Dr. Damodar Sahu is the Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Data Safeguard Inc., a leader in AI-powered data privacy and synthetic fraud prevention. Hailing from a small town in Odisha, India, his journey epitomizes resilience and commitment. Dr. Sahu is also the founder of “MuliaSmarak,” a Personal Social Responsibility (PSR) initiative supporting education for underprivileged students in Odisha. With 27 years of cross-functional leadership, he has driven partnerships and business expansion across technology and managed services. Recognized as a LinkedIn Top Voice and startup mentor, Dr. Sahu is dedicated to fostering growth through collaboration and innovation.
What were your initial years of growing up like? Tell us about your life before starting your entrepreneurial journey/venture/initiative.
I’m originally from Bellaguntha, a small town in Odisha, India. My upbringing instilled values of resilience, humility, and giving back. Despite financial challenges, the support I received inspired me to succeed and create meaningful impact.
This commitment led me to establish MuliaSmarak, a PSR initiative supporting education for underprivileged students in my hometown. It’s my way of honoring the community that shaped me and providing opportunities for others.
My 27-year career has been shaped by the philosophy of “Better Together,” driving partnerships and market development across technology and managed services. I’ve lived in cities across India before moving to the U.S., first in the Bay Area, California, and now in Troy, Michigan. My journey reflects a commitment to growth, innovation, and community impact.
Every industry that is now a large-scale, top-notch business once started as a small idea in the minds of entrepreneurs. What was that idea or motivation that made you start your business/initiative?
In today’s hyperconnected world, sensitive data is vulnerable to exploitation. Over the next five years, over 5 billion people will be impacted by data breaches, making robust data privacy solutions a necessity for more than 5 million enterprises.
When I discussed this initiative with the Founding Team of Data Safeguard Inc., I saw it not just as a business opportunity but as a social imperative. Our platform, ID-REDACT®, addresses global data privacy challenges, compliance, and fraud prevention using AI, grounded in Privacy by Design principles. This mission is about safeguarding trust in a digital-first world and creating a safer ecosystem for future generations.
Tell us something about your initiative or current role. What is it about, and what impact are you trying to make?
As Chief Growth Officer, I oversee global growth strategy, marketing, partnerships, investor relations, and analyst engagement. Our mission is to tackle data privacy and synthetic fraud challenges, safeguarding sensitive information and empowering organizations to build trust with their customers.
We aim to create a legacy of trust, innovation, and responsibility, ensuring the digital world remains safe and resilient for future generations.
Your journey and vision are very inspiring, but are there any achievements or accomplishments you would like to mention?
Key Achievements:
- Driving Global Growth Strategy: Developed and executed a global growth strategy, including investor relations and partnerships, positioning Data Safeguard for global expansion.
- Strategic Partnerships: Secured collaborations with industry leaders like Hitachi Systems and Big Four consulting firms.
- India Roadshows: Successfully led roadshows across key cities, building strategic relationships with thought leaders and policymakers.
Would you like to share with our young budding women entrepreneurs the change you would like to see in the world if given an opportunity?
If given the opportunity, I envision a world where inclusion and equity drive innovation. Women should feel empowered to dream fearlessly, lead boldly, and create with purpose.
To young women entrepreneurs: believe in your vision, and lead with passion and purpose. Your ideas can create ripples of positive change. Together, we can build a world rooted in diversity, compassion, and shared success.
Women are a growing force in the workplaces worldwide, standing shoulder to shoulder with their male counterparts. What are your thoughts about women leadership today?
Women are transforming workplaces with empathy, creativity, and innovation. They are redefining leadership by fostering collaboration and inclusion.
However, there’s more to be done. Women need environments that celebrate their contributions and support their growth. Embracing diversity in leadership strengthens innovation and ensures a better collective future.
What would you want to say to our young leaders/audience reading this?
To young leaders: you are shaping tomorrow. Dream big, lead with empathy, and embrace change. Leadership is about creating meaningful impact and inspiring others.
Invest in learning, seek diverse perspectives, and mentor others as you rise. Collaboration and inclusivity are the cornerstones of future leadership. Believe in your journey—you have the power to make a difference.
