Watch: KC Ayyagari on how Google helps startups thrive in a tough environment

Krishnachytanya Ayyagari, startup ecosystem manager at Google India, helps startups get the maximum benefit out of Google Cloud and the Launchpad, a global accelerator programme. 

One would think that running one of the world’s most demanding programmes is a full-time job. But Ayyagari also works with Google For Startups team and helps plan and execute the Startup Advisors programme in India. He is also a speaker and in his spare time, doubles up as a bartender. 

A hardcore techie, Ayyagari has even developed a machine learning-based cocktail recommendation app. 

TechCircle spoke to Ayyagari, also known as KC, to understand how Google helps startups thrive in the competitive ecosystem. 

Ayyagari is an alumnus of BITS Pilani and previously worked with Microsoft as a cloud solution architect.

He has over a decade of experience in the technology sector and has worked with companies like Microsoft, Thomson Reuters, IBM and Infosys.

Google for Startups is Google’s initiative to help startups from across the globe thrive. It claims to bring the best of Google's products, connections, and practices to enable startups to build something better.

Apart from providing an enabling ecosystem for startup, the search giant also selectively makes direct investments in startups. It is a major backer in Bengaluru-based hyperlocal logistics startup Dunzo which recently raised $45 million in its Series D funding round, led by venture capital firm Lightbox Ventures. It also invested in Mumbai-based fashion marketplace Fynd in March 2018. The startup was later acquired by Reliance.