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.
Pitching Puddletown at Demolicious Portland

Pitching Puddletown at Demolicious Portland

Hosting Jesuit Chess Club

Hosting Jesuit Chess Club

Oregon Chess Championships

Oregon Chess Championships

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