How a Cold Email to Billionaire Narayana Murthy Led to a Meeting Within Hours
In a remarkable story that exemplifies the unique entrepreneurial spirit of Bengaluru, an Indian entrepreneur has revealed how a simple cold email to billionaire Narayana Murthy resulted in a meeting being scheduled within just a few hours. This heartwarming incident, shared on the popular podcast Jimmy Jimmy The Show, has been dubbed a classic case of "Bengaluru things"—highlighting the city's culture of accessibility and humility among its tech legends.
The Entrepreneur's Bold Move
Vinay Parameshwarappa, the founder of Gully Tours and a Bengaluru-based entrepreneur, recounted this inspiring episode during his appearance on the show. He detailed how, back in May 2016, he decided to reach out to Narayana Murthy, the co-founder of Infosys, whom he deeply admired for his contributions to the Indian tech industry.
"I really looked up to the Infosys founders and how they came together in the 80s to create something of value," Parameshwarappa said, reflecting on his motivation. After returning from the UK, he was determined to meet Murthy and gain insights from his vast experience.
The Swift Response That Made History
Taking a leap of faith, Parameshwarappa sent a cold email to Murthy, introducing himself and expressing his desire for a meeting. To his astonishment, Murthy replied within hours, not only acknowledging the email but also copying his secretary to help arrange an in-person meeting promptly.
This swift and gracious response left a lasting impression on Parameshwarappa, who went on to describe the interaction in detail during the podcast. He emphasized how this experience underscored the importance of mentorship and leadership in fostering the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Why This Story Resonates with Bengaluru's Ethos
The official handle of Jimmy Jimmy The Show shared a clip from the podcast, captioning it with a powerful message: "Imagine emailing a billionaire tech founder and getting a reply in HOURS with a meeting invite. Our guest did exactly that with Narayana Murthy – and it worked!"
The post further elaborated, "This is the Bangalore difference – where accessibility meets humility, and legends still believe in 'paying it forward'. Try this in Mumbai with the Ambanis or Delhi's power circles… good luck! This warmth and openness is what makes our city special. Bangalore doesn't just make tech – it makes connections."
This narrative has sparked conversations about the distinctive culture of Bengaluru, where tech titans remain approachable and supportive, contrasting with the often more guarded corporate environments in other major Indian cities.
Broader Implications for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Parameshwarappa's story is not an isolated incident. Recently, an Indian-origin entrepreneur shared how a cold email sent to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff around two decades ago significantly shaped his career. Such accounts highlight the potential of cold outreach when done respectfully and with genuine intent.
Key takeaways from this episode include:
- The power of cold emailing when targeting industry leaders.
- The value of humility and accessibility in leadership.
- How Bengaluru's ecosystem fosters unique opportunities for connection.
- The importance of mentorship in entrepreneurial growth.
As this story continues to inspire many, it serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of innovation and community that defines Bengaluru, making it a hub not just for technology, but for meaningful human connections as well.
