‘Without My Wife, None Of This Would Have Happened’: Jay Chaudhry On Startup Success

For Jay Chaudhry, the visionary behind cybersecurity powerhouse Zscaler, business success has always been a family affair. The 66-year-old billionaire credits his wife Jyoti as the unsung hero behind his remarkable journey from startup founder to tech titan with a $17 billion fortune.

"Without her, none of this would have happened," Chaudhry told CNBC Make It, revealing the secret behind his fortune and success. Sharing advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, he suggested, "You want to do a great startup, get your spouse involved as a partner."

Chaudhry’s impressive career includes founding several successful ventures such as SecureIT, AirDefense, CipherTrust, and CoreHarbor — all of which were eventually acquired. Despite these professional achievements, he makes it clear who deserves the credit for his journey. “The most important person for my success is my wife, Jyoti Chaudhry. Without her, none of this thing would have happened,” he said, highlighting the foundation of their partnership.

The Chaudhrys' winning formula became evident with their first venture, SecureIT, launched in 1996. While Jay brought technical expertise from his engineering background, Jyoti's financial acumen proved equally crucial. "I do not know how to incorporate a company. She does," admits the Zscaler CEO, who still jokes about being in the dark about their personal finances.

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Balancing Risk And Caution

The balance between their personalities has also been pivotal. Jay identifies himself as a bold risk-taker, saying he’s “ready to jump off the cliff,” while describing his wife as more cautious and conservative. Her steady approach, especially in the tense, high-pressure environment of early-stage startups, provided much-needed stability. “She’s a lot more conservative. If I get excited, I’m ready to jump off the cliff. She can pull me back,” he explained, highlighting how her calm demeanour has helped navigate the unpredictable nature of entrepreneurship.

From handling payroll and benefits at SecureIT to providing strategic counsel through multiple successful exits, Jyoti's contributions have been the constant in Jay's ascent. Even today, as he leads the $17 billion cybersecurity firm Zscaler, their partnership remains the foundation of his success - proving that behind every great entrepreneur, there might just be an even greater spouse.

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