Prasanna Naik: A Relentless Journey in Tech and Entrepreneurship
At Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Prasanna excelled as a lead and one of the youngest Product Managers to launch IPv6 in public cloud
In the fast-paced world of technology and entrepreneurship, few individuals stand out as distinctly as Prasanna Naik. With a deep-seated passion for technology and a relentless drive to innovate, Prasanna has carved a niche for himself in the competitive landscape of SaaS management and optimization. His venture, CloudEagle.ai, has not only revolutionized the way businesses manage their software assets but also demonstrated exceptional growth and resilience.
Prasanna’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, hard work, and the willingness to try multiple paths until finding success.
Towards Technical Mastery
Prasanna’s journey began in India, where he pursued his undergraduate degree in engineering from R.V. College of Engineering, one of the best colleges in Bangalore, the Silicon Valley of India. His quest for advanced knowledge led him to the United States, where he completed a Master of Science in Computer Networking at North Carolina State University. During his time there, Prasanna demonstrated his leadership qualities by serving as the President of the Indian Graduate Students Association, where he also addressed dignitaries at the UNC India Summit, presenting a compelling student perspective.
Rising Through the Ranks
Prasanna's professional career is marked by his rapid ascension through the ranks of several multinational tech giants. His roles at Airbnb, Oracle, Cisco and Riverbed were characterized by groundbreaking contributions and innovative projects.
At Riverbed, Prasanna proposed and developed a telecom service provider product in the mobile optimization technology space, a first for the company. This was presented at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in 2016.
At Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, Prasanna excelled as a lead and one of the youngest Product Managers to launch IPv6 in public cloud. This feat required him to shuttle every weekend between Seattle and the SF Bay Area, where his family was located, while simultaneously exploring a startup idea for a "mentorship marketplace" and attending the Founder Institute accelerator.
At Airbnb, Prasanna was leading the product for both web and native developer platforms to make sure Airbnb developers can develop, test and ship faster to customers. In parallel, Prasanna was exploring a startup to help Product Managers prioritize the right features and issues amidst the noise from multiple channels. During this phase, he joined the On Deck Founders Forum to find co-founders or teammates, eventually collaborating with Nidhi Jain on CloudEagle, a SaaS management tool.
Entrepreneurial Success with CloudEagle.ai
Prasanna's entrepreneurial journey took a significant leap with the co-founding of CloudEagle.ai. This SaaS management and procurement company has distinguished itself in a niche market with only a handful of competitors. Under Prasanna's leadership, CloudEagle.ai achieved significant revenue within just 18 months and successfully raised $3.2 million in a seed round. The company’s participation in Y Combinator, a prestigious startup accelerator, further underscores its potential and innovative edge.
CloudEagle.ai's contributions have been widely recognized, earning the TiE 50 Award in both 2022 and 2023, a testament to its impactful presence in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The company's SaaS trends report was featured in Yahoo Finance and Nasdaq news, and interviews in Forbes and TechCrunch reflect its growing influence. CloudEagle was also listed as the most innovative AI player in the Gartner Magic quadrant for SaaS Management tools.
Leadership and Impact
Initially leading the Product and Engineering teams at CloudEagle.ai, Prasanna now heads the Customer Success Team. His leadership has been pivotal in saving several million dollars for customers worldwide, helping them extend their runway, avoid layoffs, and achieve growth. This customer-centric approach has solidified CloudEagle.ai’s reputation as a trusted partner in the SaaS landscape.
Lifelong Learner and Innovator
Prasanna's commitment to continuous learning is evident in his six certifications and licenses from Stanford University, covering areas from marketing tactics to venture startup formation. His association with the Founder Institute further highlights his dedication to fostering innovation and mentorship within the entrepreneurial community.
A Visionary Leader
Prasanna Naik’s story is one of perseverance, innovation, and impactful leadership. His technical prowess, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, has not only driven CloudEagle.ai to new heights but also set a benchmark for aspiring tech professionals and entrepreneurs. As Prasanna continues to lead and inspire, his journey serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of passion and dedication in the world of technology and business.
