Driving Digital Transformation: The Story of Manish Shrestha and Kazi Studios
Manish Shrestha is a passionate technologist and an accomplished leader with decades of experience driving innovation and implementing transformative solutions for multinational companies. Recognised as one of Nepal’s pioneering web developers, Shrestha began his illustrious career in high school, demonstrating an early aptitude for technology and entrepreneurship.
Shrestha's early journey included a pivotal role at Amaa Network Consultant, the first-ever web development company in Nepal. There, he honed his skills while still in high school before departing for the United States for higher education.
In the United States, Shrestha pursued higher education and immersed himself in the dynamic world of technology. He collaborated with various startups and small businesses, many of which flourished into Fortune 500 companies under his technical guidance and expertise. His work in the US was marked by a relentless drive to push boundaries and deliver impactful results, earning him a reputation as a skilled innovator and problem-solver.
After a decade of professional growth and success in the US, Shrestha decided to return to Nepal. He established Kazi Studios, a creative technology company that has since become an example of innovation in the region.
After a decade of professional growth and success in the US, Shrestha decided to return to Nepal. He established Kazi Studios, a creative technology company that has since become an example of innovation in the region. Under his leadership, Kazi Studios has grown into a leading force, delivering cutting-edge technology solutions to organisations across South Asia. From enterprise-level software development to transformative digital initiatives, Shrestha’s contributions have had a profound impact on businesses and communities he has worked with.
Shrestha has also founded and scaled other innovative ventures. Alchi Pasal, a board game company from Nepal, stands as a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit. The company is scaling up its distribution across the globe, reaching markets in the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Japan, bringing Nepali creativity to the international stage.
He is recognized for his ability to merge technical expertise with strategic insight. He has led national-level projects that address complex challenges, leveraging his extensive knowledge of technology innovation and execution. Through his efforts, Kazi Studios has become a trusted partner for organisations seeking to harness the power of technology to drive growth and efficiency.
Further, he has played a pivotal role in startups like Smartmaka, which was ahead of its time, pioneering IoT-based products in Nepal and setting the foundation for technological innovation in the country.
Shrestha is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship and technological advancement in Nepal. As a board member of the Confederation of Nepalese Industries Youth Entrepreneurs Forum (CNIYEF), he actively contributes to shaping the country’s startup and technology policies. His engagement extends to dialogues with government bodies and the broader tech community, where he advocates for initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and promote a vibrant innovation ecosystem.
