Jitendra Mohan, Sanjay Gajendra, and Casey Morrison, co-founders of Astera Labs, were named winners of the 2026 EY World Entrepreneur of the Year competition at an awards ceremony held in the Salle des Etoiles in Monaco. They were selected from nearly 5,000 program participants, including 58 winners from 46 countries and regions, who competed for the global title.
As noted in the press release, Jitendra Mohan, Sanjay Gajendra, and Casey Morrison have built their careers on a shared belief: that connectivity is the “key” to unlocking the full power of artificial intelligence. While working together at a leading global semiconductor company, they became convinced that resolving bottlenecks in bandwidth and performance would be crucial to unlocking the next wave of AI innovation.
In 2017, they left the security of their jobs to found Astera Labs and set out to create specialized connectivity solutions designed specifically for AI data centers.
Starting from a garage in Silicon Valley, the company overcame many initial hurdles, such as new technical standards, finding the right talent, an ecosystem that wasn’t yet ready, and securing funding in a highly competitive space.
The founders overcame these challenges through their focus on customer satisfaction and innovation, and since then, the company has evolved into a trusted partner for major players in the tech industry. Today, Astera Labs employs over 1,000 people across 13 offices worldwide, with a market capitalization of $54 billion and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 120% since 2022. Following its successful IPO in 2024, Astera Labs continues to operate at the forefront of AI infrastructure, driven by a vision of technological progress that can transform industries and improve lives.
The global EY organization hosts the annual World Entrepreneur Of The Year competition to honor the achievements of visionary leaders who are confidently shaping the future, growing the economy, and addressing global challenges. The annual gathering brings together founders, CEOs, and business leaders from around the world, offering them opportunities to network and participate in educational seminars, culminating in the announcement of the EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
In this year’s global competition, Greece was dynamically represented by Haris Vafeias, CEO of VAFIAS GROUP and EY “Entrepreneur of the Year” for Greece 2025. The next competition in Greece is expected to begin in the fall of 2027.