Sriram Krishnan, an Indian-American entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and author, has recently been appointed as the Senior White House Policy Advisor on Artificial Intelligence (AI) under former President Donald Trump.
This new role places Krishnan at the forefront of the US government’s efforts to shape and influence AI policies at a time when technological advancements are accelerating globally.
In a formal announcement, Donald Trump shared the news of Krishnan's appointment alongside several other key figures. He stated, “Sriram Krishnan will serve as the Senior Policy Advisor for Artificial Intelligence at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.”
Trump elaborated further, highlighting the significant responsibility Krishnan would have in helping maintain America’s leadership in the AI sector.
According to Trump, Krishnan will work closely with David Sacks and play a vital role in coordinating AI policies across various government agencies.
Additionally, he will collaborate with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology to ensure the country remains at the cutting edge of AI development.
Krishnan's career trajectory has positioned him as an influential figure in the tech industry, with extensive experience at some of the biggest names in technology.
His journey began at Microsoft, where he was instrumental in building Windows Azure, a platform that has become a cornerstone of cloud computing.
His work in developing APIs and services for Windows Azure was a significant part of his early career, and he later authored Programming Windows Azure, a well-regarded book published by O’Reilly.
In 2013, Krishnan joined Facebook, where he played a key role in expanding the platform's mobile app advertising, a crucial move that helped Facebook solidify its position as a global leader in digital advertising.
His expertise in mobile platforms and digital infrastructure was further honed during his tenure at Snap, where he worked on scaling the company’s core products.
Krishnan’s most recent role was at Twitter, now X, where he worked closely with Elon Musk in 2019 to help restructure the platform. This experience further strengthened his understanding of social media ecosystems and the importance of technology in shaping public discourse.
By 2021, Krishnan had risen to become a general partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms.
At Andreessen Horowitz, he took on a significant leadership role and was instrumental in expanding the firm’s operations, including spearheading its first international office in London in 2023.
Krishnan’s influence extends beyond his work in the corporate sector. He also serves as an advisor to the Indian fintech company Cred, where he provides valuable insights into the world of digital finance.
Furthermore, Krishnan is a co-host of The Aarthi and Sriram Show, a popular podcast that he runs with his wife, Aarthi Ramamurthy.
The podcast covers a range of topics, often focusing on the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and culture, making it a well-followed source of insights for listeners interested in these areas.
As Senior AI Advisor, Sriram Krishnan's deep knowledge of technology and his experience across several high-profile companies will be critical in shaping AI policy in the United States.
His appointment signals the country’s commitment to advancing its technological edge in a rapidly changing global landscape.
With a background in both engineering and venture capital, Krishnan is uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between innovation and policy, ensuring that the development of AI technologies remains aligned with broader economic, social, and ethical considerations.
Follow us
