Nilesh Shah M.S. ’88 Pursues Excellence at Every Elevation
Global entrepreneur Nilesh Shah M.S. ’88 has built more than one successful enterprise — and he’s not finished yet. His guiding principles include discipline, persistence, mindfulness and lifelong learning. He also embraces ambitious adventures, from IRONMAN competitions to Everest Base Camp.
There is a photo of Nilesh Shah M.S. ’88 and his wife Nita that, when viewed close-up, shows a happy couple on a hike. Zoom out, however, and the sign behind them tells a different story: “Everest Base Camp, 5,364 meters.” Shah’s aspirations tend to rise above the ordinary.
When Shah came to the United States in 1984, fresh from completing his undergraduate degree in physics at St. Xavier’s College in India, he knew he wanted to pursue something different. He decided to give computer science, and Stevens, a try.
“When I arrived at Stevens, I hadn’t had any exposure to the United States,” Shah says. “I could see that Stevens alumni went on to excellent careers. As a foreign student, I found this to be very encouraging. In addition, Stevens’ location near New York City offered many opportunities for weekend and summer work.”
“I was also planning to get married and start a family,” he continues. “I knew that Stevens would put me on a fast track to getting a good job.”
Shah appreciated the work ethic studying at Stevens required. “I worked and studied very hard,” he says. “The classes were challenging but designed to make sure our thinking process was going in the right direction.”
Shah was recruited by Bellcore directly from Stevens, where he spent ten years developing his career in telecommunications. “I started as a programmer, received the President’s Award and advanced through several mergers and reorganizations,” he says. “It was an exciting time, though. I was part of the team that made it possible for people to keep their phone number when switching carriers.”
When the Shahs returned to India so their two sons could experience the culture and values they grew up with, he joined Ashima Ltd., spearheading the IT division of the $100 million textile company. By 2000, he was managing director of tailored software solutions startup cyberThink InfoTech Pvt. Ltd.
The software boom following Y2K and the rise of dot-com companies created new opportunities for startups and increased demand for technology partners. Recognizing the software industry’s growth potential, Shah founded Nichetech in 2010. The company grew quickly, primarily through word of mouth, into an international software and technology solutions business serving companies and entrepreneurs across 18 countries. Nichetech’s client list ranges from enterprise clients that need customized approaches to get the most from legacy IT systems to early-stage startups.
“We were early adopters of a mobile-first approach, pioneering mobile application development,” Shah says. “We share in the ownership of the startups. One of the more successful ones helps dating apps verify the identities of its users. Nichetech created the mobile solution for the venture.”
The founding of Matrubharti, a platform that publishes content in nine Indian languages, was more personal. “A 2016 Forbes India article, titled ‘Online Self-Publishing Goes Desi,’ highlighted our passion project to support Indian storytellers,” Shah says. “Today, Matrubharti provides creative space for 100,000 authors and content creators. More than 3.6 million registered users consume the platform’s text, audio and video content. Thirty-five thousand people are accessing our content daily; monthly active users are at 1 million.”
With a rewarding career and a close-knit family, Shah turned his attention to another goal: living life to the fullest. “In high school I was a very good swimmer, but over time I lost my commitment to regular exercise,” he explains. “At 42, I became ill and was ordered to remain on bed rest. I recognized the need to approach my health differently.”
Shah’s “aha” moment led to 15-minute exercise sessions, six days a week. “These sessions grew longer and more intense over time,” he says. “I never miss a workout. My fitness efforts enhance my discipline for business, in addition to improving my health. I have a new appreciation for the value of time.”
With a philosophy that places mind over body, Shah’s adventures include an Everest Base Camp expedition, a Half IRONMAN podium finish, six Olympic-distance triathlons, more than 18 marathons and half-marathons, multiple cyclothons and a skydive from 18,000 feet.
“In India, the term SIP – Systematic Investment Plan – is very popular,” he says. “I also focus on my HIP – Health Investment Plan. Your health is the most important thing.”
Enjoying the life he has built includes trips to Castle Point whenever he is in the area. These visits might just include a stop at Torna’s Pizzeria, known informally as “Tony’s” and still one of Shah’s favorites. “Back in the day, you could get two slices for 99 cents,” he recalls with a laugh, noting that he even took his children to Tony’s so that they could experience something from their father’s past. “That was a treat for a cash-strapped student!”
Of course, the campus has changed quite a bit since the 1980s. “Sitting in the main building I can see the world’s biggest financial hub,” he says. “But I am also reminded of my own path. Even though today I am a world entrepreneur, I want to remember and acknowledge that this is where I started.”
“My success began here,” Shah adds. “Investing in your education is so important. Choosing Stevens gave me a high return on that investment.”
