Ajay Barot is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur with over 20 years of diversified experience across Fortune 500, startup, and growth companies. His focus is on building and optimizing businesses to accelerate growth and ROI for shareholders. Ajay holds a BS in Finance from DePaul University and has completed his Graduate School of Studies in Economics at the University of Chicago.

Throughout his career, Ajay has demonstrated his skills in strategic planning and execution, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), corporate finance, and business development. He has a long history of driving corporate strategy and development (M&A), sparking a 177% annual growth rate by sourcing and executing acquisition deals during his tenure at Follett as the Senior Vice President Strategy and Business Development.

In addition to his corporate success, Ajay has served as a strategic advisor to American School of Baroda and as a senior consultant for Arthur Andersen's Healthcare and Higher Education Practice. He is also the Managing Partner at Agrani Ventures, a firm that invests in early-stage startups.

Ajay is known for his ability to galvanize organic growth, increase sales, and establish new revenue streams, all while improving operational and financial productivity, reducing operating expenses, and establishing best practices. He has experience in global business and operations, market entry, growth strategy, P&L, financial management, product and program management, policy and program development, multicultural team leadership, change management, and corporate responsibility.

Ajay is inspired by mission-driven organizations where he can elevate profitability while also positively impacting society, such as those in healthcare, education technology (EdTech), financial technology (FinTech), and other progressive industries.