The Patkis

Pathkey started as Avani and Suyog's personal advisory practice. Two founders who spent twenty years building a company they were proud of, now helping other leaders do the same.

Suyog Patki

Suyog Patki

Co-founded Rapid Circle India and Driya Creatives. I help founders navigate strategy, AI integration, and work culture, blending analytical rigour with storytelling. Angel investor and mentor who backs people as much as ideas. I advocate for servant leadership and psychological safety. Guided by Vedantic wisdom, tuned by music.

Avani Patki

Avani Patki

Co-founded Rapid Circle India and Driya Creatives. Our debut short film almost made it to the Oscars in 2020. I love identifying problems, finding solutions, and converting them into processes, continuous improvement with a human touch. An old soul drawn to the Upanishads. I’ve been a wildlife volunteer and guide with Go-Wild since 2011, having explored most national parks in India.

About The Patkis

A quiet partner for leaders who want to build right, not just big.

This is how Avani and Suyog show up in their individual capacity: as a thinking partner to founders, CxOs, and boards who care about people and long-term value as much as quarterly numbers.

Over the last two decades, we’ve built and scaled teams across Microsoft cloud, AI products, creative storytelling, and advisory work. What we keep coming back to is simple: be clear, be kind, take responsibility.

We approach leadership as stewardship. That means asking “what is the right next move for this organisation and its people?” and then using strategy, technology, and narrative to get there.

We work with a small number of leaders at a time. We help them make fewer, better bets, bring AI in thoughtfully, and build cultures where high performance and psychological safety aren’t at odds with each other.

Our Philosophy: The Triangle Framework

We believe sustainable profit follows value-creation. We help leaders balance the competing interests of People, Customers, and Profit through a “Value-First” lens — nurturing relationships before extracting gains.

When The Patkis tend to be a good fit

  • You want to grow, but not at the cost of your people or principles
  • You're curious about AI, but allergic to hype and compliance risk
  • You'd like a thinking partner in your corner. Honest, calm, and not on your payroll
  • You believe long-term trust is the real moat

Ventures & Portfolio

The Patkis sit on top of a lived ecosystem, not a buzzword "network". These are the teams we have built or backed, where values, craft and responsible use of technology are non-negotiable.

Rapid Circle India
rapidcircle.com

Co-founded by Suyog and Avani. Grew from zero to a 200+ person Microsoft cloud and AI consultancy. This is where Pathkey’s DNA comes from.

Driya Creatives
driyacreatives.com

A film production company to tell stories we truly believe in through fictional films, advertisements, short documentaries.

Rian
rian.io

AI-powered video localisation and document translation, helping creators and brands adapt content globally while keeping cultural authenticity.

Micorza
micorza.com

AI-driven product insights. Turns qualitative user feedback into actionable strategies for Product, UX, and Marketing teams.

Atreya Innovations
atreyainnovations.com

Health, wellness, and longevity at the intersection of traditional wisdom and modern science. Pathkey advises on AI strategy and product thinking.

Coditing
coditing.com

Information security, audit, and compliance (ISO, SOC 2). We work with Coditing on AI-assisted security workflows and trust infrastructure.

BettrLabs
bettrlabs.com

AI-powered CloudLabs for product formulation. Pathkey helped shape the early AI architecture and product direction.

DEFTXR
deftxr.com

Immersive 3D anatomy learning platform for medical education. Pathkey supports product and AI strategy as DEFTXR scales across VR, web, and classroom formats.

A handful of companies where Suyog invests time and capital alongside the founders. Small portfolio, high involvement, honest conversations.

How The Patkis Help

Servant leadership, with AI in the toolkit.

Every engagement is custom, but most conversations come back to three things: getting your strategy right, using AI responsibly, and leading in a way that earns trust.

1. Values-aligned strategy & structure

Helping you clarify what 'winning' actually means for you, beyond the valuation number, and then shaping your focus, offerings, and org design around that. Sometimes the most valuable thing we do is help you say no to an opportunity that sounds exciting but doesn't compound.

2. Human-centred, responsible AI

Making AI useful in daily work. When a visionary leader can build their own tools, that's more valuable than any product we could sell. We lean on the Microsoft stack but stay vendor-agnostic in our advice. The question is always: does this help your people do better work, and can they actually carry it?

3. Servant leadership, story & culture

Working with founders and CxOs on how they listen, communicate, decide, and when needed, how they apologise. Helping craft narratives that are honest with employees, customers, and investors. Building habits where humility and excellence sit together naturally.

What Others Say

I am incredibly grateful for the mentorship and guidance I received from Suyog for almost 8 years. His unique combination of insightful leadership, deep empathy, and strategic thinking has played a pivotal role in shaping my professional journey. What stands out about Suyog is his unwavering support, patience, and ability to simplify complex challenges.

Madhuri Kudekar
Managing Director

I’ve known Avani for over a decade as a supportive investor, business partner, and mentor. At THE Labs, she helped us set up clear organizational structures and policies. Working with her on the RACI sheet brought immense clarity. If you’re looking to build stronger teams or a thriving work culture, I’d highly recommend connecting with her.

Mayura Dolas
Filmmaker & Entrepreneur

Throughout my career, I have encountered many leaders, but I have never met anyone quite like Suyog. He exemplifies that success in business is not just about achieving results, but also about fostering an environment built on fairness, respect, and compassion. His leadership has had a profound impact on me.

Nihar Sagar
Head of Capability

I have had the privilege of being mentored by Suyog… and it has been one of the most impactful experiences in my personal and professional life. His leadership is defined by transparency, strong ethical values, and a deep sense of emotional intelligence. These qualities have not only guided me in my career but have also shaped who I am as a person.

