Sumir Karayi
About Sumir Karayi
Sumir Karayi is the founder and a board member of 1E, where he has worked since 1997, and currently serves as co-founder of GateAI. He leads the Fair Chance Foundation, which focuses on empowering young women in India through education and job opportunities.
Work at 1E
Sumir Karayi has been a pivotal figure at 1E since its founding in 1997. He served as CEO until 2021, leading the company for 24 years. In 2021, he transitioned to the role of Founder and Board Member. Under his leadership, 1E gained recognition for its engineering expertise in PC Power Management and Green IT. Notably, he facilitated a strategic partnership with the Carlyle Group, which resulted in the sale of a majority share. In 2017, he launched the 1E Platform, aimed at transforming endpoint management through automation.
Current Role at GateAI
In 2023, Sumir Karayi co-founded GateAI, based in London, England. The company operates in a hybrid work model, reflecting contemporary workplace trends. His involvement in GateAI marks a new chapter in his career, where he continues to leverage his extensive experience in technology and entrepreneurship.
Education and Expertise
Sumir Karayi studied at the University of Warwick, where he earned a BEng (Hons) in Engineering Electronics from 1987 to 1990. He furthered his education with an MSc in Information Technology for Manufacture at the same institution from 1990 to 1991. His academic background laid the foundation for his engineering expertise, particularly in the fields of PC Power Management and Green IT.
Background and Early Career
Before founding 1E, Sumir Karayi gained experience in various engineering roles. He worked as an Engineer at Microsoft (UK) from 1996 to 1997 and at the BBC from 1992 to 1993. Additionally, he was involved in architecture and projects at Reuters for one year from 1993 to 1994. These roles contributed to his technical acumen and understanding of the technology landscape.
Community Involvement and Recognition
Sumir Karayi actively contributes to the entrepreneurial ecosystem by nurturing emerging talent. He serves as a judge for the EY Entrepreneur of the Year in London and the South East, providing insights and guidance to future leaders. He also leads the Fair Chance Foundation, which collaborates with Warwick and Delhi universities to empower young women in India through higher education and job opportunities.