Meet Our COO & CTO, Swamy We are thrilled to introduce Swamy, our COO & CTO at Sandboxx. Swamy’s guiding philosophy, “If you change the...
We are thrilled to introduce Swamy, our COO & CTO at Sandboxx. Swamy’s guiding philosophy, “If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change,” has been a cornerstone of his personal and professional life.
Swamy’s entrepreneurial journey began in high school with a book delivery service he co-founded with a friend. Utilizing their bicycles, they checked out free books from the library and delivered them to local children for a small fee. Reflecting on this venture, Swamy recalls, “We were the only two kids on the street with bikes, and the business worked well initially. However, it soon became evident that it wasn’t sustainable or scalable. We spent all day riding bikes without any time to reinvest our revenue. As soon as others got bikes, our business model would collapse.”
This early experience ignited Swamy’s passion for creating businesses that make a difference. Growing up in Kerala, India, often called “God’s Own Country,” Swamy was thrilled to graduate high school with a computer science degree. He quickly recognized the technology landscape’s boundless creative freedom and potential.
Swamy pursued his studies in Computer Engineering and Computer Sciences at Kerala University in India. After graduating, he spent three years teaching before transitioning to a role as a software engineer. Despite his success, he yearned for a more significant impact on people’s lives.
Swamy worked on several projects that showcased his innovative spirit and technical acumen. One such project involved neural networks and holography, pushing the boundaries of what technology could achieve.
“Working on neural networks and holography was a transformative experience,” Swamy reflects. “It allowed me to delve into the complexities of machine learning and data processing while exploring the fascinating realm of visual representation through holography. This project not only honed my technical skills but also deepened my appreciation for the potential of technology to create immersive and intelligent systems.”
The allure of the American dream, coupled with the country’s technological advancements, drew Swamy to the United States. “I wanted to become part of the American technology ecosystem, known for its creativity and innovation. The impact it has on everyone’s lives is phenomenal,” he explains.
Swamy embarked on his American journey with $500 in his pocket, moving first to San Francisco and then to New York in 2001. His initial experiences in the U.S. included working at a consulting firm and later at a New York startup, where he developed software for networking equipment. The excitement of those early days was tempered by the tragic events of 9/11, which he witnessed from the streets of Manhattan. “I’ll never forget that day. Seeing the towers fall reinforced my values of staying grounded, grateful, and resilient.”
Swamy decided to further his education as the recession loomed, earning a Master’s degree in Computer Engineering and Science in Kentucky. He then joined a small insurance technology company in Boston, where he played a pivotal role in its growth from 10 to 500 employees over a decade. “Until I co-founded Sandboxx, this was my best business experience. In the early days, everyone wore multiple hats. I was involved in Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Software Engineering. It truly opened my eyes to what growing a business entails.”
Swamy’s journey to Sandboxx began through mutual contacts who introduced him to Sam, our CEO. Sam was seeking a Co-Founder and CTO to develop the Sandboxx platform from an MVP. Swamy was looking for an opportunity to build something impactful. It was a perfect match from the start.
Swamy’s extensive experience, combined with his passion for technology and innovation, continues to drive Sandboxx forward, making a significant difference in the lives of military personnel and their families.
We are proud to have Swamy leading our technological endeavors and are excited about the future innovations he will bring to Sandboxx.
When Sandboxx was founded, our team lived and worked under the same roof, driven by a shared vision. Today, our journey has evolved into a dynamic and dedicated team at Sandboxx. We are incredibly fortunate to have attracted talented individuals united by our mission to serve the military community. Their passion and commitment continue to propel our success.
Observing our team grow, establishing robust processes and best practices, and occasionally rolling up our sleeves to dive back into hustle mode has been immensely rewarding. I vividly recall driving to the post office in the early days with perhaps a single letter, handling it with utmost care.
“To evolve from sending one letter a day to 10,000 while maintaining the same level of meticulous attention and care from every team member is truly inspiring.”
My primary priority is ensuring that we remain focused on our mission and vision of genuinely supporting the military community. This involves identifying the company’s internal needs and strategically building out our teams to address them. As we expand at an impressive rate, we must ensure we bring the right talent. Maintaining a product that simplifies our users’ lives is paramount; thus, every new feature and development must be meticulously planned and executed.
Furthermore, I take great pride in my self-proclaimed Head of Culture role. While people should take their work seriously, they should not take themselves too seriously.
Growing up, I admired my uncle, who served in the Indian military. His discipline and work ethic were unparalleled, but his selflessness stood out the most. He consistently put others before himself, and I strive to emulate those values.
Having been graciously welcomed to this country and enjoying the freedoms and opportunities it offers, I consider it a privilege to give back in any way I can. The U.S. military community exemplifies the strengths I admire in my uncle. As a civilian, it is a great honor for me to contribute to making their lives easier.
I envision a long-term future with Sandboxx but also strongly desire to return to teaching. Currently, I volunteer with local organizations that equip children with entrepreneurship skills and offer software instruction. I firmly believe that even “small” ideas can change the world, and I am excited to see what the next generation of entrepreneurs will achieve.
Check out Sandboxx Careers if you want to join the team!
