As a business executive, venture capitalist, former fashion designer, and heiress, Akshata Murty has made a name for herself in the world of finance and entrepreneurship. Born on April 25th, 1980 in Hubli, India, Akshata grew up in a household that would eventually become known for founding the IT giant Infosys. However, before the immense success of her family's business, Akshata's upbringing was far from luxurious. Raised primarily by her grandparents while her parents focused on building Infosys, Akshata faced financial hardships that shaped her early years.
Despite the challenges she faced growing up, Akshata was determined to forge her own path in life. She pursued a degree in clothes manufacturing from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising before earning a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to attend Stanford University in California. In 2006, she graduated with a Master of Business Administration degree, setting the stage for her future success in the business world.
After walking away from her defunct clothing label in 2012, Akshata became the co-founder and venture capital fund director for a London offshoot of Catamaran Ventures, an investment fund created by her father to finance Indian healthcare, nutrition, and education startups. Her venture capital endeavors continued with Dara5, a contemporary artifact investment firm backed by Qatar's Al-Thani family. Despite some setbacks, Akshata's investments in various businesses underscored her keen eye for emerging opportunities in the market.
In 2009, Akshata tied the knot with Rishi Sunak, her Stanford University sweetheart who would later become the UK Prime Minister and Conservative Party leader. The couple's union led to the birth of their two daughters, Anoushka and Krishna, who attended the distinguished Glendower Preparatory School alongside the likes of Harper Beckham. Family has always been an important aspect of Akshata's life, as evidenced by her close relationship with her brother Rohan Murty, a co-founder of the Soroco digital transformation company.
Despite her impressive achievements in the business world, Akshata's financial assets came under scrutiny in 2022 when she and Rishi Sunak were listed as the 222nd richest people in England on the Sunday Times Rich List. With an estimated combined worth of £730 million, or $91.8 million USD, Akshata's net worth soared even higher when her share in Infosys was factored in, with estimates ranging from £3 to £51 billion. This substantial wealth drew criticism due to her non-domiciled resident status, which allowed her to avoid paying taxes on income earned outside of the UK.
In response to the public outcry, Akshata voluntarily renounced the financial benefits of her non-domiciled status and pledged to pay UK taxes on both domestic and international income. Despite the controversy surrounding her finances, Akshata remains focused on her business ventures and investments, continuing to make a mark in the world of venture capitalism.
Throughout her career, Akshata has invested in various business ventures, including restaurant enterprises owned by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver. Her diverse portfolio and strategic investments have solidified her reputation as a savvy businesswoman with a keen eye for emerging opportunities in the market.
As a prominent figure in the business world, Akshata Murty's legacy continues to evolve, shaping the future of entrepreneurship and venture capitalism. With her astute business acumen and unwavering determination, Akshata remains a trailblazer in the world of finance and innovation.
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