Suhas Gopinath
He launched a global IT company from a cyber cafe as a teenager, becoming one of the world's youngest CEOs.
Born 1986 (age 40)·Indian entrepreneur·Birthday: November 4·Millennials
Biography
Suhas Gopinath's story is a classic tale of digital age precocity. Growing up in Bangalore, India, he taught himself web development as a boy, using the computers at a local internet cafe. At 14, he founded Globals Inc., an IT services company, with a mere $100. By 17, he was its CEO, steering the firm into a multinational operation with clients across continents. His journey wasn't just about youthful success; it became a symbol of how the internet could democratize entrepreneurship. Gopinath later ventured into retail tech with the startup ShopsUp, continuing to focus on innovative solutions. He has often spoken about the challenges of being taken seriously as a teen entrepreneur, using his platform to advocate for young innovators and digital education in India.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Suhas was born in 1986, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Suhas Was Born
The biggest hits of 1986
#1 Movie
Top Gun
Best Picture
Platoon
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Suhas's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1986Born
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1991Started school
Soviet Union dissolves; World Wide Web goes public
Gas: $1.14/galHome: $82,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You" — Bryan AdamsBest Picture: The Silence of the Lambs
1999Became a teenager
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Could drive
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2004Could vote
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2007Turned 21
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2016Turned 30
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 40
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Founded the multinational IT company Globals Inc. at the age of 14.
- Became the CEO of his company at 17, recognized as one of the youngest CEOs in the world.
- Expanded Globals Inc. to operate in over 10 countries.
- Founded the retail tech startup ShopsUp in 2017.
Did You Know?
He built his first company website from a cyber cafe because he didn't own a computer.
He was invited to speak at the European Parliament about youth entrepreneurship.
He was named one of the 'Young Global Leaders' by the World Economic Forum.
His first major contract was with the Government of Dubai.
“I started my company with $100 and a dream. Age is just a number when you have passion.”
