VIVEK SHANGARI
I started taking things apart at 4,
Began putting them back together at 8.
I am a Storyteller who tells tales in code.
I think programs,
and I carry a piece of code in my head all the time.
I started taking things apart at 4,
Began putting them back together at 8.
I am a Storyteller who tells tales in code.
I think programs,
and I carry a piece of code in my head all the time.
I wear a few hats - each one shaped by experience, curiosity, and a healthy appetite for building what matters. As a serial tech-entrepreneur, I’ve built and grown ventures from scratch, turning bold ideas into sustainable, scalable businesses. As a programmer, I enjoy getting hands-on with code, crafting elegant, efficient solutions that balance innovation with real-world performance. And as an educator and storyteller, I love breaking down complex computer science & math concepts into engaging, relatable narratives - because if you can explain recursion using time travel, why wouldn’t you?
Across every role, my focus is on leading with purpose, building high-impact teams, and creating tech that’s both meaningful and memorable.
I’m a serial tech-entrepreneur with a head full of moonshots, loonshots, and the occasional “Wait, this might actually work” moment.
Over the years, I’ve had the thrill (and the chaos) of building and scaling three cutting-edge tech companies - and founding one not-for-profit along the way. My journey’s been a bit of a rollercoaster: high-velocity wins, a few faceplants, and a whole lot of learning at warp speed.
But if there’s one thing I never lose, it’s my appetite for bold, audacious ideas - the kind that seem impossible right up until they’re not.
I’m still all-in on chasing what’s next, building what matters, and occasionally breaking things (strategically, of course) to make room for something better.
I take fun seriously - especially when it comes to learning. One of my greatest joys (and secret weapons) as a leader has been the ability to turn the most complex concepts in computer science & math into engaging, story-driven experiences.
Whether it’s recursion disguised as a time-travel loop or Big O explained through pizza delivery routes, I craft immersive narratives that make tough topics click - and stick.
My classes and talks aren’t just informative; they’re interactive, high-energy, and often come with a side of laughter.
I am a Hacker-at-heart.
‘Hacker’ is someone who enjoys exploring the details of computers and how to stretch their capabilities, as opposed to most users who prefer to learn the minimum necessary. A hacker is someone who creates original and ingenious programs.
Unfortunately, this term has been abused by the media to give a negative connotation - of someone who breaks into systems, destroys data, steals copyrighted software, and performs other destructive or illegal acts with computers and networks. The term that accurately defines this kind of person is Cracker. Hackers are cool; Crackers are scumbags not-so-great people.
Not yet.
I’m deeply passionate about building companies from the ground up - it’s equal parts chaos, creativity, and caffeine, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Armed with boundless energy and an unshakable belief in the teams I work with, I dive headfirst into every new venture, fully aware that the road to scaling is paved with curveballs (and the occasional crash landing). Scaling businesses is my superpower - and there’s nothing quite like watching something you’ve built take off and thrive. What keeps me grounded, though, is the learning - especially from the stumbles. I don’t shy away from dissecting what went wrong when things go sideways; I embrace the mess, extract the lessons, and carry them into the next adventure, slightly wiser and still grinning.
2014 - Present
Founder & CEO
I founded Ace Hacker in 2014 with a simple (and slightly rebellious) idea: learning to code shouldn’t be boring - or tough. So, at Ace Hacker, we designed courses that transform even the most complex concepts into engaging, memorable stories. Learners don’t just watch or read - they enter the narrative, tinker with the code inside each story, and push boundaries without fear of failure.
At Ace Hacker, writing great code isn’t just taught, it is lived. At Ace Hacker, we host programming competitions and hackathons that are equal parts intense and fun, and we’ve created a space where coders, founders, and investors can connect, collaborate, and occasionally argue about semicolons.
2010 - 2014
Founder & CEO
I founded codeCraft the same year I launched Vichaar Foundation - because why start one thing when you can start two and sleep less?
codeCraft was a mobile intelligence company that harnessed the power of mobile systems to learn, analyze, and resolve user queries using AI solutions - most of which were handcrafted in ANSI Common Lisp (yes, I speak fluent parentheses).
