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About Us

Harnessing the power of industrial data

Plutoshift is on a mission to bring data intelligence and AI to the world’s physical infrastructure. Plutoshift helps global leaders realize the power of their operational data to increase efficiences, reduce costs, and build more resilient and sustainable businesses.

Our values

  • Trust

    Clear communication and consistent actions build transparency and accountability with customers, partners, and colleauges.

  • Respect

    Authenticity and empathy guides our approach to all relationships, reflecting our consideration and regard for individuals.

  • Integrity

    We take ownership of what we say we will do and actively choose to make the most ethical and courageous decisions.

  • Diversity

    We appreciate each person’s unique characteristics and believe that our differences make us a stronger team.

  • Innovation

    We enjoy exploring new ideas and transforming old processes into improved ways of working and thinking.

    Leadership

    Shail Khiyara

    Founder and Chief Executive Officer

    Shail is the Founder and CEO of Plutoshift AI with a mission to drive AI powered Industrial Excellence. As visionary leader in Intelligent Automation and AI, his tenure spans North America, Europe, and Asia, where he has been instrumental in leading public and venture-backed technology firms driving growth, executing turnarounds, and leading acquisitions while building world class teams.

    His book, “Intelligent Automation – Bridging the Gap between Business & Academia,” offers a unique blend of strategic insights and practical execution that has become indispensable in the field. From his journey in structural engineering and to role at Bechtel, Shail has cultivated a robust expertise in industrial design, systems, and execution.

    To give back to the community Shail founded VOCAL (Voice of Customer in the AI/Automation Landscape), a global initiative uniting over 90 worldwide leading brands to foster collaboration among automation and AI leaders, demonstrating his commitment to driving innovation and thought leadership in the industry. Shail holds and MBA from Yale University and an MS in Structural Engineering

    Sunny Dronawat

    CTO and Co-Founder

    Dr. Sundeep “Sunny” Dronawat is a distinguished entrepreneur, academic, and innovator with a profound impact across various sectors. He has a rich history of founding and scaling companies, notably POS on Cloud, which successfully merged with Newtek in 2019.

    Holding a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering and an MBA from the University of Louisville, his expertise spans chemical to biochemical engineering, underscored by significant academic contributions as an adjunct professor at several universities.

    Sunny’s leadership extends to chairing the Louisville Water Company and serving on the board of Jefferson Community and Technical College, demonstrating his commitment to community and technical education. His contributions have been recognized through numerous awards, including the MOSIAC AWARD for outstanding immigrant contributions and the title of Kentucky Colonel.

    Board

    Patrick C. Lee

    Patrick’s career as a venture capital investor spans 30 years: 10 years as an equity investor and 20 years as a venture debt and equity investor. Patrick started his career in the valley with Hambrecht & Quist, followed by JP Morgan Partners, Pinnacle Ventures and WTI. He has an MBA from Harvard Business School, and an undergraduate degree with honors from Queen’s University, Canada.

    Kirsten Edwards

    Kirsten is a mission driven leader with over 25 years of experience innovating and growing organizations while managing multiple teams and functions. She served as Chief Financial Officer of InsideTrack, which she led through multiple rounds of funding and a large scale merger. Previously, Kirsten spent over a decade in equity research at full service investment banks including Montgomery Securities, Jefferies and Think Equity Partners. Kirsten has a BAS In Psychology from Colgate University and is a Charter Financial Analyst charter holder.

    Shail Khiyara

    Shail has a 26-year track record as a thought leader, board member, and operator, during which he has played a pivotal role in the expansion and revitalization of both public and venture-backed tech enterprises. His leadership has been critical in spearheading acquisitions and assembling high performing global teams. As the founder and CEO of Plutoshift AI, he committed to advancing AI-powered industrial excellence. His educational background includes an MBA from Yale University and an MS in Civil Engineering.