Shravan Parsi: From Scientist to Real Estate Leader
Shravan Parsi hails from Hyderabad, India, where he was raised in a family that valued education and perseverance. His father, who lived with a mild disability, became one of the top medical doctors in Hyderabad. This achievement left a deep impression on him and helped him recognize early that persistence and discipline over time lead to meaningful results.
As a student, he was curious and eager to learn. In seventh grade, he switched schools to study English and connect with the broader world. After junior college, when he was not admitted to medical school, he pursued a bachelor’s in pharmacy at Manipal, one of India’s top schools and a well-known international university town. At Manipal, his interest in science aligned with his entrepreneurial ambition. Here, Shravan began to imagine launching a pharmaceutical and biotech company in the future.
Graduate Studies in the United States
After completing his undergraduate studies, he sought to further his education in the United States. He was admitted to St. John’s University in New York with a scholarship covering most of his tuition. At St. John’s, he completed a master’s in pharmaceutics and industrial pharmacy, a demanding program that he successfully managed while working as a teaching assistant in the compounding pharmacy lab. This step marked the beginning of his career in science and opened opportunities in the US.
Scientific Career
Shravan began working as a pharmaceutical scientist at Schering-Plough (now Merck) in New Jersey, at their global headquarters. Later, he joined DPT Labs and Health Point in San Antonio, Texas. Over the years, he contributed to the development of several OTC and prescription drugs. His work included a patented antiseptic drug created to fight hospital-acquired infections and a wound care therapy designed for the US military. These roles built his expertise in product development and data-driven decision-making, skills that later proved vital in his next venture.
Early Steps into Real Estate
Although his career in pharmaceuticals was rewarding, Parsi was increasingly drawn to real estate. While still a scientist, he began purchasing single-family homes, often spending evenings and weekends managing renovations or finding tenants. What started as a small side project became profitable, encouraging him to step away from the lab and dedicate himself to entrepreneurship full-time.
Founding American Ventures
Shravan Parsi founded American Ventures, a real estate investment and development firm based in Austin, Texas. The company focuses on multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, and hospitality properties, strongly emphasizing value-add acquisitions and thoughtful development. Under his leadership, American Ventures has acquired or developed more than 4,000 units across $450MM in assets. From 2018 to 2022, as general partner, Shravan oversaw the exit of more than 3,500 units, achieving a weighted average internal rate of return (IRR) of 31.6%.
Parsi has personally guaranteed loans worth millions, including a 40-year HUD loan at a fixed interest rate of 2.96% for a multifamily development near Dallas-Fort Worth. To
secure the project, he even used personal funds before investor capital was finalized. The property leased up to 90% occupancy within its first year, validating his confidence in the decision.
Strategic Vision and Partnerships
He has been recognized for his ability to source off-market opportunities and establish strong partnerships. After reviewing multiple global hospitality options, he acquired a marquee site on Austin’s South Congress Avenue and later bought the Marriott Tribute brand. He also assembled over 100 acres in San Marcos for the East Village mixed-use development and more than 60 acres in Elgin for future projects.
Over time, he has raised funds from more than 250 high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), family offices, and private equity firms. He has also partnered with institutional investors, including Goldman Sachs and Carlyle. His ability to attract repeat investors highlights his credibility and performance in the industry.
Author and Thought Leader
In 2019, Shravan released The Science of the Deal: The DNA of Multifamily & Commercial Real Estate Investing with Forbes Books. The book became an Amazon Bestseller and provides practical insights into evaluating, structuring, and executing real estate investments. Drawing from his background in both science and business, he simplifies complex ideas into clear strategies.
He has also become a frequent panelist at industry events, including IMN’s flagship conferences and family office forums, where he shares knowledge on multifamily development, risk management, and building investment portfolios.
Leadership and Community
Shravan’s leadership style combines scientific discipline with entrepreneurial drive. He emphasizes using KPIs and careful underwriting models while fostering collaboration across teams. He directly oversees directors, vice presidents, and managers in acquisitions, asset management, and development, ensuring alignment from the start of a project to exit.
Equally important to him is giving back to the community. Parsi serves on Pratham USA’s Austin chapter board, supporting 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 learning network for high-net-worth investors.
Awards and Recognition
Shravan’s contributions have been honored with awards such as Multifamily Developer of the Year and Multifamily Investor of the Year at RED Awards. His success as an Amazon Bestseller author has further established him as a thought leader and entrepreneur.
Life Beyond Business
Shravan Parsi values travel outside of work and enjoys spending time with family and friends. He seeks new experiences and appreciates conversations with entrepreneurs and innovators across different cultures. He plans to expand American Ventures’ portfolio with a focus on workforce housing and large-scale mixed-use projects, continuing to contribute to Texas’s economic growth.
