Experienced fintech founder specializing in AI and deep tech, focused on promoting financial inclusion. Co-founder of KarmaLife.ai, revolutionizing credit access for India's gig and blue-collar workers through AI-driven technology. With over 20 years in AI, computer vision, data science, and risk modeling, held leadership positions at Samsung and Smartron. Recognized for launching mobile-first financial platforms providing personalized credit solutions in real-time. Dedicated to using technology for social good and driving global impact through inclusive fintech innovation.
Hi, I’m
Naveen Budda
Cofounder/CTO
bangalore,KA
Summary
Overview
24
years of professional experience
2
years of post-secondary education
Work History
KarmaLifeAI
Co-Founder
02.2019 - Current
Job overview
- Company Overview: KarmaLife.ai is a pioneering platform that provides seamless, personalized digital credit to underserved workers, empowering them with accessible, mobile-first financial solutions that foster resilience and stability.
- At KarmaLife.ai, we are pioneering a mission to reshape financial inclusion for India’s blue-collar and gig economy by leveraging the transformative power of AI.
- Through a seamless, mobile-first platform, we are creating sustainable financial solutions that provide real-time, accessible digital credit tailored to the needs of underserved workers.
- Our goal is to empower individuals with lasting financial resilience and security, placing groundbreaking technology directly into the hands of those who need it most.
- Developed and launched KarmaLife.ai’s platform, which now supports over [number of users/workers] by offering personalized, AI-driven credit solutions.
- Advanced AI algorithms perform real-time risk modeling and credit assessment, enabling a first-of-its-kind financial safety net that adapts to the unique circumstances of each user.
- Orchestrated pivotal partnerships to seamlessly integrate KarmaLife.ai with major payment systems, such as BHIM UPI, making instant, digital credit more accessible than ever.
- Strategic collaboration ensures that essential financial tools are within reach for millions in underserved communities, redefining what it means to access credit in India.
- KarmaLife.ai is recognized as a leader in AI-powered fintech innovation, celebrated for its commitment to economic inclusivity and social impact.
- KarmaLife.ai is a pioneering platform that provides seamless, personalized digital credit to underserved workers, empowering them with accessible, mobile-first financial solutions that foster resilience and stability.
Smartron
Director
05.2018 - 01.2019
Job overview
- I founded and led AI Labs within Smartron’s tronX platform, where we explored groundbreaking applications of AI and deep tech in connected devices.
- This initiative allowed us to push past conventional limits and transform what was possible in device intelligence.
- Through a series of ambitious AI projects, I directed the development of intelligent, user-centered solutions that set industry benchmarks.
- These innovations didn’t just expand Smartron’s product ecosystem—they redefined the experience for users, establishing Smartron as a leader in AI-powered technology.
- Launched AI Labs under tronX to Drive Deep Tech Innovation Set New Standards in AI for Enhanced User Experiences.
Samsung R&D Institute India
Senior Technical Manager
06.2006 - 05.2018
Job overview
- Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of leading innovations that have pushed the boundaries of mobile security, connected technologies, and multimedia, delivering first-of-their-kind solutions on a global scale.
- Tackling some of the industry’s most complex challenges, I’ve focused on creating products that set new benchmarks and open doors to new possibilities.
- I’ve led and contributed to transformative projects in mobile and media security, computer vision, deep learning, multicore processing, multimedia and connected car apps.
- Each project was an exercise in reimagining what’s possible—creating secure, intelligent systems and pioneering capabilities that add genuine value to the user experience.
- From enhancing safety and connectivity in connected cars to advancing intelligent media applications, my goal has been to push the boundaries of what technology can achieve and to redefine excellence across industries.
Celstream Technologies
Senior Software Engineer
08.2005 - 06.2006
Job overview
- I led an engineering team focused on optimizing video codec performance to ensure efficient, high-quality media playback.
- My work involved refining codec processes to improve speed and efficiency, driving a smoother and more responsive user experience.
- Leading this team, I embraced each new technical challenge as an opportunity to push boundaries and inspire my team to achieve top-notch results.
- The satisfaction of tuning performance to bring out the best in digital media was immensely rewarding and solidified my passion for impactful engineering solutions.
Sasken Communication Technologies Ltd
Senior Software Engineer
01.2004 - 08.2005
Job overview
Pinexe Software Pvt Ltd (formerly known as Portal Player India Ltd)
Associate Engineer
12.2002 - 01.2004
Job overview
Suvistas Software (P) Ltd
Software Engineer
06.2001 - 11.2002
Job overview
Education
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Senior Management Program
01.2019 - 12.2020
University Overview
Karnatak University
Bachelor of Engineering - BE from Electronics and Communications Engineering
University Overview
Skills
Problem-solving
Awards
Awards
- Google for Startups Accelerator - AI/ML
- FE Visionary Leader
- NASSCOM Fintech Award
- CFI inclusive-fintech-50 cohort
- CGAP Pilot Karmalife
- Catalyst Fund's seventh cohort of inclusive fintech startup
Patents
Patents
Inventor on multiple granted patents across identity management, video processing, and content-based image retrieval. These innovations have been implemented in secure mobile systems and intelligent media platforms at scale.Timeline
Co-Founder
KarmaLifeAI
02.2019 - Current
Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad
Senior Management Program
01.2019 - 12.2020
Director
Smartron
05.2018 - 01.2019
Senior Technical Manager
Samsung R&D Institute India
06.2006 - 05.2018
Senior Software Engineer
Celstream Technologies
08.2005 - 06.2006
Senior Software Engineer
Sasken Communication Technologies Ltd
01.2004 - 08.2005
Associate Engineer
Pinexe Software Pvt Ltd (formerly known as Portal Player India Ltd)
12.2002 - 01.2004
Software Engineer
Suvistas Software (P) Ltd
06.2001 - 11.2002
Karnatak University
Bachelor of Engineering - BE from Electronics and Communications Engineering
Similar Profiles
Vivek K PVivek K P
Sr Project Engineer at Solarsquare energy Pvt LtdSr Project Engineer at Solarsquare energy Pvt Ltd
Gurleen KhannaGurleen Khanna
Talent Acquisition Lead-COE at ABB IndiaTalent Acquisition Lead-COE at ABB India
Harsha NalleruHarsha Nalleru
Software Developer Intern at Prodigy InfoTechSoftware Developer Intern at Prodigy InfoTech
Madhan A KMadhan A K
Product Security Expert / Security Researcher at Intel CorporationProduct Security Expert / Security Researcher at Intel Corporation
Zachary GustZachary Gust
Co-Founder at HyphaCo-Founder at Hypha