We built intelligent systems before it was trendy - and before autocorrect learned to behave. In 2014, codeCraft was acqui-hired by a Fortune 100 company, which I like to think was their way of saying, “We’ll take the code, and the chaos behind it.”
2010 - 2014
Founder & Trustee
I founded Vichaar Foundation as a tech-driven not-for-profit with a bold mission: to partner with government agencies and build software systems that could improve public services and strengthen democratic processes. Ambitious? Absolutely. Successful? Not quite. It tanked.
But in true entrepreneurial fashion, I treated the failure as a fast-track MBA in humility, complexity, and why government APIs age like fine bureaucracy. I took the lessons, the scars, and the insights - and went on to build two successful companies that thankfully did NOT tank.
Turns out, setbacks make great teachers (and even better stories for boardrooms).
2006 - 2010
Founder & CTO
I co-founded AceNgage with a few brilliant friends - it was an HR Analytics and Intelligence company back when “data-driven HR” was still raising eyebrows. I served as the CTO, building the tech backbone that helped us turn profitable by 2010 (which, at the time, felt like winning the startup lottery).
Once we were in the green, I opted for a management buy-out and dove headfirst into my next adventure: launching an AI venture (codeCraft) before AI was cool, trendy, or had a dozen think-pieces written about it.
Some said it was too early. I called it... well, good timing with a side of calculated madness.
I led and oversaw complex projects and initiatives, ensuring their successful execution within the organization. I managed cross-functional teams, set project goals and timelines, track progress, and communicated with stakeholders to ensure alignment and achieve desired outcomes.
I was responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within the organization. My role involved defining project scope, setting objectives, allocating resources, managing budgets and timelines, and coordinating with stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery while adhering to quality standards and best coding practices.
As a Lead Programmer, I provided technical leadership and guidance to a team of programmers, and oversaw the development and implementation of software projects. I collaborated with stakeholders to define project requirements, architect solutions, ensure code quality, and mentor team members, driving innovation and delivering high-quality software products.
I was responsible for developing, coding, and maintaining software applications and systems for the company. My role involved translating requirements into functional code, debugging and troubleshooting, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and continuously improving software performance and functionality to meet business needs and user expectations.
I enjoy building intelligent systems, exploring quantum algorithms, and creating software that looks nice and feels right.
My journey into AI and machine learning started with a simple question: Can machines think? Now, I spend my days building systems that don’t just think - they predict, learn, adapt, and occasionally surprise me with their sass.
I specialize in building intelligent, reliable systems using deep learning, reinforcement learning, and NLP - turning complex data into smart, actionable insights.
Whether it’s developing predictive models or crafting scalable solutions, I focus on delivering real business value through innovation, adaptability, and just the right amount of code magic.
I started working with AI back when it wasn’t even a buzzword, and while most people see LISP as an alien language with a steep learning curve, (other than Python) it’s still my favorite way to make machines think.
I’m well-versed in the core principles of quantum mechanics and quantum computing, with hands-on experience in designing and implementing quantum algorithms, manipulating quantum gates, and leveraging quantum entanglement.
Using these advanced concepts, I explore complex problem-solving and optimization tasks that push beyond classical computing limits - because when it comes to tackling tough challenges, sometimes you need to think in qubits, not bits.
I drive strategic initiatives that push beyond classical computing boundaries, fostering innovation at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and real-world business challenges. Passionate about building and mentoring high-performing, cross-functional teams, I excel at translating quantum breakthroughs into scalable solutions that deliver measurable value and competitive advantage across industries.
I speak fluent code - across multiple languages - and know when to use each one to get the job done efficiently and at scale (and when to avoid flame wars over tabs vs spaces).
Over the years, I’ve honed my ability to architect high-performance solutions, implement complex data structures and algorithms, and optimize systems to handle serious computational loads without breaking a sweat - or the server.
