." My problem with that: He stole my line! After all, it was for similar, good reason, in 2009, that I named my startup FreeElective. A decade and a half later, though, I see fit to explain what I do, as an accidental matchmaker. The reality is that, when it comes to finding a mate, it's not a numbers problem. There are plenty of singles out there. The real challenge? Figuring out who is right for you – especially when you're well-educated, accomplished, and don't have the bandwidth to put yourself out there. And it takes putting oneself out there! So, how is one to go about figuring out who may be a potential partner? For as long as humans have existed, humans have sought to get into relationships. We are WIRED to pass the genes on to the next generation. We are WIRED for companionship. So, I've not had to sell the case that this is a problem worth solving. It's just a question of how effectively you solve the problem. That's exactly why Jodi365 exists. We're not another dating app or matrimonial site. We're your trusted concierge matchmaker. We do the heavy lifting: → Pre-screen genuine, serious people with real long-term intent → Ask the uncomfortable questions you'd be too polite to ask → Size up backgrounds, values, and compatibility → Make warm, personal introductions → Stay in the background to ensure smooth communication So you can keep living your best life while we handle the rest. And with all the gray hair, for me to be able to come in and play the role of a guide, a counselor, help people navigate the emotional roller coaster. So, the best word for all that I do is: Matchmaker. For, that's what I do: Connecting people. If you're a busy, high-achieving single ready for a meaningful relationship, see this reel as your sign. Visit Jodi365 and let us do what we do best. Save this. Share with that accomplished friend who's tired of the DIY apps. And for more perspectives on life, love, and relationships, follow along.

Raghuram Rajan famously said, in 2015: "I do what I do." My problem with that: He stole my line! After all, it was for similar, good reason, in 2009, that I named my startup FreeElective. A decade and a half later, though, I see fit to explain what I do, as an accidental matchmaker. The reality is that, when it comes to finding a mate, it's not a numbers problem. There are plenty of singles out there. The real challenge? Figuring out who is right for you – especially when you're well-educated, accomplished, and don't have the bandwidth to put yourself out there. And it takes putting oneself out there! So, how is one to go about figuring out who may be a potential partner? For as long as humans have existed, humans have sought to get into relationships. We are WIRED to pass the genes on to the next generation. We are WIRED for companionship. So, I've not had to sell the case that this is a problem worth solving. It's just a question of how effectively you solve the problem. That's exactly why Jodi365 exists. We're not another dating app or matrimonial site. We're your trusted concierge matchmaker. We do the heavy lifting: → Pre-screen genuine, serious people with real long-term intent → Ask the uncomfortable questions you'd be too polite to ask → Size up backgrounds, values, and compatibility → Make warm, personal introductions → Stay in the background to ensure smooth communication So you can keep living your best life while we handle the rest. And with all the gray hair, for me to be able to come in and play the role of a guide, a counselor, help people navigate the emotional roller coaster. So, the best word for all that I do is: Matchmaker. For, that's what I do: Connecting people. If you're a busy, high-achieving single ready for a meaningful relationship, see this reel as your sign. Visit Jodi365 and let us do what we do best. Save this. Share with that accomplished friend who's tired of the DIY apps. And for more perspectives on life, love, and relationships, follow along.

29,651 Aufrufe • vor 1 Monat

Stop pretending to be a nice guy! See the video for more on this dating advice I have for single men. Share with those who could benefit from it.

Stop pretending to be a nice guy! See the video for more on this dating advice I have for single men. Share with those who could benefit from it.

