Biography of Srinath Ravichandran: Co-Founder & CEO of AgniKul Cosmos & Space Cooperative-Entrepreneur
Biography of Srinath Ravichandran:
Educational Background
Srinath Ravichandran is the Co-Founder & CEO of AgniKul Cosmos, Co-Founder & Engineering Aficionado of Space Cooperative. Srinath's educational qualifications are as diverse as his career. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from College of Engineering Guindy, Chennai. His academic pursuits also include a Master of Science in Financial Engineering from Columbia Engineering, a Diploma from the New York Film Academy, and a Certificate Program in Astronautical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles. . This blend of finance and engineering provided him with a strong foundation to tackle complex challenges in the space sector. His diverse academic background laid the groundwork for his future ventures in aerospace technology.
Early Career at ABB
Srinath began his career at ABB as a Management Trainee from
June 2006 to June 2008. His role involved commissioning and designing
automation solutions for the steel and cement industries, marking his entry
into engineering and project management.
Graduate Internship at Vergara Investments
During his early career, Srinath interned at Vergara Investments
LLC from April 2009 to July 2009. His work included analyzing historic data for
asset classes and building a Black-Litterman portfolio allocation model,
providing him with foundational skills in asset allocation and financial
analysis.
Assistant Vice President at AXA
Srinath's earlier role at AXA was as Assistant Vice
President in Trading and Rebalancing, from April 2009 to April 2013. He was
involved in the Variable Annuities (VA) Dynamic Hedging program, focusing on
trading vanilla derivatives, refining hedging strategies, and developing
pricing models for derivatives.
Senior Director at AXA
Prior to AIG, Srinath held the position of Senior Director
of Portfolio Management at AXA US from March 2013 to March 2016. His
responsibilities included managing portfolios across various asset classes and
derivatives, formulating yield enhancement strategies, and overseeing strategic
asset allocation. His work at AXA equipped him with extensive experience in
portfolio management and financial strategy.
Biography of Srinath Ravichandran: Co-Founder & CEO of AgniKul Cosmos & Space Co-Operative/Entrepreneur/Startup/Success story of AgniKul Cosmos
Market Risk Management at AIG
Srinath worked at AIG as Assistant Director of Market Risk
Management from March 2016 to May 2018. In this role, he specialized in
variable annuity hedging strategies and portfolio management, providing him
with a robust background in risk management and financial strategy.
Engineering Aficionado at Space Cooperative
Before his work at AgniKul, Srinath co-founded Space Cooperative,
where he served as Co-Founder and Engineering Aficionado from September 2016 to
October 2018. Based in the Greater Los Angeles Area, Space Cooperative
advocates for space accessibility and innovation, reflecting Srinath’s passion
for making space exploration inclusive and innovative.
Transition to Aerospace and AgniKul Cosmos
In 2017, Srinath, driven by his passion for aerospace
innovation, co-founded AgniKul Cosmos alongside operations specialist Moin SPM
and aerospace professor Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy. The startup, based in
Chennai, was incubated at the IIT Madras Research Park, benefiting from its
cutting-edge research environment. Srinath's transition from Wall Street trading
to aerospace engineering was marked by his desire to address the gaps in space
technology and his commitment to building scalable and customizable rocket
systems.
Leading AgniKul Cosmos
Since 2016, Srinath has been at the helm of AgniKul Cosmos,
an Indian aerospace manufacturer based in Chennai. The company is dedicated to
developing the Agnibaan, a small-lift launch vehicle designed to place 100 kg
payloads into a 700 km orbit. AgniKul Cosmos represents a significant
advancement in India's aerospace sector, aiming to make space access more affordable
and efficient.
Achieving a Milestone with Agnibaan SorTED
AgniKul Cosmos made headlines with the successful launch of
Agnibaan SorTED, a semi-cryogenic-engined rocket, from Sriharikota, Andhra
Pradesh. This milestone positioned AgniKul as a trailblazer in India’s space
industry, being the first Indian company to achieve such a feat. The successful
launch was a testament to the innovative approach and technical expertise of
Srinath and his team, showcasing their ability to overcome the complexities of
rocket design and manufacturing.
