Niraj Aswani looks back on 'one of the most meanigful journeys of my life' as he says goodbye to Klevu

Niraj Aswani is leaving Klevu, a Finnish company that helps online retailers turn visitors into customers via its AI and NLP powered platform.

He co-founded the firm almost 12 years ago and also held the role of CTO.

His departure follows Searchspring acquiring Klevu earlier this year.

In a LinkedIn post, he said: "After 11 years, I am saying goodbye to Klevu. This has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life. Not just as a job but as something I have grown with and cared deeply about."

"We started with an idea and over time, as a team, we turned it into something real, something that we hear helped many merchants and shoppers around the world. I had the chance to work with very thoughtful and committed members. We built together, learned together and shared many highs and lows but what mattered the most was that we were always together."

He added: "Thank you to every colleague, past and present, who brought their energy, skill and care. Thank you to our customers, advisors and partners, who trusted us and helped shape what we built. A very special thank you to our investors - your belief gave us the opportunity, space and support to build with ambition. I am truly grateful for your trust and encouragement throughout the years."

Aswani concluded: "To the new leadership and those now guiding our merged entity Athos, thank you for helping the team find its footing. I am glad to see the team settling in. As I move on, I carry one belief with me that technology should serve people, with care, responsibility and respect and that it cannot be done without support from a team and the wider community. That belief will continue to guide me in whatever comes next."

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Wednesday, 3rd September.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 18th July: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 22nd July: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 23rd July - Friday, 8th August: Judging days

Wednesday, 3rd September: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.