A Georgian Innovator's Road to Silicon Valley: Dachi Choladze's Entrepreneurial Story

Entrepreneur is always eager to share stories of individuals who refuse to quit, who see setbacks as setups for comebacks, and who believe that determination, can change the world. One such individual is Dachi Choladze, a dynamic entrepreneur from Georgia, whose journey from local beginnings to the heart of Silicon Valley encapsulates the very essence of perseverance and innovation.

Dachi Choladze's path from Tbilisi to the heart of Silicon Valley is nothing short of remarkable. As a co-founder and CEO of Pulsar AI, he has not only spearheaded one of Georgia's most successful technology startups but also carved out a niche in the highly competitive American market. His story is a testament to determination, vision, and the unyielding belief that with hard work, anything is possible.

Born on February 3, 1990, Dachi grew up in Tbilisi, Georgia.

Dachi's formative years in Tbilisi were marked by his education at the First Experimental School, 55th Public School, and ESM School. The young visionary's academic journey took him to some of the finest educational institutions in Europe. He enrolled in a double-degree program at Central European University in Budapest and Bocconi University in Milan, where he majored in Business Administration and International Economics and Management. He has also earned an MBA from the Free University of Tbilisi, The years abroad were transformative, not just academically, but personally. Dachi learned the value of self-reliance, navigating life alone at a very early age in foreign countries and cultures.After finishing his studies in Milan, Italy, he started a job as an assistant head of marketing at Solo Italia,, a subsidiary of a major corporation Gruppo Andros.

Before founding Pulsar AI, Dachi tried his hand at various entrepreneurial ventures in various industries, each contributing a chapter to his story of resilience. One of his ventures was an online platform that guided students seeking educational opportunities abroad

In 2014, he participated in the Bank of Georgia's Accelerator VEGA Startup Lab with a startup idea focused on a loyalty program that allowed users to get discounts and also support charities with their purchases. Despite initial interest and successful market entry, the venture faced challenges with scaling and eventually went out of business.

The significant breakthrough in Dachi's career started in late 2016, when he, along with Zaal Gachechiladze, founded Pulsar AI. Within a year, Pulsar AI had established itself as a leading AI company in Georgia.

In March 2017, Pulsar AI launched its groundbreaking chatbot for TBC Bank, marking Georgia's first foray into artificial intelligence. This innovative project garnered immediate attention and validation on the market. The collaboration underscored Pulsar AI's commitment to cutting-edge technology and showcased its potential to revolutionize customer interactions in the financial sector. The successful deployment of the chatbot not only set a precedent for AI initiatives in Georgia but also positioned Pulsar AI as a leader in the regional tech landscape.

In 2018, Dachi Choladze, together with his co-founder Zaal Gachechiladze, traveled to Silicon Valley. Over the next year, he engaged in extensive negotiations and idea exchanges with prominent figures in the industry.

Pulsar AI's became the first Georgian startup to secure an investment from Silicon Valley investors. This $1.2M funding was pivotal for establishing a foothold in the U.S. market. Notable investors included Ridge Ventures, Great Oaks VC, and several angel investors including two time NBA champion Zaza Pachulia.

Pulsar AI's remarkable success continued as it became the first global "exit" for a Georgian tech startup. Pulsar AI built the leading AI technology for automotive industry and its value quicklysurpassed several tens of millions of dollars, eventually merging with another leading automotive industry tech company Impel (formerly SpinCar). The company now operates in more than 51 countries from several offices around the world, including its Tbilisi and New York offices.

With a proven track record in entrepreneurship and technology, Dachi Choladze became an active investor. He became a notable figure on the reality show "Shark Tank," where he invested in over 10 projects over two seasons.

As Dachi continues to build on his success, his story remains a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when you refuse to give up. From Tbilisi to the world, Dachi Choladze is living proof that no dream is too big, and no obstacle too great.

Sources:

Crunchbase – Pulsar AI
Impel Acquires Pulsar AI
Impel Names Dachi Choladze Chief Innovation Officer