Founding Team and Expertise
The founding team of AgniKul Cosmos brought together a
wealth of expertise from different fields. Moin SPM, with a background in
aeronautics and business management, contributed his experience in engineering
management and supply chain operations. Professor Satyanarayanan Chakravarthy,
with his extensive experience in aerospace engineering and academia, provided
invaluable insights and technical knowledge. This multidisciplinary team was
instrumental in shaping AgniKul’s vision and advancing its technological
capabilities.
AgniKul Cosmos’ Growth and Impact
Under Srinath's leadership, AgniKul Cosmos has grown
significantly, employing around 250 people. The company is at the forefront of
India's aerospace industry, with a mission to innovate and expand space access
capabilities. The Agnibaan project aims to enhance the country’s capabilities
in space exploration and satellite deployment.
A Unique Blend of Skills
Srinath’s journey from finance to aerospace is marked by a
unique blend of skills. His engineering background, combined with financial
expertise and project management experience, positions him as a versatile
leader. This diverse skill set is instrumental in driving the growth and
success of AgniKul Cosmos.
A Broad Range of Experience
Srinath’s professional journey includes roles across various
industries. He co-founded Space Cooperative in 2016, focusing on engineering,
and has also held significant positions in market risk management and portfolio
management. His experience at AXA, where he served as Senior Director of
Portfolio Management and Assistant VP of Trading & Rebalancing, highlights
his strong financial acumen.
Academic Influence and Collaboration
Professor Chakravarthy’s journey from aerospace engineering
graduate to a co-founder of AgniKul Cosmos highlights the importance of
academic collaboration in entrepreneurial ventures. His extensive research and
teaching experience at IIT Madras, combined with his enthusiasm for 3D printing
technology, played a crucial role in AgniKul’s development. Chakravarthy’s
willingness to embrace new technologies and innovative approaches was a driving
force behind the startup’s success.
Innovative Approach and Technology
AgniKul Cosmos is known for its innovative approach to
rocket manufacturing, utilizing scalable and customizable rocket designs to
meet diverse payload needs. The startup’s focus on 3D printing technology for
rocket components reflects its commitment to improving efficiency and reducing
costs in space missions. Srinath Ravichandran’s vision for AgniKul is to make
space access more affordable and accessible, addressing global demand for space
launch services.
Industry Recognition and Future Goals
Srinath Ravichandran and AgniKul Cosmos have garnered
significant recognition for their contributions to the aerospace industry.
AgniKul’s achievements, including the successful launch of Agnibaan SorTED,
have positioned the company as a leader in space technology innovation. With
plans to expand their capabilities and address the needs of a growing space
market, Srinath is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in
aerospace technology.
Commitment to Innovation and Growth
Looking ahead, Srinath Ravichandran is focused on furthering
AgniKul Cosmos’s mission to revolutionize space technology. With a commitment
to investing in research and development, Srinath aims to drive continuous
innovation in rocket design and manufacturing. His vision for AgniKul includes
expanding the company’s presence in the global space industry and contributing
to advancements in space exploration and technology.
Timeline for story
2006: Earned a Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and
Electronics Engineering from College of Engineering Guindy, Chennai.
2008: Completed an MSc in Financial Engineering from
Columbia Engineering.
2009: Interned at Vergara Investments LLC, focusing on asset
allocation models.
2009-2013: Worked at AXA as Assistant Vice President in
Trading and Rebalancing.
2013-2016: Held the role of Senior Director of Portfolio
Management at AXA US.
2016-2018: Served as Assistant Director of Market Risk
Management at AIG.
2016-2018: Co-founded Space Cooperative, focusing on space
accessibility.
2017: Co-founded AgniKul Cosmos, focusing on innovative
rocket technology.
2020: Achieved a milestone with the successful launch of
Agnibaan SorTED.
2023: AgniKul Cosmos continues to lead in space technology
innovation, expanding its capabilities and global presence.
