About Shravan Parsi

CEO & Founder, American Ventures 

Shravan Parsi hails from Hyderabad, India, where education and perseverance were central to his family life. His father, who had a mild disability, became one of the top medical doctors in Hyderabad. Watching his father’s achievements taught Parsi early that dedication and consistent effort can create opportunities. This lesson shaped his outlook from childhood. 

Education and Aspirations

Curiosity and ambition defined his school years. In the seventh grade, he switched schools to learn English, understanding that it would help him connect with the outside world. After junior college, his first goal was medical school, but when he did not gain admission, he turned to a bachelor’s in pharmacy at Manipal, one of India’s top schools. Shravan found the right mix of science and entrepreneurial ambition in this international university town. During this period, he envisioned launching a pharmaceutical & biotech company.

Graduate Studies in the United States

After completing his undergraduate degree, he set his sights on higher education abroad. He gained admission to St. John’s University in New York, where he received a scholarship covering almost all his tuition. At St. John’s, he completed a master’s in pharmaceutics & industrial pharmacy while also serving as a teaching assistant in the compounding pharmacy lab. This balance of study and teaching gave him technical depth and practical experience.

Scientific Career in Pharmaceuticals

He began his professional life as a pharmaceutical scientist. He worked with Schering-Plough (now Merck) in New Jersey and later with DPT Labs and Health Point in San Antonio. His work contributed to several OTC and prescription drugs, including a patented antiseptic drug for hospital-acquired infections and a wound care therapy created for the US military.

Through these experiences, he developed strong skills in data-driven decision-making and product development. These capabilities would later prove valuable outside the laboratory.

Transition into Real Estate

Even as he advanced in pharmaceuticals, Shravan Parsi remained interested in real estate. While still working as a scientist, he purchased his first single-family home. Many evenings were spent on renovations or tenant management. Over time, this side venture grew into a profitable business, encouraging him to leave his career in scientific research and focus entirely on entrepreneurship.

American Ventures and Growth

This decision led to the founding of American Ventures, a real estate investment and development firm based in Austin, Texas. The company invests in multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, and hospitality properties, focusing on value-add acquisitions and responsible development.

Under Shravan’s leadership, American Ventures has acquired or developed more than 4,000 units and $450MM in assets. From 2018 to 2022, the company exited more than 3,500 units under his direction, achieving a weighted average internal rate of return (IRR) of 31.6% on managed exits.

He has personally guaranteed millions in loans, including a 40-year HUD loan with a fixed rate of 2.96% for a multifamily project near Dallas-Fort Worth. He even advanced personal funds to secure the loan before investor capital was in place. The development reached 90% occupancy in its first year, reflecting foresight and execution.

Strategy and Partnerships

Shravan Parsi is recognized for identifying opportunities others might miss and building partnerships that create long-term value. He sourced a key site on Austin’s South Congress Avenue and later brought in the Marriott Tribute flag after considering multiple global hospitality brands.

He also assembled over 100 acres in San Marcos for the East Village project and more than 60 acres in Elgin along a highway corridor. To support these efforts, he has raised capital from more than 250 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and private equity firms while partnering with Goldman Sachs and Carlyle. His ability to bring back repeat investors reflects his consistent track record.

Author and Industry Voice

In 2019, Shravan published The Science of the Deal: The DNA of Multifamily & Commercial Real Estate Investing with ForbesBooks. The book became an Amazon Bestseller and offers a clear framework for analyzing and executing real estate investments.

Parsi also shares his expertise as a panelist at conferences such as IMN’s flagship events and family office forums. His insights often focus on multifamily development, portfolio growth, and risk management.

Leadership and Community Work

His leadership combines analytical discipline with entrepreneurial confidence. He values KPIs and underwriting models in decision-making but also prioritizes collaboration. To ensure alignment, he works directly with directors, vice presidents, and managers across acquisitions, asset management, and development.

Community involvement is also central to his work. He serves on the board of Pratham USA’s Austin chapter, helping provide education for underprivileged children. He is also a trustee at the Austin Hindu Temple and Cedar Park Temple, a member of YPO’s Austin chapter, and a former member of Tiger 21, a peer-to-peer network for high-net-worth investors.

Recognition and Personal Life

At the RED Awards, Shravan Parsi has been honored as Multifamily Developer and Investor of the Year. His Amazon Bestseller further established him as a respected thought leader.

Beyond his professional life, he enjoys traveling and spending time with family and friends. He values opportunities to experience new cultures and exchange ideas with entrepreneurs and innovators.

His goals include expanding American Ventures’ portfolio, advancing workforce housing, and developing large-scale mixed-use projects that will contribute to Texas’s economic growth.

Learn more about Shravan Parsi:

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