Dachi Choladze: From Tbilisi to Silicon Valley

Dachi Choladze's Journey to Silicon Valley

Dachi Choladze, a dynamic entrepreneur from Georgia, has proven that with hard work, anything is possible. His journey from local beginnings to the heart of Silicon Valley epitomizes perseverance and innovation.

His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on. After completing his studies in Business Administration and International Economics and Management at Central European University in Budapest and Bocconi University in Milan, he started his career as an assistant head of marketing at Solo Italia. However, his true passion lay in entrepreneurship.

Dachi's entrepreneurial ventures took him on a path of learning and resilience, with each experience contributing to his success. One of his early ventures was an online platform that guided students seeking educational opportunities abroad.

In 2014, he participated in the Bank of Georgia's Accelerator VEGA Startup Lab with a startup idea centered around a loyalty program that provided discounts and supported charities. While this project faced challenges with scaling and ultimately went out of business, it provided valuable lessons.

Pulsar AI: A Georgian Startup’s Rise to Silicon Valley

The turning point in Dachi's career came in late 2016 when he co-founded Pulsar AI with Zaal Gachechiladze. Within a year, Pulsar AI had established itself as a leading AI company in Georgia.

Pulsar AI made headlines with its groundbreaking chatbot for TBC Bank, Georgia’s first foray into artificial intelligence. This innovative project showcased Pulsar AI’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and its potential to revolutionize customer interactions in the financial sector.

The successful deployment of the chatbot not only set a precedent for AI initiatives in Georgia but also positioned Pulsar AI as a leader in the regional tech landscape.

In 2018, Dachi and his co-founder traveled to Silicon Valley, engaging in extensive negotiations and idea exchanges with industry leaders.

Pulsar AI secured a $1.2 million investment from Silicon Valley investors, including Ridge Ventures, Great Oaks VC, and notable angel investors such as two-time NBA champion Zaza Pachulia, becoming the first Georgian startup to achieve this feat. This funding proved pivotal in establishing Pulsar AI's presence in the U.S. market.

Pulsar AI's Global Impact

Pulsar AI's success continued as it became the first global “exit” for a Georgian tech startup. Pulsar AI built the leading AI technology for the automotive industry, and its value quickly surpassed several tens of millions of dollars.

The company eventually merged with Impel (formerly SpinCar), another leading automotive industry tech company. Today, Impel operates in over 51 countries from several offices worldwide, including its Tbilisi and New York offices.

Beyond AI: Dachi Choladze's Investment Journey

Dachi Choladze's entrepreneurial spirit extends beyond Pulsar AI. With his proven track record in entrepreneurship and technology, he became an active investor.

He emerged as a prominent figure on the reality show "Shark Tank," where he invested in over 10 projects across two seasons, demonstrating his keen eye for promising startups.

Dachi Choladze: An Inspiration for Entrepreneurs

Dachi Choladze's story is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential for success even in unexpected places. From Tbilisi to Silicon Valley, his journey embodies the resilience, determination, and visionary spirit that drives successful entrepreneurs. He stands as an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs everywhere.

Key Takeaways:

Dachi Choladze is a Georgian entrepreneur who has successfully built an AI company, Pulsar AI, from the ground up.

Pulsar AI's success in the automotive industry led to a merger with Impel, expanding its global reach.

Dachi's investment activities on “Shark Tank” showcase his commitment to supporting and nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs.