Pankaj Patel is the founder and CEO of Nile, a disruptive startup that is reimagining the future of networking. With over 25 years of experience as a results-oriented technology leader, Pankaj has a proven track record of developing highly scalable products and services. He has built and led high-performance global engineering organizations, set clear visions, directed strategies, and consistently delivered results. Prior to founding Nile, Pankaj held key positions at prominent venture capital firms, serving as a partner and Chief Strategy Officer at JC2 Ventures and a senior advisor to March Capital.

Pankaj’s strategic leadership has successfully positioned Nile to change the status quo and simplify network connectivity fundamentally. His deep understanding of go-to-market strategies and unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction has cultivated a culture of relentless dedication within the company. With his expertise in driving business and technology strategy, Pankaj played a pivotal role as the Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Cisco Systems, Inc., where he oversaw the company’s extensive $38 billion product and solution portfolio. During his tenure at Cisco, he led a staggering 180 acquisitions, strategically expanding the company’s offerings and market presence.

In addition to his role at Nile, Pankaj serves on the board of directors of several technology startups, where he provides strategic guidance and expertise. His passion for contributing to the industry and his mission to simplify complex networking infrastructure solutions have solidified his position as a visionary leader in Silicon Valley. Pankaj holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering from the Birla Institute of Technology and Science in Pilani, India, as well as a Master’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.