Today, my focus is on leading and mentoring engineering teams to build technology that doesn’t just run fast - it drives business outcomes, whether that’s reducing latency, scaling to millions of users, or shaving hours off processing time to unlock real cost savings and competitive edge.
I’ve spent some time designing and building robotic systems that don’t just move - they see, sense, and make autonomous decisions (sometimes better than humans, definitely better than my old Roomba).
From integrating sensors, actuators, and control systems to applying computer vision and machine learning for autonomous behavior, I’ve had the joy of turning lines of code into robots that can navigate the world - and occasionally surprise me with how clever they are.
These days, I focus more on leading teams that push the boundaries of robotics and AI, turning science fiction into deliverables that actually ship on time (well, mostly).
It’s part engineering, part orchestration, and part explaining to people that “No, it’s not going to take over the world - yet.”
I’m fluent in a whole bunch of programming languages - kind of like a polyglot, but for code. I’ve mastered the art of crafting efficient data structures and algorithms that get the job done without wasting a single CPU cycle (because who likes slow code?). I know my way around frameworks and libraries like a chef knows their favorite spices, mixing and matching to whip up scalable solutions. And databases? Whether it’s SQL, NoSQL, or whatever quirky storage system is trending, I’ve got it covered - because data is where the magic really happens.
I’m fluent in a variety of programming languages, but I have a special soft spot for functional programming - because who doesn’t love writing code that’s elegant, efficient, and just a little bit fancy? I take pride in crafting great code across paradigms, but when it comes to FP, that’s where I really get to geek out and let my inner programmer shine.
I bring deep expertise in both classical and quantum computing - because why settle for one when you can master the future and the present?
With a solid grasp of data structures and algorithms, I’m the kind of leader who turns complex theory into practical, efficient, and intelligent applications that actually get the job done.
Think of me as the bridge between “mind-bending computer science” and “real-world business impact” - with a few quantum leaps along the way.
I’m well-versed in a smorgasbord of frameworks and libraries - from React and Angular on the web, to Django and Flask on the backend, Android and iOS SDKs for mobile, and TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn when AI calls the shots.
Armed with deep knowledge of programming languages, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns, I’m all about crafting innovative solutions that don’t just work - they wow.
Basically, I juggle tech like a pro, so the business can soar without missing a beat.
I’m fluent in the language of data and work extensively across a whole ecosystem of databases.
Whether it’s cozy relational folks like MySQL and Oracle, the wild NoSQL frontier with MongoDB, the intricate connections of Amazon Neptune’s graph databases, or the time-bending magic of InfluxDB’s time series - I’ve got it covered.
Need distributed power? Apache Hadoop is my playground. When speed is king, I turn to in-memory champs like Redis and Apache Ignite. And of course, I’m comfortable navigating the cloud seas with Microsoft Azure Cosmos DB and Amazon Aurora.
Simply put: if data’s the new oil, consider me your trusted refinery chief.
I thrive on turning abstract math into practical magic. Whether it’s Calculus pulling weight behind optimization, Linear Algebra powering computer vision, or Probability & Statistics decoding the randomness in AI - I enjoy connecting deep mathematical concepts to real-world technology. I stay current with the latest developments and tackle complex problems with a mathematical lens (and a strong cup of coffee). When I teach, even the intimidating stuff like Eigenvectors or Bayes’ Theorem ends up feeling like an unexpectedly satisfying plot twist.
When I’m not leading teams or scaling companies, I occasionally moonlight as a math evangelist - yes, I teach Calculus.
From limits and continuity (because everything has a starting point - even your morning coffee) to derivatives that power optimization in machine learning, integrals that make sense of probability and data, and differential equations that model the beautiful chaos of dynamic systems (including those in quantum computing).
I turn what’s often feared as “scary math” into “aha!” moments. My goal? Make Calculus less about suffering and more about solving.
Between strategy meetings, scaling ventures, and the occasional existential debate with an AI model, I find joy in teaching Linear Algebra - the secret sauce behind many of today’s AI and quantum breakthroughs.
