Ever wondered what it’s like to earn ₹48 crore every single day? Well, that’s just a regular day in the life of Jagdeep Singh, the founder and former CEO of Quantumscape.
With an annual salary of ₹17,500 crore, Singh holds the title of the highest-paid employee in the world. But beyond the jaw-dropping numbers, his story is one of relentless ambition, innovation, and the unstoppable rise of the EV industry.
From Stanford Classrooms To Rs 17,500 Crore Paycheques
Jagdeep Singh’s journey is anything but ordinary. Armed with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Maryland, a Master’s from Stanford University, and an MBA from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, Singh laid the groundwork for a career destined for greatness.
Before Quantumscape, Singh cut his teeth at tech giants like Sun Microsystems and Ciena, gaining the experience that would later fuel his entrepreneurial ventures. From co-founding AirSoft to launching Infinera, Singh’s career has been a masterclass in chasing the future before it arrives.
The Battery Revolution That Changed Everything
In 2010, Singh’s career took a pivotal turn when he recognized the untapped potential of battery technology in transforming the electric vehicle industry. Enter Quantumscape, a company now leading the charge in revolutionizing EV battery innovation.
Backed by heavyweights like Volkswagen and Bill Gates, Quantumscape became a beacon of the EV industry, pushing boundaries and delivering cutting-edge tech that’s shaping the cars of tomorrow. Singh’s visionary leadership didn’t just make Quantumscape a success; it made him the highest-paid employee globally.
The ₹17,500 Crore Question: How Did He Do It?
Singh’s record-breaking compensation package wasn’t just handed over on a silver platter. It was tied to ambitious performance goals, a bold, multi-billion-dollar deal that reflected the immense value he brought to Quantumscape. It wasn’t just about running a company; it was about transforming an industry.
Even after stepping down as CEO in 2024, Singh’s drive hasn’t slowed down. Now the CEO of a stealth startup (because apparently, the EV industry wasn’t enough), he’s already working on disrupting new sectors.
So, the next time you need a little inspiration (or a reminder to update your LinkedIn profile), just think about the man who went from coding in classrooms to redefining industries, and earning ₹48 crore a day while at it. Now, that’s some real career goals!
