Builder.

AI systems. Security architecture. Homes. Whatever needs fixing.

Building in production
AI EngineeringSecurity ArchitecturePrivate Equity TechDIYNYC
About

I build things that work

Not demos. Not prototypes. Production systems. The kind that handle real data, serve real users, and can't go down at 2am without someone's phone ringing.

I came up through IT, security, and infrastructure — the kind of work where mistakes have real consequences. That taught me to ship fast but think carefully. Now I build intelligent systems for high-stakes financial environments where data is sensitive and the margin for error is small.

On weekends you'll find me doing home renovation projects because I can't turn off the builder brain. I don't wait for permission to solve problems — I figure it out.

I have a Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier named Cooper — though he mostly goes by Baby Cow, Lil Pancake, or whatever fits the moment. I like volunteering and co-leading event logistics at community service events. I'm into fitness, solo travel, real estate investing, and finding the best spots in NYC that most people walk right past.

Philosophy

How I think

Ship it securely

Speed without safety is recklessness. Security without speed is irrelevance. The answer is always both.

We'll figure it out

Most problems aren't as hard as they look. They just need someone willing to sit with them long enough.

Build the thing, not the pitch

I'd rather show a working prototype than a polished deck. The best strategy document is a deployed solution.

Your job is what you make of it

Titles are just words on an org chart. Impact is what you actually do when nobody's looking.

Leave it better than you found it

Whether it's a codebase, a security program, a community event, or a house — I want the people who come after me to have a better starting point than I did.

Journey

The journey so far

Now

AI & Security Engineering — Private Equity

Building AI systems and leading cybersecurity across a financial services environment. Solving problems at the intersection of technology, security, and investment strategy.

The pivot

Cybersecurity Engineering

Stepped into dedicated security work. Learned to move fast in environments where downtime costs real money.

The foundation

IT Management — Nonprofit Sector

Ran technology for an organization serving thousands of people across dozens of sites. Built first real systems from scratch.

The beginning

Technology Instructor

Started by teaching others. The best way to understand something deeply is to explain it simply.

Terminal

Try it yourself

~/lakshay
Welcome. Type help to see available commands.
Or don't. Explorers figure things out.
~/lakshay $
Connect

Let's connect

Emaillakshaym01@gmail.com
LinkedInlakshaymehandru
LocationNew York, NY
StatusBuilding in PE & VC