Biography of Pratyush Rai: Founder and CEO of Merlin AI- Entrepreneur

 Biography of Pratyush Rai: Founder and CEO of Merlin AI- Entrepreneur

Biography of Pratyush Rai: 

Early Beginnings of Pratyush Rai

Pratyush Rai’s journey into the world of technology and leadership began during his formative years at St. Kabir School, where he achieved a commendable 10-CGPA in his 10th grade. His academic excellence continued through his time at The New Tulip International School, where he graduated with a remarkable 94.2% in the 12th grade. This strong academic foundation set the stage for his future success. His early involvement in student governance and festival organization hinted at his leadership potential and commitment to community engagement.

Academic Pursuits at IIT Kanpur

Pratyush’s academic journey took him to the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where he pursued a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Civil Engineering from 2015 to 2019. At IIT Kanpur, he was not just a student but an active participant in student governance and campus journalism. His involvement in these activities showcased his leadership skills and his ability to communicate effectively. Pratyush's time at IIT Kanpur was marked by his dedication to both academics and extracurricular activities, preparing him for a dynamic career ahead.

Early Career Experiences

Before diving into his professional career, Pratyush gained valuable insights through various internships. He interned at NTPC Limited in the summer of 2017, where he worked on environmental engineering projects at the Badarpur plant in New Delhi. This experience provided him with practical knowledge of environmental engineering, complementing his academic background. In 2018, Pratyush joined Axis Bank as an intern in the Credit Risk Division, focusing on rural lending. His performance was outstanding, earning him a Pre-Placement Offer (PPO) from the bank.

Strategic Role at Boston Consulting Group

After completing his studies, Pratyush began his professional career at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) in September 2019. During his tenure at BCG, he was involved in a significant $100 million digitalization and cost optimization project for a conglomerate. His contributions were notable, with the identification of potential savings of $10 million and actual accrued savings of $6 million. His role also included developing an in-house application, further demonstrating his expertise in digital transformation and strategic problem-solving.

Biography of Pratyush Rai: Founder and CEO of Merlin AI- Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/Pratyush Rai story/Merlin AI story/wife/Investor/Merlin AI

Founding Merlin AI

In October 2021, Pratyush co-founded Merlin AI, a venture focused on integrating artificial intelligence into everyday life. As the Co-Founder and CEO, he leads efforts to build user-friendly AI solutions that enhance productivity and streamline workflows. Merlin AI has made significant strides, with over 1 million users worldwide and the largest AI-based extension from India on the Chrome WebStore. Under Pratyush’s leadership, the company is at the forefront of AI innovation, creating tools that blend advanced technology with practical applications.

A Commitment to AI Innovation

Merlin AI, under Pratyush’s guidance, has achieved impressive milestones. The company’s flagship product, a ChatGPT Chrome extension, assists users with tasks like writing emails and summarizing content. The extension leverages ChatGPT alongside other AI models such as Claude 2 by Anthropic and Llama 2 by Meta. Merlin’s mobile app has garnered over 100,000 downloads, reflecting its growing impact and user base. Pratyush’s vision for Merlin AI is to push the boundaries of human-AI interaction, making AI more accessible and useful in daily tasks.

Investment and Growth

Merlin AI has attracted significant investment, raising a total of $8.3 million from prominent investors and venture capitalists, including Better Capital India and Dharmesh Shah of HubSpot. This financial backing underscores the confidence investors have in Merlin AI’s potential and its innovative approach to AI technology. The support from influential figures and organizations highlights Merlin’s promising future and its role in shaping the future of AI.

Recognition and Achievements

Pratyush Rai’s contributions to the field of technology and AI have not gone unnoticed. In 2024, he was recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for Asia in Consumer Technology. This accolade reflects his significant impact and leadership in the technology sector. The recognition is a testament to his hard work and the groundbreaking work being done at Merlin AI, setting a high standard for innovation and excellence.

Vision for the Future

Pratyush’s vision for the future of AI is one where technology seamlessly integrates into everyday life, enhancing productivity and user experience. Merlin AI’s mission to create intuitive and effective AI tools aligns with this vision, focusing on practical applications that address real-world challenges. Pratyush’s leadership and commitment to innovation continue to drive the company’s success and influence the evolution of AI technology.

Legacy and Impact

As a visionary leader and entrepreneur, Pratyush Rai’s journey from his early academic achievements to his current role as a pioneering CEO exemplifies the impact of dedication and innovation. His work at Merlin AI and his contributions to the broader technology landscape reflect his commitment to advancing AI and improving lives globally. Pratyush’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring technologists and entrepreneurs, showcasing the transformative potential of combining vision with technology.

Timeline of Pratyush Rai’s Journey

Early 2000s: Achieved 10-CGPA in 10th grade at St. Kabir School.

2014: Graduated with 94.2% in 12th grade from The New Tulip International School.

2015-2019: Pursued B.Tech. in Civil Engineering at IIT Kanpur; involved in student governance and journalism.

Summer 2017: Interned at NTPC Limited, focusing on environmental engineering.

2018: Interned at Axis Bank in the Credit Risk Division, received a Pre-Placement Offer (PPO).

September 2019: Joined Boston Consulting Group (BCG); worked on a $100 million digitalization project.

October 2021: Co-founded Merlin AI as Co-Founder and CEO.

2024: Recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list for Asia in Consumer Technology.

 Biography of Pratyush Rai: Founder and CEO of Merlin AI- Entrepreneur/Age/Net worth/Pratyush Rai story/Merlin AI story/wife/Investor/Merlin AI