I dive into vector spaces and linear transformations (great for explaining how data actually thinks), matrix operations for crunching numbers efficiently, and eigenvalues and eigenvectors for making high-dimensional chaos feel... slightly less chaotic.
And yes, I even get into quantum gates and circuits - because classical logic sometimes just isn’t weird enough.
When I’m not architecting strategies, mentoring brilliant minds, or exploring the next big tech frontier—and occasionally debugging the universe—I also teach Probability & Statistics. Because what’s life (or leadership) without a little uncertainty?
I dive into probability theory to model uncertainty (especially in AI and quantum computing), use statistical inference to transform raw data into smart decisions, and wield hypothesis testing to figure out if your AI is truly insightful or just bluffing.
I get a kick out of Bayesian statistics - because updating your beliefs as new evidence rolls in is how both great algorithms and great leaders evolve.
When not writing code or engrossed in books, these are few other things that keeps me engaged.
I’m a firm believer that science should never be locked away in ivory towers - it should be out in the streets, shaking hands, making friends, and occasionally blowing people’s minds.
My enthusiasm for science is matched only by my love for telling stories that make even the most complex concepts feel like a casual conversation over coffee (minus the boring jargon).
I use my signature 3As - Analogies, Anecdotes, and Animation - to turn intimidating scientific ideas into something relatable, visual, and, dare I say, fun.
Whether I’m explaining quantum entanglement to a curious CEO or helping a student “get” machine learning, my goal is the same: spark curiosity, build understanding, and prove that science isn’t just for scientists - it’s for everyone.
I’m a self-confessed puzzle addict - though I like to think of it as “strategic problem-solving training in disguise.” Designing algorithmic puzzles is my version of a spa day.
I thrive on spotting patterns, twisting them into mind-bending challenges, and watching others dive headfirst into the delightful frustration of trying to solve them.
My puzzles follow a personal code: easy to explain, wicked to solve, elegant in answer, and just intriguing enough to make you rethink everything you thought you knew.
In other words, they’re like my leadership style - clear in direction, challenging in execution, and rewarding when cracked.
When I’m not building companies or crafting tech strategies, I’m probably in the garage with my Harley Davidson - stripping it down to the last nut and bolt under the noble banner of “tuning.”
The rebuilding part? That’s a multi-weekend saga involving patience, precision, and the occasional mystery screw that makes me question the laws of physics.
I like to think I’ve become so good at fixing motorcycles that people call me The Machine Whisperer. (Full disclosure: nobody actually calls me that - but I’m working on the branding.)
I’m an unapologetic gamer who decided that simply playing my favourite arcade classics wasn’t enough - I had to rebuild them, pixel by pixel, in the browser. It’s part nostalgia, part obsession, and part “because I can.”
Every simulation I create is my way of merging childhood wonder with technical expertise - proof that sometimes, the kid who spent hours in front of an arcade machine grows up to lead teams, build businesses, and still make time to code a pixel-perfect homage to the glory days of gaming.
I live by a personal motto I proudly invented - R.E.S.T: Research, Experiment, Study, and Teach.
R.E.S.T is my personal philosophy for continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and crafting AI & Quantum applications that’s as beautiful as it is functional. It’s my diabolical mantra for world domination - one clever idea, clean line of code, and well-timed pun at a time.
My idea of a wild Friday night (and usually all other nights of the week) is to delve deep into the mysteries of computer algorithms, calculus, bits & qubits, and digging up any source of knowledge I can get my hands on.
Experimentation is where I let my inner child-like curiosity loose. I am never afraid to get my hands dirty with some cutting-edge technology and I am a practitioner of the “try and see what happens” philosophy.
An avid reader, my library is now over-flowing with programming, math, electronics, and science fiction books. You may also find technical manuals on my bed-side tables. I am always hunting for new skills to add to my repertoire.
I live by the “Teach” component of my motto. I teach the world how to write great code, and how to create software that looks nice & feels right.
If you’re absolutely bursting with excitement to contact me (and really, who wouldn’t be?), here’s how you can try your luck:
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