Shantanu Naidu’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of technical skill and entrepreneurial
vision. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Savitribai Phule
Pune University in 2014. Following this, he pursued an MBA at Cornell University’s Johnson
Graduate School of Management, where he excelled in leadership roles and earned accolades
such as the Hemmeter Entrepreneurship Award and recognition in the Johnson Leadership
Case Competition. The estimated cost of studying at Cornell in 2024 is between Rs 1.3 crores
and Rs 1.4 crores, underscoring the significant investment in quality education.
A pivotal moment in Naidu’s career came through his association with Ratan Tata. Tata
extended a personal loan to Naidu for his overseas education, a gesture that underscored their
strong bond. In a touching act of mentorship, Tata later forgave this loan in his will,
demonstrating his commitment to supporting Naidu’s entrepreneurial aspirations.
In 2021, Naidu founded Goodfellows, a startup dedicated to addressing loneliness among
elderly individuals in India. Recognizing the emotional and social challenges faced by seniors,
Goodfellows offers companionship and support, aiming to improve their quality of life. Under
Naidu’s leadership, the initiative has gained significant traction, combining compassion with a
pragmatic business model.
Since 2018, Naidu has served as General Manager in Tata’s office, where he has been
instrumental in managing various initiatives under Tata’s guidance. This role has allowed him to
merge his entrepreneurial ambitions with Tata’s philanthropic values, fostering a culture of social
responsibility.
Additionally, Naidu authored *I Came Upon a Lighthouse*, published by HarperCollins in 2021.
In this book, he shares personal stories from his time with Tata, offering insights into their
relationship and the values that drive him. Shantanu Naidu’s journey continues to inspire young
entrepreneurs, embodying the principles of compassion and leadership that Ratan Tata
championed throughout his life.
