From H1B Engineer to Millionaire in 8 Years
Reached $1M at age 34
Started as a mid-level engineer at a Series A startup that grew to unicorn status. Maximized equity grants and negotiated aggressively during job changes. Invested heavily in index funds and bought a condo that appreciated significantly.
Educational Background
Kindergarten
Attended school in Mumbai, India
Elementary School
DPS International School, Mumbai, India
Middle School
DPS International School, Mumbai, India
High School
DPS International School, Mumbai, India
Undergraduate
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, Computer Science
Graduate
Stanford University, MS in Computer Science (2013-2014)
Family Background
Parents' Occupation
Father: Civil Engineer, Mother: High School Mathematics Teacher
Parents' Visa Status
Remained in India, never immigrated to the US
Family Background
Middle-class family in Mumbai. First person in extended family to move to the United States.
Financial Milestones
Age 28
First $100K through aggressive saving and 401k matching
Key Strategies:
- Living with roommates
- Maximizing 401k match
- Side consulting
Age 32
Hit $500K after startup's Series C round increased equity value
Key Strategies:
- Equity negotiation
- Real estate investment
- Index funds
Age 34
Crossed $1M after startup acquisition and condo appreciation
Key Strategies:
- Diversification
- Tax-loss harvesting
- Startup equity
Challenges & Advice
Biggest Challenges
- Almost left startup before major valuation increase
- Survived two rounds of layoffs
- Balanced aggressive investing with emergency fund needs
- Visa restrictions limited job mobility for first 5 years
Advice for Others
Equity in high-growth companies can be life-changing, but diversify as you approach your goals. Don't underestimate the power of negotiation - I added $300K to my journey just by negotiating better.