FOLSOM, CA / ACCESS Newswire / July 10, 2025 / You can leave behind endless cold emails and spammy online networking. Authentified, created by the persistent Shilpi Padhy, is changing how professional networks work. The company is replacing the executive networking platform white noise with genuine, valuable relationships built on trust, not just transactions. This results in an alternative to LinkedIn for executives.
Authentified is like an innovative new networking partner, a professional Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) designed for senior leaders, executives, and founders who are tired of superficial online interactions like those currently available. They facilitate meaningful, high-trust connections through carefully organized in-person events and an innovative digital platform.
Building Real Relationships One Connection at a Time
Authentified helps facilitate networking for senior professionals, enabling them to forge authentic relationships through private, in-person dinners and gatherings, all smoothly managed by Authentified.io software.
Their focus is on in-person networking for senior professionals, and their goal is to become the ultimate professional networking CRM for critical customer acquisition, fundraising, and career advancement in a world inundated with AI-generated content and spam.
Authentified aims to bring back the human touch, offering a curated, high-integrity space where valuable connections can flourish naturally.
Padhy explains, “Authentified was born out of the belief that the strongest opportunities come from authentic relationships, and I wanted to give others what I always wished existed: a better, smarter, and more human way to connect.”
From Quiet Engineer to Trailblazer
Padhy turned herself from a shy software engineer into an inspiring leader. She overcame social anxiety by initiating her networking events. Although Padhy faced initial setbacks during the COVID-19 pandemic, her persistence led to exclusive gatherings attended by VPs and CXOs from major tech companies.
Padhy’s background in software engineering and product strategy, combined with her frustration with ineffective digital networking, drove her to create Authentified. She founded the company on the belief that authentic relationships are the key to unlocking opportunities.
A Team Built on Trust and Expertise
Co-founder Jochen Kleinknecht, a respected Silicon Valley executive with leadership roles in LinkedIn, Cisco, Blackstone, and BCG (and who also notably led Cisco’s $28 billion Splunk acquisition), has joined Authentified, and the ex-Cisco leader’s decision speaks volumes about the platform’s potential.
Kleinknecht brings invaluable strategic and operational wisdom, along with a vast Silicon Valley network and global corporate leaders, to Authentified and plans to help shape its market fit. His leadership will bring the company an additional focus on trust, discipline, and lasting impact. Along with Kleinknecht and Padhy, Michele Smith joins the team as the company’s dedicated PR manager.
The Journey So Far and What’s Next
Authentified has quickly reached several significant milestones, including:
Backed by Partners at Foothill Ventures: The VC and PE firm is Authentified’s first institutional investor, and Foothill Ventures showed strong belief in their vision.
Support from Angel Investors: A solid group of angel investors, including executives from Nvidia and other top companies.
A Growing Executive Network: Over 400 senior executives are already part of their platform.
Global Expansion: Authentified is expanding its presence in major cities such as Palo Alto, San Francisco, New York City, London, and Singapore, creating a worldwide network of real-world connections.
Looking ahead, Authentified is set for significant expansion and plans to roll out a complete event and relationship CRM feature. They are currently seeking visionary VCs for their pre-seed funding round and will continue to expand their executive dinners, private gatherings, and curated deal-making events worldwide.
The Power of Persistence and Trust
Despite initial setbacks, Shilpi Padhy’s slow, steady journey taught her that consistent effort always wins over fleeting trends. Now, Authentified combats digital noise, prioritizing relationships over reach. It is the first professional networking CRM, eliminating cold outreach and creating trusted connections for the future of professional networking.
“My mentors call me relentless,” Padhy recalls. “This isn’t just about business-it’s about showing the world that underdogs, introverts, women, and underestimated founders can change the rules of the game when they lead with purpose and persistence.”
Authentified
[email protected]
Folsom, CA
Michele Smith
SOURCE: Authentified
