Indian-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author Sriram Krishnan has been appointed as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence by former U.S. President Donald Trump. This announcement comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen America’s position in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), amidst growing competition on the global stage.
Trump, in his statement, praised Krishnan’s expertise and strategic vision, saying, “Sriram Krishnan will serve as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. His deep understanding of AI and its transformative potential will be instrumental in shaping our nation’s AI policies and ensuring that America remains a global leader in this critical field.”
In his new role, Krishnan will collaborate closely with David Sacks, a prominent entrepreneur and investor, to maintain and advance the United States’ leadership in artificial intelligence. His responsibilities will include shaping AI policy, fostering innovation, and ensuring ethical standards are upheld in its development and application. Krishnan will also coordinate efforts across various government agencies and work alongside the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, which advises on integrating technological advancements into U.S. economic and security strategies.
Sriram Krishnan’s professional journey is a testament to his remarkable expertise and leadership in the technology sector. Born and raised in India, he graduated from SRM Valliammai Engineering College in Tamil Nadu before launching his career at Microsoft. During his time there, he played a pivotal role in developing Windows Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, which has since become a cornerstone of the company’s enterprise solutions. He also authored Programming Windows Azure, a technical guide published by O’Reilly, which remains a valuable resource for developers.
After leaving Microsoft, Krishnan joined Facebook in 2013, where he was instrumental in scaling its mobile app advertising platform, a key driver of the company’s revenue growth. His career trajectory continued upward as he took on senior roles at Snap and later at Twitter (now X). At Twitter, he worked closely with Elon Musk during the platform’s restructuring, contributing to its strategic overhaul and long-term vision.
In 2021, Krishnan joined Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s most influential venture capital firms, as a general partner. At 16z, he led investments in cutting-edge technology companies and played a crucial role in expanding the firm’s global presence. In 2023, he spearheaded the launch of a16z’s first international office in London, marking a significant milestone in the firm’s history. Beyond his professional achievements, Krishnan serves as an advisor to Cred, a leading Indian fintech company, and co-hosts The Aarthi and Sriram Show, a podcast he runs with his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy, that explores technology, entrepreneurship, and culture.
Krishnan’s appointment is widely viewed as a strategic move by the Trump administration to bolster America’s capabilities in artificial intelligence at a time when global competition in the field is intensifying. Countries like China have been making significant advancements in AI, raising concerns about the U.S.’s ability to maintain its technological edge. With Krishnan’s extensive experience and innovative mindset, he is expected to play a critical role in crafting policies that not only encourage innovation but also address ethical and regulatory challenges, ensuring AI benefits society while safeguarding national interests.
This development has sparked widespread attention, with many industry leaders and policymakers lauding Krishnan’s appointment as a forward-thinking decision. Observers believe his background, which bridges both technical expertise and strategic leadership, makes him uniquely qualified to navigate the complexities of AI policy. As the world watches how the U.S. approaches AI under his guidance, Krishnan’s role could shape the future of technology and its impact on global geopolitics for years to come.
