AI Instead of a Degree: How Samir Vasavada Built a $1B Startup

What if you didn’t need a college degree to build a billion-dollar company?
What if AI—not academia—was the real game changer?

That’s exactly what Samir Vasavada, co-founder of Vise, set out to prove. In a powerful conversation on Silicon Valley Girl, Samir shares his journey of dropping out of college, embracing uncertainty, and using AI to transform the future of wealth management.

This isn’t just a tech success story—it’s a masterclass in following your instinct, betting on yourself, and building a mission-led company from scratch.

From College Dropout to CEO

Despite his traditional Indian upbringing, Samir made the bold decision to drop out of college to pursue entrepreneurship full-time. He didn’t wait for a degree to validate his potential—he trusted experience over education.

Key takeaway: Real-world learning can outpace the classroom if you’re willing to learn fast, fail smart, and stay hungry.

Building with Purpose (and AI)

Vise started as a vision to democratize financial advising—making powerful investment tools accessible to everyone, not just the wealthy. With AI at its core, Vise lets advisors upload portfolios and get smart, real-time optimization insights.

Key takeaway: The best startups solve real problems. AI isn’t magic—it’s a tool for better human decisions.

Hiring Human, Not Just Smart

Samir shares how his hiring philosophy changed over time. He looks for curiosity, emotional intelligence, and alignment with the mission—not just shiny résumés.

Key takeaway: In the age of AI, uniquely human traits—empathy, adaptability, and vision—matter more than ever.

Struggles, Burnout & Resilience

Startup life wasn’t glamorous. There were sleepless nights, failed pitches, and moments of burnout. What kept Samir going? A vision bigger than himself.

Key takeaway: Purpose beats burnout. Find your “why” and let it guide you through the chaos.

Legacy Over Hype

Samir’s North Star isn’t just building a billion-dollar business—it’s creating generational impact. He wants Vise to shift how we think about wealth, risk, and access.

Key takeaway: True success isn’t fast fame—it’s meaningful legacy.

College vs. AI: The Future of Learning

Samir believes AI will challenge the way we approach education. While college won’t disappear, real-world credibility will matter more than credentials.

Key takeaway: In the AI era, your edge comes from mastering your superpower—something uniquely you.

✨Final Thoughts

Samir’s story is more than entrepreneurial inspiration—it’s proof that with vision, grit, and a little delulu energy, you can build something world-changing without following a traditional path.

Whether you’re a founder, a dreamer, or someone stuck between degrees and doubt—remember:
It’s not about what you’ve studied. It’s about what you build.