AAPI Achieve Mentee Spotlight | Venki Mandapati

Name: Venki Mandapati | Business/Profession: UpSquad

Can you tell us a little about yourself and what motivated you to join the AAPI Achieve mentorship program?

I am the co-founder of UpSquad, a workforce tech solution that transforms talent into qualified professionals by connecting candidates to training programs to fill high demand jobs. I joined the AAPI Achieve mentorship program to gain valuable insights and guidance from experienced mentors. My motivation is to enhance my skills, expand my network, and contribute to the AAPI community by leveraging the opportunities and resources provided by the program.

What are your short-term and long-term career goals, and how do you hope this mentorship program will help you achieve them?

In the short term, my goals are to expand into new markets and continue to deliver a great customer experience. Long term, I aspire to build a profitable business and create more tech jobs. I hope this mentorship program will provide me with valuable insights, guidance, and networking opportunities to help me achieve these goals, while also enabling me to learn from experienced professionals and expand my understanding of industry trends and best practices.

How has your cultural background shaped your professional journey?

My Asian Indian cultural background has instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep respect for education, which have been pivotal in my professional journey. Growing up in a culture that values continuous learning and perseverance has driven me to pursue entrepreneurship and create value. Additionally, the emphasis on community and collaboration in my culture has shaped my approach to teamwork and leadership.

What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain from your mentor through this program?

I hope to gain in-depth expertise in financial modeling from my mentor since he has deep expertise, as this is a critical skill I wish to learn. Building a successful business requires a strong financial understanding, and I believe that mastering financial modeling will enable me to make informed strategic decisions, optimize resources, and drive sustainable growth.