In a strategic move to bolster the United States' stance in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence (AI), President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Indian-American entrepreneur and venture capitalist Sriram Krishnan as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on AI. This pivotal role will see Krishnan take charge of shaping and coordinating AI policy across various government sectors.
Trump commended Krishnan for his outstanding career, highlighting his instrumental role as a founding member of Microsoft’s Windows Azure team. He will work closely with the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology to guide the nation’s AI initiatives.
In an official statement, Krishnan expressed his enthusiasm about the appointment, stating that he looks forward to collaborating with David O. Sacks, the former COO of PayPal, who is now the White House AI & Crypto Czar. Krishnan's wealth of experience in the tech and venture capital industries positions him as an ideal candidate to navigate the complex landscape of AI policy.
Sriram Krishnan was born in Chennai, India, and pursued a Bachelor of Technology in Information Technology from SRM Engineering College in Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu. At the age of 21, he moved to the United States in 2005 to further his career. Krishnan’s father worked in insurance, while his mother was a homemaker. His diverse cultural and educational background laid the foundation for his future success in the global tech industry.
Krishnan began his career in 2005 at Microsoft, where he contributed to the development of Windows Azure. Over the years, he led product teams at major tech companies, including Twitter, Yahoo!, Facebook (now Meta), and Snap. At Facebook, Krishnan was instrumental in developing mobile advertising products, which significantly impacted the company's advertising strategy. His experience across these industry giants equipped him with a deep understanding of AI and its potential applications.
Krishnan shares a professional bond with billionaire Elon Musk, who is also a key member of Trump’s upcoming administration. In 2022, Krishnan worked alongside Musk to help revamp Twitter (now X) following its acquisition. This collaboration showcased Krishnan’s ability to navigate complex technological challenges. Additionally, he has been a vocal advocate for leveraging technology to bridge the gap between AI-driven models, such as OpenAI's ChatGPT, and major internet platforms.
In February 2021, Krishnan took on the role of General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), a prominent venture capital firm. By 2023, he was leading the company’s London office, further solidifying his influence in the tech investment world. Krishnan left the firm in November 2023, with a reputation as a forward-thinking investor in AI and tech-driven solutions.
Krishnan gained additional recognition in 2021 as the host of "The Aarthi and Sriram Show" (formerly known as "The Good Time Show"). The podcast, which he co-hosts with his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy, has become a platform for discussions on entrepreneurship, technology, and personal growth. Krishnan’s thought leadership extends beyond AI and into broader discussions on innovation and the future of technology.
Sriram Krishnan's appointment as Senior AI Policy Advisor to President-elect Donald Trump marks a significant development in the U.S.'s approach to artificial intelligence and technological innovation. With his deep-rooted experience in leading AI-driven initiatives at some of the biggest tech companies, as well as his venture capital expertise, Krishnan is well-positioned to influence AI policy across government agencies.
His appointment reflects the growing importance of AI in shaping global technology policies, and his strategic collaboration with key figures like David O. Sacks is expected to foster a cohesive and forward-thinking AI agenda in the United States. As Krishnan continues to advocate for AI-driven solutions and ethical technological advancements, his leadership will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the future of AI regulation and innovation.