Saeed Amidi is founder and chief executive of Plug and Play Tech Center. Born into a manufacturing family in Iran, he came to the United States to study business at Menlo College; after the 1979 revolution cut off his family's finances he helped rebuild through the Amidi Group. That group's ownership of 165 University Avenue in Palo Alto - home to early tenants including Google and PayPal - directly inspired Plug and Play, which he founded in 2006.
Education
Business Administration, Menlo College
Previous Experience
Founder, Amidzad - personal investment company predating Plug and Play
Co-Founder, Amidi Group (1980) - a diversified holding company spanning real estate, manufacturing and bottled water
Medallion Rug Gallery - family business launched after emigrating from Iran
Career Timeline
1979
Family emigrated to the United States following the Iranian Revolution.
1988
The Amidi Group acquired 165 University Avenue in Palo Alto, later renting to early tenants including Google and PayPal.