Rahul Swaminathan

Rahul Swaminathan is the Founder of Desertcart, an online shopping platform based in the UAE.12 He is an entrepreneur with a background in computer science and a passion for technology and e-commerce.1

Background and Education

Rahul studied computer science in college, driven by his fascination with computers and their potential to change the world.1 He graduated from Harvey Mudd College between 2008 and 2012.3

Early Career

After college, Rahul spent a couple of years in Silicon Valley working on various startup projects.1 Although these ventures didn't succeed, they provided valuable lessons in resilience and adaptability. Before founding Desertcart, he gained experience through various small jobs and side projects, which shaped his approach to business.1

Founding Desertcart

Rahul founded Desertcart in June 2014.2 The idea for the company came from his observations of limited local shopping options and higher prices compared to other countries.1 Leveraging his computer skills, he created Desertcart to address these issues and provide better service to customers.1

Entrepreneurial Philosophy

Rahul's approach to entrepreneurship is centered on creating value and making a positive impact. He believes in the power of business to benefit all stakeholders, including employees and customers.1 His entrepreneurial mindset is driven by curiosity and a constant desire to improve and innovate.1

Achievements and Expansion

Under Rahul's leadership, Desertcart has experienced significant growth. One of the company's boldest moves was expanding from three countries to 163, demonstrating Rahul's willingness to take calculated risks.1 This expansion, while challenging, has been successful and showcases the company's ability to adapt to diverse markets and regulations.1

Rahul Swaminathan is currently based in Claremont, California, United States, while Desertcart operates from Dubai.23