72,730 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten

"SC/ST, please excuse." The phrase once appeared on a major matrimonial site… and caused massive outrage. The company was forced to apologize and start filtering such profiles. But as a matchmaker with 15+ years of experience, here's my simple take: I would have argued strongly for letting it remain visible. Why? Because, as the saying goes, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them." Just as with "Brokers, please excuse" in real-estate ads, or the old colonial country-club signs that supposedly read "Dogs and Indians not allowed," open prejudice—however distasteful—gives you information. Transparency > hidden bias. I'd rather know upfront that someone is narrow-minded or holds offensive preferences than discover it six months into conversations or a relationship. Important clarification: This is about the deeply personal realm of choosing a life partner—not housing, employment, or public services, which must remain governed by law and basic decency. Preferences in matrimony are not the same as discrimination in tenancy or jobs. Preferences are personal. Full stop. That is exactly why, when working with our valued clients at Jodi365, we invite them to share their preferences openly and candidly. I respect them—even as I sometimes challenge and push back on the ones I believe are limiting or unfair. Outright bigotry does exist in this world. We can't wish it away. But I'd rather people reveal themselves clearly. If knowledge is power, such knowledge safeguards everyone in the long run. Exceptions are necessary, of course—just as, in the name of free speech, one can't yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater. What do you think? Should such statements be allowed to stay visible, or should platforms hide them? Drop your thoughts below. For more unfiltered perspectives on life, love, relationships, and human nature, follow along. Serious about finding someone who truly matches your values and world view? Talk to us at

"SC/ST, please excuse." The phrase once appeared on a major matrimonial site… and caused massive outrage. The company was forced to apologize and start filtering such profiles. But as a matchmaker with 15+ years of experience, here's my simple take: I would have argued strongly for letting it remain visible. Why? Because, as the saying goes, "When someone shows you who they are, believe them." Just as with "Brokers, please excuse" in real-estate ads, or the old colonial country-club signs that supposedly read "Dogs and Indians not allowed," open prejudice—however distasteful—gives you information. Transparency > hidden bias. I'd rather know upfront that someone is narrow-minded or holds offensive preferences than discover it six months into conversations or a relationship. Important clarification: This is about the deeply personal realm of choosing a life partner—not housing, employment, or public services, which must remain governed by law and basic decency. Preferences in matrimony are not the same as discrimination in tenancy or jobs. Preferences are personal. Full stop. That is exactly why, when working with our valued clients at Jodi365, we invite them to share their preferences openly and candidly. I respect them—even as I sometimes challenge and push back on the ones I believe are limiting or unfair. Outright bigotry does exist in this world. We can't wish it away. But I'd rather people reveal themselves clearly. If knowledge is power, such knowledge safeguards everyone in the long run. Exceptions are necessary, of course—just as, in the name of free speech, one can't yell "Fire!" in a crowded theater. What do you think? Should such statements be allowed to stay visible, or should platforms hide them? Drop your thoughts below. For more unfiltered perspectives on life, love, relationships, and human nature, follow along. Serious about finding someone who truly matches your values and world view? Talk to us at

33,022 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

It was 16 years ago last week that I officially founded Jodi365!* 🥂 I am grateful for the trust that countless, genuine Indian singles have placed in Jodi365 over the years and for all the goodwill earned from those who have appreciated our mere existence. There is a long story to narrate someday on this fulfilling journey, which wouldn't have been possible without: - Friends and loved ones who have both supported and challenged me - Teammates who have believed in me - Investors who have backed me, and - Well-wishers who have rooted for me. For now, I'll say just this: Thank you! * While the idea for a "refreshingly different" Indian matchmaking platform and service came to me early in 2009, I faxed the Certificate of Formation for FreeElective, Jodi365's parent company, to the State of Delaware on March 17, 2009.

It was 16 years ago last week that I officially founded Jodi365!* 🥂 I am grateful for the trust that countless, genuine Indian singles have placed in Jodi365 over the years and for all the goodwill earned from those who have appreciated our mere existence. There is a long story to narrate someday on this fulfilling journey, which wouldn't have been possible without: - Friends and loved ones who have both supported and challenged me - Teammates who have believed in me - Investors who have backed me, and - Well-wishers who have rooted for me. For now, I'll say just this: Thank you! * While the idea for a "refreshingly different" Indian matchmaking platform and service came to me early in 2009, I faxed the Certificate of Formation for FreeElective, Jodi365's parent company, to the State of Delaware on March 17, 2009.

