Dr. Manu Kumar 👋🏽
About Dr. Manu Kumar 👋🏽
Dr. Manu Kumar is a co-founder, investor, and board observer known for his work in technology and venture capital. He co-founded HiHello and K9 Ventures, and has held various roles in multiple startups, emphasizing the importance of professional networks and technical innovation.
Work at Carta
Dr. Manu Kumar has been a Co-founder, Investor, and Board Observer at Carta since 2012. Carta focuses on modernizing the way companies manage equity and ownership. Dr. Kumar's involvement has been instrumental in shaping the company's vision and strategy. His experience in technology and entrepreneurship contributes to Carta's mission of simplifying equity management for startups and private companies.
Education and Expertise
Dr. Manu Kumar holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Stanford University, where he also completed his Master's degree in the same field. He studied Software Engineering with a business concentration at Carnegie Mellon University, earning a Master's degree, and he completed his Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his work in technology and investment.
Background
Dr. Manu Kumar has a diverse background in technology and entrepreneurship. He co-founded CardMunch, which was acquired by LinkedIn, and served as CEO of iMeet, which later merged with Netspoke and was acquired by Premiere Global Services. He founded K9 Ventures, a micro-VC fund that invests in pre-seed stage companies, and has been involved with several startups in various capacities, including as an investor and board member.
Achievements
Dr. Manu Kumar has made significant contributions to the tech industry through his various roles. He founded HiHello to improve professional networking tools and has served as an investor and board member for multiple startups, including tbh, Agenda Hero, Divebell, and Invisible AI. His leadership in these ventures reflects his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting technical founders.
Teaching and Mentorship
Dr. Manu Kumar has engaged in teaching and mentorship roles at Stanford University, where he guest lectured and served as visiting faculty. He taught a class on Human-Computer Interaction in the Real World, sharing his knowledge and experience with students. His involvement in academia complements his entrepreneurial activities and highlights his dedication to education and knowledge transfer.