Sandeep Nailwal (Sentient)
Overview
Sandeep Nailwal is a prominent entrepreneur known for his contributions to the blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. He is the co-founder of Polygon, a leading blockchain platform aimed at addressing scalability issues with Ethereum. More recently, Nailwal co-founded Sentient, an AI startup focused on developing decentralized AI solutions using blockchain technology. Sentient has positioned itself as a competitor to major players like OpenAI and AWS by offering an open-source artificial general intelligence (AGI) network. Nailwal's work at the intersection of blockchain and AI emphasizes transparency, decentralization, and equitable distribution of technological benefits.
Recent Developments
In recent years, Sandeep Nailwal has been active in several high-profile ventures:
- September 2025: Sentient launched its open-source AGI network, which opens access to 2 million waitlisted users, allowing multiple AI agents to collaborate in real time. This new launch marks Sentient’s direct competition with industry giants such as OpenAI. Nailwal emphasized that this move empowers India and allied nations to define the future of AI on their terms (Source).
- June 2025: Nailwal was appointed as the CEO of the Polygon Foundation. This new role is intended to enhance the strategic focus and decision-making speed of the project (Source).
- July 2024: Sentient raised $85 million in a seed funding round co-led by Peter Thiel’s Founders Fund, Pantera Capital, and Framework Ventures. The funding supports Sentient's mission to create a decentralized AI ecosystem (Source).
- February 2025: Sentient debuted Sentient Chat, a chatbot powered by multiple integrated AI agents. This platform builds on the progress made by Sentient's earlier initiative "Dobby", aiming to provide community-owned AI services (Source).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Sandeep Nailwal |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known For | Co-founding Polygon and Sentient |
| Net Worth | Undisclosed |
| Education | N/A |
Early Life and Education
Details about Sandeep Nailwal's early life are limited in public records. However, his journey from a modest background to becoming an influential figure in blockchain and AI showcases his determination and innovative mindset. Hailing from India, Nailwal's entrepreneurial spirit and technical acumen have been vital in his rise within the tech industry. His educational background, though not extensively documented, has undoubtedly equipped him with the foundational knowledge to spearhead complex technological ventures such as Polygon and Sentient.
Career and Notable Achievements
Sandeep Nailwal's career is marked by significant milestones that illustrate his impact on the blockchain and AI landscapes:
- 2017: Co-founded Polygon to address Ethereum's scalability issues, leading to widespread adoption of the platform as a layer-2 scaling solution.
- 2024-2025: Co-founded Sentient to develop decentralized, open-source AI solutions, emphasizing autonomy for AI agents across blockchain networks.
- Led Sentient to secure substantial funding and strategic partnerships, positioning it as a formidable player against established companies like OpenAI.
- Guided the launch of Sentient's open AGI network, which integrates multiple AI models and data sources collaboratively.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Sandeep Nailwal plays a dual role as the CEO of the Polygon Foundation and a co-founder of Sentient. His work continues to shape the AI and blockchain industries by promoting decentralization and equity. As the CEO of the Polygon Foundation, Nailwal is focused on enhancing the scalability and strategic outreach of the platform. Meanwhile, at Sentient, he is pioneering the integration of blockchain technology with AI to democratize access to powerful AI tools and prevent monopolistic control by centralized entities.
Conclusion
Sandeep Nailwal's journey from an aspiring entrepreneur in India to a key player in the global tech industry underscores his visionary leadership and commitment to innovation. By co-founding pivotal projects like Polygon and Sentient, Nailwal has significantly influenced how blockchain and AI technologies are perceived and utilized. His efforts in promoting decentralization and equitable AI access reflect his broader mission of technological democratization. As Sentient continues to evolve and compete on the global stage, Nailwal's role will likely remain integral to the unfolding narrative of AI and blockchain convergence.