Asha Jadeja Motwani is a prominent Silicon Valley-based venture capitalist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She has invested in over 200 technology startups, including notable companies like PayPal, Mimosa, AppDynamics, Meraki, and Pinterest.

Asha is the founder of the Motwani Jadeja Family Foundation, which empowers young entrepreneurs in India and beyond through fellowships, direct investments, and partnerships.

She also established the Motwani Institute for Thought Leadership in Innovation (MITLI), a dynamic think tank and advocacy platform aimed at influencing government policies in the U.S. and India. MITLI focuses on entrepreneurial ecosystems, research collaborations in exponential technologies, and advancing women’s leadership in business.

In 2013, Asha founded MakerFest, a global network of makers and innovators dedicated to solving problems within their own communities. MakerFest has expanded significantly, with a strong presence in Africa, India, and, more recently, Brazil.

Her late husband, Professor Rajeev Motwani of Stanford University, was a pivotal mentor to the founders of Google. Together, they were early stakeholders in the company.

Asha remains deeply involved with institutions and initiatives that promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and cultural diplomacy.