Their Background — From Bangalore to California

• Born and raised in Bangalore; moved to the U.S. for graduate studies.
• Ajay: Electrical Engineering (USC) → startup/product roles; multiple acquisitions exposure.
• Malvika: MBA → supply-chain leadership at Apple.
• 12 years in California, two kids, mortgage, "picture-perfect routine."

"We had the classic immigrant life — good house, good jobs, constant exhaustion."

Like many skilled professionals on H-1B visas, Ajay and Malvika built successful careers in California's tech ecosystem. But the visa constraints meant limited entrepreneurial freedom — a common frustration for talented immigrants who want to plan their return to India on their own terms.

The Trigger — When Stability Became Stagnation

H-1B constraints meant Ajay couldn't found a company freely; Malvika craved proximity to family and time with kids.

"It wasn't one event. It was years of asking — are we living or just managing life?"

The decision to return wasn't triggered by a single crisis. Instead, it emerged from years of reflection about what they truly valued: creative freedom, family proximity, and the ability to build something meaningful without visa restrictions. Many NRIs face similar questions about reverse culture shock when returning to India and whether the trade-offs are worth it.

The Planning Phase — Two Years of Strategy, Not Impulse

The most critical lesson from Ajay and Malvika's story? Don't rush. They spent two full years planning every aspect of their return.

How do I plan my return to India for starting a business?

Start with a structured approach that addresses both career and personal transitions. Here's what worked for Ajay and Malvika:

Ajay's Plan

• Left a FAANG role after five years to explore startup opportunities
• Took a 12-month runway to research Bangalore's startup ecosystem
• Mapped ideas, mentors, and hiring funnels before committing
• Built relationships with potential investors and co-founders
• Validated market demand for his edtech concept

Malvika's Plan

• Engineered an internal transfer to Apple India with a custom role pitch
• Parallel scouted schools, neighborhoods, and travel access (airport radius)
• Accepted that the first 6 months would be messy — by design
• Maintained financial stability while Ajay explored startup options
• Researched best cities in India for returning NRIs before choosing Bangalore

This dual-income strategy during transition is crucial. While one spouse explores entrepreneurship, the other maintains financial stability. Learn more about planning your career and startup move with structure.

Why India — Freedom, Family & Future

After 12 years in the U.S., what made India the right choice? Three core reasons drove their decision:

"The U.S. gave us skills. India gave us permission to use them freely."

The visa-free entrepreneurship aspect cannot be overstated. In the U.S., H-1B holders face significant restrictions on starting companies. In India, as citizens, they could build, pivot, and experiment without immigration constraints. This freedom alone justified the move for many returning entrepreneurs.

Building "Cryo" — The Startup Chapter

In 2018, Ajay co-founded Cryo, an edtech startup. Early fundraising leaned on network trust; later traction unlocked inbound capital. Five years on, an acquisition validated the bet.

"In 2018 you needed connects; by 2023, traction brings investors to you."

The Bangalore startup ecosystem has evolved dramatically. When Ajay started in 2018, raising funding required extensive networking and warm introductions. By 2023, strong product-market fit and traction metrics attracted investors organically. This maturation mirrors India's broader economic growth and increasing venture capital availability.

For NRIs considering entrepreneurship, understanding financial planning for returning to India is essential before taking the startup plunge.

Startup Reality in India — Ajay's Honest Take

What's it really like to build a startup in India versus Silicon Valley? Ajay shares the unfiltered truth: