Early Life
Adarsh Hiremath was born in the United States to parents who immigrated from Karnataka, India. Growing up in the Bay Area, he attended Bellarmine College Preparatory, where he met his future co-founders. Hiremath's interest in technology and the future of work began early, fostered by his academic pursuits and participation in the school's debate team.
Rise to Success
After high school, Hiremath enrolled at Harvard University, where he studied computer science and worked as a research assistant in macroeconomics. During his sophomore year, he co-founded Mercor, an AI-driven recruiting platform. This decision led him to drop out of Harvard and embrace the Thiel Fellowship, which provided financial support and mentorship to pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions. In 2023, Mercor was launched, connecting skilled software developers in India with U.S.-based companies. The company's growth was rapid, and within nine months, the company's revenue reached $1 million. The major turning point came in June 2025, when Meta acquired a stake in Scale AI. Mercor seized the opportunity, and its platform now generates $500 million in annual recurring revenue.
Key Business Strategies
Mercor's core business strategy centers on leveraging AI to automate and improve the hiring process. The platform uses AI-powered virtual interviewers to evaluate and match candidates. This strategy allowed Mercor to capitalize on the growing demand for AI services, particularly after Meta's acquisition of Scale AI. The company focuses on a "human-in-the-loop" model, connecting major AI labs with human experts to train, refine, and test AI systems, which has been a crucial aspect of Mercor's success.
Philanthropy
While specific amounts are not available, Hiremath has shown an interest in contributing to society. He has volunteered at the 2023 World Culture Festival. He aims to use his knowledge and skills to solve societal problems in elder care and agriculture.
