Who is Rajat Khare?
Rajat Khare is the founder of Boundary Holding, a European deep tech investment firm specializing in emerging technologies driving the 4th industrial revolution. With a commitment to innovation, Khare has established himself as a prominent figure in the tech investment landscape. Unlike conventional investment firms, Boundary Holding leverages its own capital to support businesses with strong growth and development potential.
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 transition from a cybersecurity entrepreneur to a deep tech investor highlights his resilience and capacity for reinvention. However, his past involvement with Appin Security and links to international espionage scandals continue to attract attention. As Khare establishes his presence in the investment world, how effectively he distances himself from his controversial history will be pivotal in shaping his legacy.
Focusing on technologies driving the 4th industrial revolution and making strategic investments, Khare has carved out a unique position in the global investment scene. Still, his past actions, particularly those connected to Qatar’s ambitious tech investments, will likely remain under scrutiny as he forges his future.