Sanket Ghorpade
Architect - Artificial Intelligence

I’ve worked closely with Avani for almost five years; her patience and problem-solving attitude are truly unique. Both Avani and Suyog have a keen eye for potential, even when you’re not confident yourself. They have grown from colleagues into dear friends and mentors I deeply cherish.

Aishwarya M
Solution Architect (Azure & AI)

Suyog has been exceptional mentor and leader. My experience under his guidance has been nothing short of transformative. He possesses qualities that truly set him apart: genuine empathy, keen insight, unwavering support, and an infectious enthusiasm for growth. Suyog has a unique talent for recognizing potential.

Sonal Thakkar
Director - Product Programs

Avani has been one of the most impactful leaders in my HR career, bringing absolute clarity and purpose to every discussion. Her ability to balance empathy with strong decision-making is something I truly admire. Working with her has not only strengthened my professional skills but also shaped my approach as an HR practitioner.

Sejal Rege
HR Professional

I had the privilege of working with Suyog and benefiting from his mentorship while working at Rapid Circle. He has been a great friend and having known him for over a decade, he has consistently offered thoughtful and supportive advice, allowing me the space to learn while encouraging me to push myself.

Bhushan Gawale
Head Of AI

I’ve had the privilege of working under Suyog’s mentorship, and his leadership has profoundly shaped my personal and professional growth. Suyog possesses exceptional qualities — he is empathetic, transparent, and genuinely invested in the success of the team.

Kunal Kapoor
Cloud Practice Head

Suyog is, without any doubt, the most influential person in my life… He has this knack of helping you see things beyond your role in both life and work, which helps you bring a much fresher and broader perspective to things. For him, the answer to everything is People.

Rohan Nevrikar
Head of Technology

I had the privilege of working under Suyog’s leadership for nearly 10 years. He is an exceptional leader who consistently motivates his team to perform at their best. He always encouraged me to push beyond my limits… and was instrumental in shaping the professional I am today.

Sayali Shitole
Senior QA Engineer

I have been fortunate to be mentored by Suyog, and I can honestly say it has been a life-changing experience. As a mentor he leads with empathy, patience, and wisdom. What I admire most about Suyog is his ability to truly listen and understand the challenges people face, offering thoughtful guidance.

Dev Chaudhari
Head of IT

Suyog has been a perfect example of leading by example, never shying away from taking accountability and being transparent with utmost integrity. He makes sure to create a safe space and be approachable to everyone… ensuring the company grew 10x with a people-centric model.

Ankit Girgas
Solutions Architect

I have known Suyog for the last several years as a colleague and a mentor. Suyog is a natural leader – empathetic, positive, down to earth and plays the leadership role in his own original style. Putting people first, he has not only been able to establish a great work culture but also laid a strong foundation.

Vipul Kelkar
Solution Specialist

Working with Suyog as a mentor has been truly transformative. His very kind and emotional approach, combined with deep listening and thoughtful guidance, created a safe space for me to share my ideas and challenges. Suyog established a strong foundation for a fantastic company culture.

Anuja Bhojani
Senior Consultant

I had the privilege of working under Suyog’s leadership for four years… Suyog is a remarkable leader and also a genuine and down-to-earth individual who is always approachable. His humility, kindness, and unwavering support created an environment where I felt confident to take on challenges.

Deven Ramani
Azure Cloud Engineer

I am blessed to have Suyog as a ‘Friend, Mentor, and Colleague’. I have always reached out to him for professional as well as personal guidance and dreamed of working with him one day… He has provided incubation for many aspiring entrepreneurs to start their own ventures.

Vishal Gurav
Solution Specialist

I have been fortunate enough to be closely associated with Suyog throughout my professional career. During the time I worked directly with Suyog, he provided me with invaluable business advice that helped shape my thoughts on life, career, and how to interact with people both professionally and personally.

Vardhaman Deshpande
AI Architect

I had the privilege of working with Suyog for over a decade… Suyog’s exceptional leadership skills and visionary approach have consistently driven ambitious goals and remarkable growth for the company. One of Suyog’s greatest strengths is his ability to empower team members.

Aditi Kulkarni
Solutions Specialist

Suyog is the best and the kindest soul I’ve ever met in my life. A good person by heart who always wished in everyone’s life to bring out the best from them. Though being a Founder and Director of a company, no time in my entire span at Rapid Circle I’ve seen him bossy but as a mentor and guide.

Tejas Shirgaonkar
Capability Lead

Suyog is one of the best mentors, both personally and professionally, that anyone could ever have. He never spots or emphasizes the work done for you, but like a true leader, he empowers his peers to deliver their best. He encourages them to think beyond what they would normally consider.

Shrikant Datke
Service Delivery Manager

I had the privilege of working under Suyog’s leadership for over eight years… I can confidently say he is an exceptional mentor, especially for those just starting in the IT industry. Suyog believes in providing equal opportunities and has cultivated an outstanding workplace culture.

Pooja Gaonkar
Architect

I have not worked with Suyog professionally any time… However about 10 years ago, I had a few weeks in Suyog’s company… I was impressed by his passion and how he talked about his company and people. He is very passionate about just everything.

Subhash Dike
Sr Cloud Application Architect

Suyog is a great leader and is very motivating. He always ensures that all the team members are happy and energetic about work and assignments. Being the director of the organization, Suyog has a tremendous positive energy to offer.

Tanmay Shahane
Chief Technology Officer

Was very fortunate to get a chance to interact with Suyog more than 6 years ago… His friendship and mentorship has made me strive to be a better professional and more importantly, a better person! His passion and joyful attitude always rubs off on everyone around him.

Kumar Roy
Senior Consultant