Chennai to Silicon Valley: CA Vish Arunachalam on Global Startups and Networking

From Chennai to Silicon Valley: How one CA is building a global startup movement

In this special episode of Coffee with CA, Zoho’s Geena Bharwani sits down with CA Vish Arunachalam, whose journey spans continents, careers, and communities. What began in the lanes of Chennai has taken him to boardrooms in Silicon Valley—and in the process, he’s sparked a movement to bring chartered accountants into the heart of the global startup ecosystem.

From numbers to networks: The real game changer

For Arunachalam, success has always been about more than just qualifications. “Your network is your net worth,” he says—and his journey is proof. From ICAI events in North America to casual coffee catch-ups, Arunachalam built a powerful community that opened doors he never imagined. His first client? A connection. His first company? Born out of trust.

Why he chose CA and where it took him

Interestingly, Arunachalam didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a CA. With a family background rooted in banking and entrepreneurship, he was no stranger to business—but CA gave him the structure, credibility, and cross-cultural insights to dream bigger.

He became the first CA in his family, not because it was expected, but because it felt right. That decision laid the foundation for everything that followed.

From PwC Chennai to Silicon Valley

Arunachalam was bold from the get-go. He applied to PwC even before his CA final results were out—and got in. What started as a plan to “gain some experience” turned into years of high-profile assignments, international exposure, and a growing realization: There’s a bigger world out there.

A short stint in New York opened his eyes to the scale and opportunity of the US market—and consulting soon replaced assurance as his calling.

Leaping into entrepreneurship

With global consulting experience under his belt and a deep understanding of regulatory environments, Arunachalam was ready for more. In 2012, a friend asked why he wasn’t doing independent consulting. That question led to his first venture—and it snowballed from there.

His secret? Not just skills, but relationships. As he says, “The best business strategy is showing up consistently in your network.”

Solving real problems with AI and compliance tech

While consulting, Arunachalam spotted a recurring pain point: compliance penalties were draining businesses. Instead of just advising, he built a solution—an AI-powered compliance platform designed to help companies stay ahead of regulations.

What’s notable is how he built the product: with paying customers from day one. “Don’t just build and hope people come,” he advises. “Know the need before you code.”

Growing the CA community globally

Beyond startups, Arunachalam has been instrumental in expanding ICAI’s global footprint—helping grow from a handful of offices in the US to nearly 20, with a target of 50 by the end of 2025. For him, it’s about building spaces where CAs can collaborate, thrive, and support one another across borders.

Launching CAstartup.org: A global support platform for CA founders

Taking inspiration from IIT-startup.org, Arunachalam co-founded CAstartup.org to empower CA-founded startups around the world. The first cohort already has four VC firms backing it with $1 million each.

His goal? To shift the mindset around what chartered accountants can achieve—not just in audit rooms, but in boardrooms and beyond.

A grounded life, a global vision

Despite his packed schedule, Arunachalam makes time for tennis, travel, and staying in touch with fellow CAs. He swears by The Magic of Thinking Big, a book that helped him reframe limitations and think on a global scale.

His advice? Bet on yourself and stay connected

Arunachalam closes with a heartfelt message: be bold, stay curious, and never underestimate the power of your community. “Everything I’ve built came from relationships,” he says. “Show up, help others, and the right people will show up for you.”

If you’re a CA looking to build your own venture or just find your place in the global network, let this be your cue. Connect. Create. Collaborate. The world is waiting.