Archive · 30 Dec 2025
Stanford Graduate Builds $600M Company, Shares Algebra-Based Success Advice
Shubham Goel is an Indian-origin graduate from Stanford University who co-founded a company called Affinity with his partner Ray Zhou.
The company is now worth $600 million.
In a recent interview, Shubham shared some advice he learned outside of Stanford.
He said that in algebra, the slope of a line is more important than where it starts.
This means that how fast you grow and learn is more important than where you start in life.
He also advised young people to pick a direction they believe in and work hard at it.
Shubham left Stanford early to start his business and has been featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 List.
Shubham Goel co-founded Affinity with Ray Zhou after graduating early from Stanford.
Affinity is now valued at over $600 million.
Goel's advice: 'Slope is always more important than the Y intercept.'
He emphasizes growth rate over starting point in life.
Goel advises young people to pick a direction and work hard at it.
- Who
- Shubham Goel, co-founder of Affinity
- What
- Built a $600 million company and shared life advice
- When
- Graduated early from Stanford in 2015
- Where
- Stanford University, now based at Affinity
- Why
- To emphasize the importance of growth rate over starting point
- Name
- Shubham Goel
- Company
- Affinity
- Company Value
- $600 million
- Education
- Stanford University (early graduate)
- Advice
- Slope is more important than the Y intercept
- Current Role
- Co-founder of Affinity
- Notable Achievement
- Forbes 30 Under 30 List
