Slava Akhmechet

Slava Akhmechet is a highly experienced software developer, entrepreneur, and startup advisor. Here are some key details about his background and career:

Professional Experience

• Currently works at Microsoft in engineering, focusing on distributed SQL at Azure.1

• Previously served as Product & Engineering at Stripe from 2016-2018.1

• Founder and CEO of RethinkDB from 2009-2016.1 RethinkDB was a startup that specialized in creating databases optimized for solid-state disks and flash storage. He raised over $15 million in funding and grew the company to thousands of users before it was acquired by Stripe.1

• Worked as a Software Development Engineer at MarketAxess (2007-2008) and Thomson Reuters (2004-2005).1

Education

• Attended Y Combinator in 2009.1

• Studied at Stony Brook University, earning a B.S. in Computer Science (2001-2004).1

• Started but did not complete a PhD in Computational Neuroscience at Stony Brook University (2008-2009).1

Areas of Expertise

Slava's specialties include:

• Programming languages
• Compilers
• Non-relational database management systems
• User interface design
• Scaling software startups

He is known for his insights on building technology companies and products. Slava has written about startup lessons and advice, drawing from his experiences founding and growing RethinkDB.23

Current Role

While his LinkedIn profile lists him as a "Startup Advisor," his most recent position is in engineering at Microsoft working on Azure.1 He continues to share his knowledge and experiences with the startup community through his writing and advisory work.