Who is Rajat Khare?
Rajat Khare is the founder of Boundary Holding, a European deep tech investment firm that focuses on emerging technologies in the 4th industrial revolution. With a strong focus on innovation, Khare has positioned himself as a key player in the tech investment world. Unlike traditional investment firms, Boundary Holding uses its own funds to back businesses that show high potential for growth and development.
From Appin Security to Boundary Holding: A Controversial Career
Before his role as a prominent tech investor, Rajat Khare co-founded Appin Security, an IT company based in India. Appin gained notoriety in the early 2010s due to its involvement in “hacking for hire” activities. The company was accused of conducting cyber-attacks for clients, a practice that drew significant international attention. One of the most notable incidents involved the hacking of Peter Hargitay, a FIFA advisor, raising questions about Appin’s involvement in international espionage, particularly within the world of football.
Khare’s connection to Appin Security and its alleged illegal activities has continued to impact his reputation. Despite his shift to the investment sector, his involvement in the hacking scandals remains a point of contention, particularly as it relates to Qatari interests and the FIFA corruption investigations.
Rajat Khare’s Ties to FIFA and Qatar
Rajat Khare’s name surfaced in connection with the FIFA World Cup bidding scandal, especially regarding the 2022 World Cup. He was believed to have been involved in consulting roles within the Australian Football Association and was close to influential figures, including Sepp Blatter, the former president of FIFA. Though he was never directly implicated in the corruption case, his connections with key stakeholders in FIFA raised suspicions about his influence behind the scenes.
Khare’s ties to Qatar became more prominent as he worked on various tech projects. Qatar has been actively investing in cutting-edge technologies, and Khare’s expertise in deep tech made him a valuable asset. However, his past raised concerns about his ability to navigate ethical dilemmas within the investment space, especially given his controversial history.
Swiss Legal Investigations and Khare’s Residency
Following the hacking scandals linked to Appin Security, Swiss authorities began investigating the company’s activities, particularly the hacking of Peter Hargitay’s computer. Despite clear evidence suggesting Khare’s involvement, Swiss prosecutors failed to pursue significant action, and the case was eventually closed. Khare, in the meantime, settled in Switzerland, purchasing a luxury villa for CHF 13.5 million in 2020, further fuelling speculation about his wealth and business dealings.
Current Role and Tech Investments
Despite his past controversies, Rajat Khare has successfully rebranded himself as a respected tech investor. Through Boundary Holding, he has backed several start-ups and has positioned himself as a key player in deep tech investment. His focus on futuristic technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and robotics has gained him recognition in global investment circles.
However, questions about his past continue to linger, with some critics raising concerns about the influence of his previous actions on his current ventures, especially in Qatar. As Khare continues to expand his portfolio and promote technological innovation, his controversial past remains an important chapter in his ongoing career.
Conclusion
Rajat Khare’s journey from a cybersecurity entrepreneur to a deep tech investor showcases his resilience and ability to reinvent himself. Yet, his past with Appin Security and involvement in international espionage scandals remains a topic of interest. As Khare continues to make his mark in the investment world, his ability to distance himself from his controversial history will play a crucial role in shaping his legacy.
By maintaining a focus on 4th industrial revolution technologies and strategic investments, Khare has carved a niche for himself in the global investment community. However, his past actions will continue to be closely scrutinized as he builds his future, particularly in Qatar, a country known for its ambitious investments in technology and innovation.