
Vijay Rajendran
Studied at Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
Works at University of California, Berkeley
Available tomorrow at 1:00 AM UTC
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About Vijay
Vijay Rajendran is a Berkeley-trained executive coach based in Silicon Valley. After 20 years as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor, he has supported hundreds of founders and helped them on their journey to becoming CEOs. He believes that through leadership coaching at pivotal moments, we can better the world, one bold leader at a time. Vijay has led portfolio value at 500 Global, a venture capital firm with $2.7 billion under management. He led a global team that helped startups in over 80 countries, and their founders, develop connections, raise capital, and create a thriving community. Previously, he led a venture studio for a global bank, founded a startup in fintech and e-commerce, and was a management consultant. Vijay received a BS in Business Administration from Boston University as well as an MS in Foreign Service and an MBA from Georgetown University. He is also an alumnus of the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute and holds the Associate Certified Coach credential from the International Coaching Federation. Vijay is the author of the 2025 top new release, The Funding Framework: Secure Startup Funding with Confidence, published by Leader’s Press. Vijay spent many years as a strategy consultant. Of course, coaching is very different from consulting and mentoring; the agenda and goals are set by clients, rather than by providing solutions to generic situations or trying to fix them as individuals. He helps them be resilient rather than perfect. Being Authentic and being themselves. They can bring their genius to work and wake up every day feeling limitless and fulfilled.
Why do I coach?
Who I work with People I work with have the unique challenge of accomplishing hard things that have never been done before. As they try to improve the world, they find they want to improve themselves. Working with individuals in the way that I do means transformation. Often leaders come to me because they are struggling with something important in the business. They are very likely aware that they need to instigate change somehow and have probably tried many things but haven’t found the right solution. What the Process is like Specifically, when I work with someone, I am helping them in 1:1 individual coaching sessions and some team settings to find relief from such issues as Difficulty Fundraising (for their Startup or Fund), Challenges of Growing their Business, Co-Founder Disagreements, & Problems with Team-Building. We tackle those issues to find solutions, but also I help them overcome feelings of stress, conflict, and feeling stuck, the impact of which can be hugely significant [both at home and at work]. They tend to feel a new focus, rhythm, “lightness.” Why can I help you? I led the portfolio value team that supported one of the largest early stage venture capital portfolios in the world: 500 Startups. I've supported many founders and helped them on their journey to becoming CEOs. I have also developed relationships with investors and executives and understand how to help them develop professional and organizational success they want.
Work Experience

Adjunct Instructor of Management
University of California, Berkeley
October 2025 - Present
Part-time instructor position within UC Berkeley Extension's Full-Time Certificate Programs, teaching a Spring 2026 course called "Leadership and Change Management for Startup Founders" Start-up Ventures, Leadership and +1 skill

Author
The Funding Framework
February 2025 - Present
#1 New Release in Venture Capital on Amazon Unlock the secrets to securing startup funding with The Funding Framework: Secure Startup Funding with Confidence by Vijay Rajendran. This indispensable guide is packed with actionable insights and expert strategies that can transform your approach to fundraising. Non-fiction Writer, Venture Capital and +1 skill

Consultant - Venture Building
gAI ventures
January 2025 - Present
Creating and scaling generative AI companies at venture builder, gAI Ventures, alongside world-class operators to grow fast. Venture Capital, Lean Startup and +2 skills

Executive & Personal Growth Coach
Startup System
October 2023 - Present
Who I work with People I work with have the unique challenge of accomplishing hard things that have never been done before. As they try to improve the world, they find they want to improve themselves. Working with individuals in the way that I do means transformation. Often leaders come to me because they are struggling with something important in the business. They are very likely aware that they need to instigate change somehow and have probably tried many things but haven’t found the right solution. What the Process is like Specifically, when I work with someone, I am helping them in 1:1 individual coaching sessions and some team settings to find relief from such issues as Difficulty Fundraising (for their Startup or Fund), Challenges of Growing their Business, Co-Founder Disagreements, & Problems with Team-Building. We tackle those issues to find solutions, but also I help them overcome feelings of stress, conflict, and feeling stuck, the impact of which can be hugely significant [both at home and at work]. They tend to feel a new focus, rhythm, “lightness.” Why can I help you? I led the portfolio value team that supported one of the largest early stage venture capital portfolios in the world: 500 Startups. I've supported many founders and helped them on their journey to becoming CEOs. I have also developed relationships with investors and executives and understand how to help them develop professional and organizational success they want. Leadership, Personal Development and +4 skills

Climate Tech Investor
Climate Capital
December 2022 - October 2024
Angel investor in Climate startups and instructor in the Climate Angels educational program with members of the Climate Capital Team. Venture Capital
Education

Haas School of Business (Berkeley)
Executive Coaching and Leadership Program
2024 - 2024
The Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute's interdisciplinary approach incorporates analytical and emotional intelligence for executive coaching in service of the hearts and minds of leaders. Leadership, Leadership Development and +1 skill

McDonough School of Business (Georgetown)
MBA