Hi, I'm Ishaan.I lead, build, and experiment; even when I'm figuring it out as I go.
Ishaan Kodarapu

Ishaan Kodarapu

Teen builder, tournament organizer, and co-author of Audacity to Start. I speak, ship, and learn in public—usually before I feel ready.

Nothing I built started with confidence.

It all started with one tiny step I wasn't sure about.

The Journey So Far
Age12.5

Donated $2000 chess winnings

(During the pandemic) I won my first major chess tournament at age 12. & donated that entire prize money to a struggling chess organization.
Age13

Co-founded youth nonprofit

Inspired by that donation, I co-founded a youth nonprofit called Puddletown, to help kids learn chess, especially underrepresented, underprevileged and underserved kids
Age14

Launched training system

I began teaching chess to younger kids. That's when I realized I loved building training systems.
Age15

Started TED-Ed club

Starting a TED-Ed club pushed me into public speaking. I was terrified but did it anyway.
Age16

Wrote a book

I wrote this book to share what I learned. Every chapter came from real mistakes and real wins.
First tournament

First tournament

Teaching chess

Teaching chess

TED-Ed club

TED-Ed club

What I've Learned

Building things as a teen means you're going to make mistakes. A lot of them. But those mistakes taught me more than any success ever could.

The nonprofit I started? It almost fell apart three times. The book? I rewrote the first chapter seven times. The TED-Ed club? Our first meeting had three people.

But here's the thing: every single one of those projects changed something. And that's way more than enough.

Want to hear more?

I speak at schools and youth programs about starting projects, leading teams, and turning ideas into impact.

Invite Me to Speak