Chaitanya HandaChaitanya Handabuild.learn.lead
I lead AI data operations at SoftAge, delivering high-quality, human-centric datasets for some of the world’s best AI frontier labs.
My Story
I grew up in West Delhi, a city that's beautifully chaotic. People are always in a rush. Growing up here taught me how to find rhythm amidst the constant buzz, and planted early lessons of mindfulness and minimalism that I still carry today.
At 17, I started ghostwriting for a UK-based medical lab and discovered a love for reading, writing, and finance, even with a science background. After high school, I pursued a B.Tech in Computer Science at MRU, Faridabad.
Around the same time the crypto boom took off (2020 to 2021), I got curious, not about chasing quick wins, but about understanding the fundamentals. I joined a trading group, focused on real learning, and eventually connected with a mentor who opened new doors for me. Together, we launched a decentralized NFT marketplace, a project that taught me what it really means to build, grind, and stay resilient.
Later, I was invited to join a promising Web3 startup as a community manager. At 19, I was leading a global community of over 100,000 crypto enthusiasts, partnering with names like Hiroshi Fujiwara and Bella Hadid. It was a wild, rewarding ride until the Web3 crash and regulatory headwinds reshaped everything.
Starting over was not easy. But thanks to LinkedIn, I connected with Happy Ajay, founder of 10xGrowth, and joined his team. Over the next 10 months, I worked closely with nonprofits and MSMEs globally, learning how to fundraise, consult, and solve real-world problems. Ajay taught me how to think independently, challenge conventions, and embrace minimalism not just as a lifestyle, but as a strategy.
In my final semester, I skipped campus placements to join SoftAge, leading a 50+ person team focused on building AI datasets at scale. Today, I work on improving systems, scaling teams, and building platforms that will shape the next wave of AI.
What I'm Building Today
- running a pod of prompt engineers, ai tutors, analysts, and developers
- curating high-quality data for ai models and agents
- improving our proprietary data collection software
- helping young graduates land their first jobs in ai and operations
- working on an exciting new platform that could disrupt the ai space (soon!)
Outside of Work
On weekends, I love riding motorcycles with different groups across NCR. For me, riding is more than just a hobby, it is a reset button. Long rides and road trips let me experience the raw beauty of nature, clear my mind, and sharpen my focus.
It is also my way of connecting with brilliant people from all walks of life, much like my own version of a Toastmasters club, where every journey brings new stories, fresh perspectives, and lasting friendships.
When I'm not on the road, you will usually find me reading. Books have been a constant companion in my journey. Two that have shaped my thinking deeply are The Art of War by Sun Tzu and The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason.