From Coding at 7 to Launching Two Startups by 18: Pranjali Awasthi’s Inspiring Rise
From Coding at 7 to Launching Two Startups by 18: Pranjali Awasthi's Inspiring Rise
Pranjali Awasthi was just seven when she first started exploring the world of coding. Born in India and raised in Florida from the age of 11, her early years were shaped by a strong interest in technology. Her father, a computer engineer, encouraged her growing passion, and soon she was immersed in coding, computer science, and competitive math.
The move to the United States opened up more learning opportunities for her. At just 13, she was already interning at the Neural Dynamics of Control Lab at Florida International University. There, she assisted with machine learning projects and contributed to research that aimed to identify different types of ADHD using EEG data.
Launching Delv.AI at 16
In January 2022, Pranjali launched her first startup, Delv.AI, in Miami. The aim was clear: to make research easier and more accessible. Delv.AI is an AI-powered tool that can quickly search through academic documents, extract key information, and summarize content from files like PDFs. It even connects with cloud drives and lets users export results easily.
The idea clicked with users and investors alike. Backed by funding of $450,000 from firms like Backend Capital and Village Global, Delv.AI grew rapidly. By October 2023, it had reached a valuation of around Rs 100 crore (roughly $12 million). Researchers appreciated the platform’s ability to save time by reducing repetitive research tasks by nearly 75%.
The Next Big Step: Dash
Now 18 and a student at Georgia Tech, Pranjali hasn’t slowed down. She’s currently working on her second project, Dash, which she describes as “ChatGPT with hands.” This AI assistant is designed not just to chat but to take real actions and help automate tasks. Along with co-founders Dhruv Roongta and Harsha Gaddipati, she is building Dash from San Francisco.
The platform recently gained popularity after ranking number one on Product Hunt and launching its own Discord server.
Still Learning, Still Building
Before founding her startups, Pranjali interned at various research centers, including the Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience. She also completed the Creative Destruction Lab’s Apprentice Program, gaining exposure to AI and innovation.
While her education briefly took a backseat, Pranjali plans to complete her degree. Her journey stands as an example of how early passion, support, and timely opportunities can create real impact, even before turning 20.
