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An entrepreneur with US citizenship explains why he chose to build his company in India, saying financial security allows him to focus more on impact than earning more money.
His priorities have sparked a debate. (X/@vikpai/LinkedIn)
A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur with US citizenship says he chose to build his company in India because he wants to focus on the impact he can create rather than simply earning more.
His idea has sparked a debate over money, work and personal goals.
He Chose India Despite Having A US Option
Vikram Pai, CEO and co-founder of ReferRush, said having US citizenship gave him the option to build a career in America. Instead, he decided to stay in India and take the harder route of building a business here.
Pai said his decision is linked to what he actually needs from life. He does not see money as his main goal and said simple things such as food, a home, exercise, books, friends and family are enough to keep him happy. He added that his priorities could change as his family grows.
If he has children, he would want them to have a comfortable home, a good car and a good education. However, he believes he could provide those things whether he works in India or the US.
Pai Says Impact Matters More Than Income
For Pai, having enough money to feel secure has changed how he looks at his career. Instead of trying to maximise his salary, he wants to see how much difference he can make through his company.
“The marginal impact I can have building ReferRush in India is far greater than the impact I could have as another well-paid executive in America,” he wrote. He also pointed to the people already earning through ReferRush.
According to Pai, some affiliates using the platform have made enough money to travel abroad for the first time. “That means something to me. If we can help build the infrastructure and culture for affiliate commerce in India, we can create livelihoods, businesses, and opportunities at enormous scale,” he wrote.
Pai said this is why he feels free to take bigger risks with his business. “I know my floor is enough. So I’m free to chase the highest possible ceiling of impact,” Pai said.
Someone asked why money isn’t my main motivation, and why, as a U.S. citizen, I chose to build in India.It is a little ironic. So many Indians dream of moving abroad or working with American companies. I chose to come here and struggle.
Two reasons:
1. I don’t need much to be…
— Vikram Pai (@vikpai) August 12, 2026
His Post Led To A Debate About Ambition
Pai’s views drew mixed responses from users. A person agreed with his focus on impact but warned him to be clear with employees about his priorities, since workers may have their own financial goals and responsibilities.
The user wrote, “Don’t get me wrong. If you are so inclined towards impact then please ensure that you are not opaque about this when you hire talent. Because people who join you in your ride may have real responsibilities & dreams to fulfill. Be clear and call out in first interaction that you are not doing this for money.”
Pai responded, “Impact is made through technological progress and through technical progress you can build a great business. Its absolutely not mutually exclusive.”
Another user said knowing how much money one actually needs can make it easier to focus on bigger goals rather than constantly chasing a higher income.
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A team of writers at News18.com bring you stories on what’s creating the buzz on the Internet while exploring science, cricket, tech, gender, Bollywood, and culture.
August 13, 2026, 08:00 IST
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