Hi, I'm Kandan Kathirvel - CEO & Founder at MantisGrid AI, Inc
I thrive at the intersection of technical architecture and market scale, driven by a passion for building systems that automate complexity. I enjoy solving challenges that reshape enterprise industries.
At a glance
Curated signals on strengths, focus areas, and how they can help.
Led Google Distributed Cloud product strategy and scaled the Nephio open-source project across 65+ major enterprises.
Founding MantisGrid AI to develop specialized infrastructure for the next generation of intelligent, automated cloud solutions.
Can provide expert guidance on scaling deep-tech products and navigating the complexities of open-source community governance.
🚀 Career trajectory
Network Foundations
Architected foundational network transformation platforms at AT&T, moving from R&D into global deployment.
✦ 5G Infrastructure
✦ Network Virtualization
Cloud Scale & Governance
Advanced to leadership at Google and the Linux Foundation to set global standards for cloud-native ecosystems.
✦ Open Source
✦ Cloud Computing
Founder Path
Transitioning technical leadership into a venture-focused role at MantisGrid AI to build sovereign AI infrastructure.
✦ Entrepreneurship
✦ AI-First
💪🏻 Superpowers
Open-Source Orchestrator
Driving large-scale community adoption and standards
✦ Scaled Nephio cloud-native automation to over 65 enterprise environments.
✦ Governed global open infrastructure strategy via board roles at OpenStack and Linux Foundations.
✦ Integrated fragmented open-source projects into high-value commercial products.
Infrastructure Visionary
Defining product roadmaps for next-gen cloud platforms
✦ Led product vision for Google Distributed Cloud across diverse industry verticals.
✦ Transformed AT&T infrastructure by scaling 5G and 4G cloud programs from zero.
✦ Standardized intelligent radio access network initiatives to shift industry paradigms.
Enterprise Transformation Expert
Bridging cutting-edge R&D with government and commercial scaling
✦ Operationalized complex automation for FSI, government, and retail enterprise sectors.
✦ Aligns deep technical product roadmaps with specific market-driven business requirements.
✦ Develops high-performing teams to execute on critical cloud and AI migrations.
I'm excited about
✦ Exploring strategic partnerships with fellow founders building the next wave of sovereign AI infrastructure.
✦ Connecting with executive leaders to exchange insights on scaling deep-tech ventures in the current market.
✦ Finding new avenues to share governance best practices for open-source and standard-setting organizations.
I can help with
✦ Advising on product-market fit for early-stage cloud and infrastructure startups.
✦ Mentoring engineering leaders on navigating large-scale enterprise product adoption strategies.
✦ Sharing technical governance frameworks for open-source project management and sustainability.
I would love your help on
✦ Seeking guidance on navigating the current fundraising landscape for seed-stage deep-tech companies.
✦ Interested in learning from founders who have successfully transitioned from executive roles into startup building.
✦ Looking for introductions to strategic early-adopter customers in the AI infrastructure space.