About Teaching Advisory Giving Contact

Educator · Advisor · Leader

For 25 years, I've led digital transformation across industries. Today I teach future business leaders at UH Bauer, advise founders and SaaS leadership teams through FirstPrinciple Advisors, and work to open doors for those who don't have them.

Pankaj Jagtap

About Me

For over two decades, I've led complex transformation initiatives across industries through the strategic implementation of SaaS solutions. I founded FirstPrinciple Advisors to mentor and coach entrepreneurs, leadership teams, and growth-stage SaaS businesses with a special focus on professional services and customer success.

Before launching my advisory firm, I spent 11 years at HighRadius Corporation as Senior Vice President of Professional Services and Customer Success. I was part of the executive team that scaled the company from a bootstrapped startup to a $3 billion enterprise.

Today, I balance my advisory work with my role as Adjunct Faculty at the University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business, where I teach graduating seniors and graduate students majoring in MIS. My classroom is built around engagement, discussions, and debates — because active participation is the fastest route to learning that stays with you for life.

Education
MBA — University of Colorado
M.S. in Construction Management — Michigan State University
B.Tech in Civil Engineering — Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay

Guiding the Next Generation of Leaders

As Adjunct Faculty at the C.T. Bauer College of Business, University of Houston, I teach graduating seniors and graduate students majoring in Management Information Systems, preparing them to lead in technology-driven business environments.

My philosophy is simple: students learn best when they are actively engaged. Classes are built around discussion, debate, and collaboration. Students work in groups to solve real-world business cases, and I bring experienced thought leaders from industry into the classroom to give fresh perspectives on current market trends.

Bauer College of Business, University of Houston

Bauer College of Business, University of Houston

University of Houston

University of Houston

2026 Warga Teaching Excellence Award
University of Houston · C.T. Bauer College of Business · In recognition of outstanding contribution to Bauer College
Receiving the 2026 Warga Teaching Excellence Award from Dean Xianjun Geng, C.T. Bauer College of Business

Receiving the 2026 Warga Teaching Excellence Award from Dean Xianjun Geng, C.T. Bauer College of Business

IT Project Management

Businesses worldwide are embarking on digital transformation journeys, and successfully managing IT projects is critical. This course blends the Project Management Institute's frameworks with real-world case studies, giving students practical experience managing IT initiatives from start to finish.

Digital Transformation

Explores how AI, Big Data, Cloud Computing, and IoT are reshaping industries and creating new customer value. Students develop both digital capabilities and leadership skills needed to drive successful transformation — including agile deployment, KPI design, and leading technology teams.

Class Photos

Guest Lectures

What Students Say

IT Project Management

"By far my favorite class I've taken so far at UH!"

— Orchid Le

"Never a dull moment and so many engaging discussions every class. I feel that I have grown as an upcoming professional."

— Roy Wischerath

"This was definitely one of my most memorable classes, and I learned so much — the guest lectures were top notch."

— Amir Brohi
Digital Transformation

"Easily my favorite class I've ever taken. I learned many lessons and have grown as a person."

— Areeb Ahmed

"This was one of the most engaging classes I've ever taken. Truly enjoyed learning and being part of this journey."

— Siddharth Garlapati

"Your excitement and openness encouraged me to get out of my shell and truly engage."

— Shazia Panjwani

Scaling Companies with Purpose

Through FirstPrinciple Advisors, I work with SaaS founders and leadership teams to navigate the growth phase — combining strategic vision with operational execution to ensure companies scale sustainably without losing their core values.

I also serve as Senior Advisor at Susquehanna Growth Equity, working closely with portfolio companies to strengthen and scale their Professional Services and Customer Success operations.

Specialties

  • SaaS growth strategy
  • Professional Services leadership
  • Customer Success optimization
  • Digital transformation leadership

What Clients Can Expect

  • Strategic clarity and actionable plans
  • Measurable improvements in performance
  • A trusted partner working alongside them
  • Focused 6–18 month execution roadmap

My advisory practice centers on the growth journey. I start by understanding where a company is today — processes, pain points, and aspirations — then design a focused, actionable plan. I work side by side with clients to implement it, filling capability gaps and providing guidance wherever it's needed.

Opening Doors Through Education

I believe everyone deserves the chance to succeed — but not everyone gets the same access to coaching, mentorship, or opportunity. My giving focuses on education, funding scholarships, mentoring students, and supporting programs that create change.

2021 – Present

IIT Bombay Chair Professorship

In memory of my late father, Shri. Anantrao Jagtap — a Civil Engineer deeply passionate about Construction Management — I sponsored the Anantrao Jagtap Chair for Construction Management at IIT Bombay. The goal is to attract world-class faculty and position IIT Bombay as a preeminent institution for construction management nationally and internationally.

Signing the MOU for the Anantrao Jagtap Chair for Construction Management at IIT Bombay

Signing the MOU for the Anantrao Jagtap Chair for Construction Management at IIT Bombay

2024 – Present

Jagtap-Syal Outstanding Student & Faculty Awards

At Michigan State University's School of Planning, Design, and Construction, I sponsor annual awards recognizing outstanding undergraduate students, graduate students, and teaching faculty in the Construction Management program — named in honor of my graduate advisor Dr. Matt Syal, who dedicated over 30 years to inspiring generations of students.

With Dr. Matt Syal at Michigan State University

With Dr. Matt Syal at Michigan State University

Ongoing

MISSO Jagtap First-Generation Student Scholarships

At the University of Houston's C.T. Bauer College of Business, I sponsor scholarships for first-generation college students to join the Management Information Systems Student Organization (MISSO). These scholarships help bridge the gap by enabling students to participate in resume workshops, networking events, and career fairs.

2021 – Present

Sewa International

Each year I support Sewa International, a humanitarian nonprofit providing disaster response, education, women empowerment, and health initiatives to underserved communities in the Houston metro area and around the world. Contributing to Sewa is a reminder that giving back isn't only about generosity — it's about shared humanity.

Get in Touch

Whether you're a student, a founder exploring advisory support, or someone interested in connecting — I'd love to hear from you.