Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of artificial intelligence startup Perplexity, has praised Microsoft chief Satya Nadella as more than just a leader of one of the world’s largest technology companies. He described Nadella as a “phenomenal CEO and coach,” emphasizing his role as a mentor who has influenced the wider tech ecosystem. The remarks highlight the admiration Nadella has earned even from younger companies that are, in many ways, also his competitors.

Srinivas noted that Nadella’s ability to maintain a long-term vision while encouraging collaboration is a defining trait of his leadership. Despite Microsoft’s dominant position in AI, he pointed out that Nadella does not treat emerging startups as adversaries, but instead views them as potential collaborators in shaping the future of technology. This openness, according to Srinivas, sets Nadella apart in an industry often marked by aggressive competition and protective business strategies.

Perplexity itself has been steadily gaining ground in the AI sector, competing for attention in a crowded space dominated by established players. Srinivas explained that Nadella’s mentorship and outlook provide reassurance that newer entrants can still thrive alongside technology giants. He further stressed that having guidance from leaders of Nadella’s stature helps create an environment where innovation and cooperation can coexist.

By acknowledging Nadella as both a mentor and role model, Srinivas placed emphasis on a softer but vital side of leadership—shaping people and ideas, not just products and markets. In the fast-evolving AI race, this recognition shows that long-term influence may be defined as much by nurturing the next generation of innovators as by building powerful platforms. Srinivas’s remarks underline the fact that Nadella’s legacy is not confined to Microsoft but extends to the broader technology ecosystem.