85,329 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

Hello, world! See video. In keeping with the trending "Intro" theme on Instagram: Over the past few decades, I have enjoyed wearing many hats: inventor, code developer, researcher, consulting engineer, activist, entrepreneur, and angel investor. I am the founder and CEO of FreeElective, the parent company of Jodi365, a bespoke matchmaking platform and service for elite singles. I was previously the first lead associate at Hyde Park Angels, currently one of the largest angel investment networks in the midwestern United States. Prior to HPA, I spent seven years at a boutique consulting firm in Seattle, providing specialized engineering and consulting services to clients in the marine industry. I am a graduate and Institute Blue of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and hold a Master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa and a PhD in computational hydrodynamics from the University of Michigan. I also earned an MBA in entrepreneurship and strategic management from the Chicago Booth School of Business. In addition to receiving a KPMG Award for Leadership and Scholarship at Chicago Booth, I was one of two graduating students to receive a Dean's Award of Distinction. I am still writing my life's story. Good luck writing yours! 🥂

Hello, world! See video. In keeping with the trending "Intro" theme on Instagram: Over the past few decades, I have enjoyed wearing many hats: inventor, code developer, researcher, consulting engineer, activist, entrepreneur, and angel investor. I am the founder and CEO of FreeElective, the parent company of Jodi365, a bespoke matchmaking platform and service for elite singles. I was previously the first lead associate at Hyde Park Angels, currently one of the largest angel investment networks in the midwestern United States. Prior to HPA, I spent seven years at a boutique consulting firm in Seattle, providing specialized engineering and consulting services to clients in the marine industry. I am a graduate and Institute Blue of the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras and hold a Master's degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Iowa and a PhD in computational hydrodynamics from the University of Michigan. I also earned an MBA in entrepreneurship and strategic management from the Chicago Booth School of Business. In addition to receiving a KPMG Award for Leadership and Scholarship at Chicago Booth, I was one of two graduating students to receive a Dean's Award of Distinction. I am still writing my life's story. Good luck writing yours! 🥂

20,104 Aufrufe • vor 5 Monaten

Here's to siblings! 🥂 #SiblingsDay

Here's to siblings! 🥂 #SiblingsDay

12,821 Aufrufe • vor 2 Monaten

I never got around to a "16 hours in Trichy" photo essay – along the lines of The New York Times' 36 Hours series – last fall. Since done is better than perfect, as with my previous post late last night, here are some pics for my Delhi 2025 time capsule. A photo essay may yet follow.

I never got around to a "16 hours in Trichy" photo essay – along the lines of The New York Times' 36 Hours series – last fall. Since done is better than perfect, as with my previous post late last night, here are some pics for my Delhi 2025 time capsule. A photo essay may yet follow.

33,084 Aufrufe • vor 1 Jahr

Some dogs you walk; Some dogs walk you! My brother gave this rescued Great Dane the name, Shrek. We're pleased that he found a foster home with a plantation owner in Coorg. Had I kept him, I would have named him Bheem! Yeah, I am not a fan of urban Indian elites giving yuppy names for their dogs – Alpha, Bella, Duke, Oreo... despite how endearing those dogs—and their names!—indeed are. If I were walking a dog in, say, Chicago, I fancy calling out, as I call my off-leash Bittu here in Chennai: "Basanti... Oye, Basanti! Vaa... Here! Come here..." PS: Adopt a dog. Don't buy one—definitely not from breeders or puppy mills.

Some dogs you walk; Some dogs walk you! My brother gave this rescued Great Dane the name, Shrek. We're pleased that he found a foster home with a plantation owner in Coorg. Had I kept him, I would have named him Bheem! Yeah, I am not a fan of urban Indian elites giving yuppy names for their dogs – Alpha, Bella, Duke, Oreo... despite how endearing those dogs—and their names!—indeed are. If I were walking a dog in, say, Chicago, I fancy calling out, as I call my off-leash Bittu here in Chennai: "Basanti... Oye, Basanti! Vaa... Here! Come here..." PS: Adopt a dog. Don't buy one—definitely not from breeders or puppy mills.

12,154 Aufrufe • vor 7 Monaten

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