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Bengaluru CEO with US citizenship explains why he chose India over America
Bengaluru CEO with US citizenship explains why he chose India over America: 'Money isn’t my main motivation'
Bengaluru CEO with US citizenship explains why he chose India over America: 'Money isn’t my main motivation'
The Bengaluru-based entrepreneur reflected on his decision, saying that money is not his main motivation and that he would rather optimise for impact.
Updated on: Aug 12, 2026, 18:23:34 IST By Bhavya Sukheja Prefer HTon Google Share via Copy link A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur with US citizenship has shared why he chose to build his business in India despite having the option to pursue opportunities in the US. Taking to X, Vikram Pai, CEO and co-founder of ReferRush, recently reflected on his decision, saying that money is not his main motivation and that he would rather optimise for impact. Vikram Pai is the CEO and co-founder of ReferRush. (LinkedIn/Vikram Pai) "Someone asked why money isn't my main motivation, and why, as a U.S. citizen, I chose to build in India. It is a little ironic. So many Indians dream of moving abroad or working with American companies. I chose to come here and struggle," Pai wrote in the post before explaining his decision. Pai said that he does not need much to be happy. He listed a hot meal, a roof, a gym, sport, books, friends and family among the things he values. He acknowledged that his priorities could change in the future, saying that with a wife and children, he would want "a beautiful home, a good car, a great education" for his kids. However, he said even his "worst-case outcome" of getting a good job in India or the US would allow him to provide those things. (Also Read: Noida CEO reveals how a user uploaded over 500 nudes to his platform: ‘Tension ho gayi’) Explaining his second decision, Pai said that the sense of financial security gives him the freedom to focus on impact rather than income. "The marginal impact I can have building ReferRush in India is far greater than the impact I could have as another well-paid executive in America," he wrote. He also highlighted the impact he believes ReferRush is already having on its affiliates. He said some affiliates had earned enough through the platform to travel abroad for the first time. "That means something to me. If we can help build the infrastructure and culture for affiliate commerce in India, we can create livelihoods, businesses, and opportunities at enormous scale," he wrote. "I know my floor is enough. So I'm free to chase the highest possible ceiling of impact," Pai said. (Also Read: Indian-American founder slams Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu over Delhi protest remarks)Social media reactions
Pai's post sparked a discussion. Reacting to the post, one user wrote, "Don't get me wrong. If you are so inclined towards impact then please ensure that you are not opaque about this when you hire talent. Because people who join you in your ride may have real responsibilities & dreams to fulfill. Be clear and call out in first interaction that you are not doing this for money." To this, Pai said, "Impact is made through technological progress and through technical progress you can build a great business. Its absolutely not mutually exclusive." "Knowing your floor is enough changes the equation. Most people chase income because they've never actually tested what their floor requires. Once you know the number, the ceiling stops being about safety and starts being about choice," commented another. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bhavya Sukheja Bhavya Sukheja is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times with over 6 years of experience in digital journalism. She specialises in covering stories that reflect everyday human experiences, with a focus on viral videos, social media trends, and human-interest features that inform readers while sparking meaningful conversations. She loves chasing page views and finding stories that tug at readers’ heartstrings. Known for her strong news sense, Bhavya has a keen ability to spot emerging trends and craft angles that transform viral moments into impactful narratives. Her coverage spans pop culture, entertainment, global affairs, and the internet’s most talked-about topics, helping readers better understand the context behind what is trending online. Before joining Hindustan Times, Bhavya worked with Republic World and NDTV, where she developed her skills in real-time reporting and digital storytelling. Working in fast-paced newsrooms helped her build an editorial approach that prioritises accuracy, clarity, and audience engagement. Bhavya is driven by a curiosity about how people communicate and connect in the digital age. She is particularly interested in stories that highlight cultural shifts, shared emotions, and the evolving nature of online conversations. When she is not tracking trends or producing stories, Bhavya enjoys unplugging and spending time with her cat.Read More Us Citizen Business In India America Us Bengaluru Discover the latest Trending News, viral videos, social media stories and unusual events from India and around the world. Stay updated with the topics everyone is talking about. Home/Trending/Bengaluru CEO With US Citizenship Explains Why He Chose India Over America: 'Money Isn’t My Main Motivation' See LessA Bengaluru-based entrepreneur with US citizenship has shared why he chose to build his business in India despite having the option to pursue opportunities in the US. Taking to X, Vikram Pai, CEO and co-founder of ReferRush, recently reflected on his decision, saying that money is not his main motivation and that he would rather optimise for impact.
"Someone asked why money isn't my main motivation, and why, as a U.S. citizen, I chose to build in India. It is a little ironic. So many Indians dream of moving abroad or working with American companies. I chose to come here and struggle," Pai wrote in the post before explaining his decision.
Pai said that he does not need much to be happy. He listed a hot meal, a roof, a gym, sport, books, friends and family among the things he values. He acknowledged that his priorities could change in the future, saying that with a wife and children, he would want "a beautiful home, a good car, a great education" for his kids. However, he said even his "worst-case outcome" of getting a good job in India or the US would allow him to provide those things.
(Also Read: Noida CEO reveals how a user uploaded over 500 nudes to his platform: ‘Tension ho gayi’)
Explaining his second decision, Pai said that the sense of financial security gives him the freedom to focus on impact rather than income. "The marginal impact I can have building ReferRush in India is far greater than the impact I could have as another well-paid executive in America," he wrote.
He also highlighted the impact he believes ReferRush is already having on its affiliates. He said some affiliates had earned enough through the platform to travel abroad for the first time.
"That means something to me. If we can help build the infrastructure and culture for affiliate commerce in India, we can create livelihoods, businesses, and opportunities at enormous scale," he wrote.
"I know my floor is enough. So I'm free to chase the highest possible ceiling of impact," Pai said.
(Also Read: Indian-American founder slams Zoho’s Sridhar Vembu over Delhi protest remarks)
Reacting to the post, one user wrote, "Don't get me wrong. If you are so inclined towards impact then please ensure that you are not opaque about this when you hire talent. Because people who join you in your ride may have real responsibilities & dreams to fulfill. Be clear and call out in first interaction that you are not doing this for money."
To this, Pai said, "Impact is made through technological progress and through technical progress you can build a great business. Its absolutely not mutually exclusive."
"Knowing your floor is enough changes the equation. Most people chase income because they've never actually tested what their floor requires. Once you know the number, the ceiling stops being about safety and starts being about choice," commented another.
Source: HindustanTimes
Related Posts: Bengaluru entrepreneur,US citizen,business in India,Vikram Pai,ReferRush
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