Neerja Sethi

Net Worth

$1.006B

0% (24h)

Neerja Sethi is a highly successful Indian-American businesswoman, best known as the co-founder of Syntel, an IT consulting and outsourcing firm. Her career in IT consulting began after identifying a growing demand among American companies for specialized IT support. In 1980, she co-founded Syntel with her husband, Bharat Desai, with a modest initial investment. Through strategic leadership and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Sethi helped build Syntel into a leading global IT services company. In 2018, Syntel was acquired by Atos SE for $3.4 billion, with Sethi receiving an estimated $510 million for her stake. As of May 2024, her net worth is estimated at $1.0 billion. Her accomplishments have earned recognition from Forbes and other organizations.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Neerja Sethi was born in India and holds degrees in mathematics and computer science. She furthered her education with an MBA in operations research from Delhi University and a Master of Science from Oakland University. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Sethi met her husband, Bharat Desai, in the U.S. while working for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

Rise to Success

In 1980, Sethi co-founded Syntel with her husband Bharat Desai, starting the business in their apartment in Troy, Michigan, with an initial investment of $2,000. Syntel provided IT consulting and outsourcing services, growing into a key player in the industry. Syntel expanded globally, leveraging offshore delivery centers in India to enhance cost efficiency and service scalability. Syntel was known for its focus on automation, and offered services primarily to the banking and financial services, healthcare, retail, and insurance industries.

Key Business Strategies

Sethi's leadership was crucial in Syntel's growth, allowing the company to compete with larger IT service firms. Syntel focused on long-term relationships with Fortune 1000 clients like American Express and FedEx. The company went public on NASDAQ in 1997. In 2018, French IT firm Atos SE acquired Syntel for $3.4 billion. Following the acquisition, Sethi did not join Atos.

Philanthropy

Sethi and her husband are involved in philanthropy. They joined the Giving Pledge in May 2024, committing to donate at least half of their fortune to charitable causes. They give through the Desai Sethi Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in Florida and Michigan. They also donate millions annually to a donor-advised fund while supporting other nonprofits.

Career Timeline

2018

Syntel Acquired by Atos SE

French IT firm Atos SE bought Syntel for $3.4 billion; Sethi got an estimated $510 million for her stake.

1997

Syntel went public

Syntel went public on the NASDAQ under the ticker SYNT.

1980

Co-founded Syntel

Co-founded Syntel with her husband Bharat Desai in Troy, Michigan. Syntel provided IT consulting and outsourcing services to clients worldwide.

Philanthropic Impact

Education & Youth Development$XB

Desai Sethi Foundation

Supports underprivileged youth in Florida and Michigan. Also gives millions annually to a donor-advised fund while supporting other nonprofits.