After spending 15 years forming and stabilizing their lives in the United States and contributing to its economy through taxes, Astha Chaturvedi and her husband Karthik decided to return to their homeland, India, due to the endless wait for green cards. Chaturvedi, originally from Jaipur, and Karthik, from Vishakhapatnam, met in the US, fell in love, and married, settling in Austin. The 38-year-old spent a decade working in Big Tech, including roles at McKinsey and Ripple, before deciding to build her own startup.
Decision to Move
In 2024, Chaturvedi traveled to India to hire a CTO. Her cousin suggested opening an office in the country, where the startup ecosystem was flourishing. Meanwhile, she and her husband had been waiting for green cards since 2015 and 2020, respectively. Starting a company in the US was difficult on an H-1B visa, which required employer sponsorship. She switched to an H-4 dependent visa, gaining the flexibility to launch her business in India.
Settling in Bengaluru
Having grown up largely in the US, the couple was initially apprehensive about work culture and corporate life in Bengaluru. Chaturvedi visited the city to explore schools and apartments. They sold their San Francisco home for about $2.3 million and moved, buying a four-bedroom apartment in Bengaluru for approximately $1 million.
"India isn't cheap if you want a premium lifestyle. In fact, quality goods like furniture and electronics can be more expensive than in the US," said Chaturvedi. However, she noted that healthcare and household help are much cheaper. While many in India rely on nannies, the couple chose to be more hands-on with their daughter.
Professional Life and Challenges
Professionally, Chaturvedi is building Mouri Living, a global luxury home brand. They find Bengaluru to be a "costly city," and the traffic is a significant challenge, prompting them to hire a full-time driver. "Moving from San Francisco to Bengaluru began to feel like the right decision," she said, as their daughter has settled into school and they have escaped the uncertainties of US immigration.
"Culturally, I don't feel a gap at all. India feels more vibrant than the US," added Chaturvedi.
