Indian-origin entrepreneur shares how one cold email to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff changed his life

Indian-origin entrepreneur’s cold email to Salesforce CEO changed his career. (Image: Mehul Nariyawala/ LinkedIn)

Sometimes a single message can shape an entire career. For one Indian-origin entrepreneur, an email sent without expectation more than two decades ago has now become a reminder of taking a step can open unexpected doors.

An Indian-origin entrepreneur living in the United States has gone viral after sharing how a “cold email” he sent to Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff over 20 years ago influenced his career path.

Mehul Nariyawala, the co-founder and President of Matic Robots, shared screenshots of the email exchange on X, saying the moment stayed with him over the years. The email, sent in 2005, received a reply from Benioff within an hour

“I rarely share this, but 21 years ago I cold emailed @Benioff for a job at @salesforce…he responded in an hour. it changed my life, so this is a full circle moment. very grateful Marc loves @maticrobots,” Nariyawala wrote while sharing the screenshots of the exchange.

The email dates back to a time when Salesforce was still expanding its presence as a cloud-based software company. Nariyawala, who was then a second-year MBA student at the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, reached out directly to Benioff with a clear subject line, “A request for a dream job.”

In the email, Nariyawala expressed admiration for Salesforce and its founder, referring to the company’s approach to reshaping the software industry. “I have read almost every single article about salesforce.com and you. I admire the hell out of you, and I absolutely love how salesforce.com is reinventing software industry. I’d absolutely love to work for you at salesforce.com,” he wrote.

He then outlined his background and approach to work, describing himself as “creative, exuberant and entrepreneurial,” and explained how these qualities influenced his leadership style.

“My exuberance helps me lead and get my team excited. At salesforce.com, I will achieve exceptional results and make you proud. I appreciate your time, help, and especially your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you,” the email read.

Benioff responded within an hour of receiving the email. His reply was brief and to the point, acknowledging the message and directing it to the company’s hiring leadership. “Thank you for your note. Erin Flynn will take a look at this for us,” he wrote.

While the response was short, it stood out to Nariyawala, especially given that the email was unsolicited and sent directly to a senior executive.

Nariyawala revisited the email exchange after Marc Benioff congratulated him on a major funding milestone for his current venture, Matic Robots.

Few days ago, Nariyawala announced that the company had raised $60 million in funding. Sharing the update on X, he wrote: “Announcing $60M for @maticrobots. We didn’t ask ‘What’s the most impressive robot we can demo?’ We asked ‘What’s the most useful robot we can ship? What comes after Roomba?’ Customers answered with their wallets: It’s Matic.”

Benioff responded publicly to the announcement, “Congrats @mehul. I love my matic. Need a bigger water dish so it can run autonomously for at least a week at a time.”

i rarely share this, but 21 years ago i cold emailed @Benioff for a job at @salesforce…he responded in an hour. it changed my life, so this is a full circle moment. very grateful Marc loves @maticrobots. can’t wait to build a bigger water tank in v2! https://t.co/UlIpsEZnWcpic.twitter.com/Rgu8jtp8Jd

— Mehul (@mehul) January 31, 2026

The post gained traction on social media, with users sharing their own experiences of taking chances and reaching out directly.

One wrote, “Congratulations @mehul ! And a lesson for all of us -Always be hustling… Never hurts to ask… You are denied every request you don’t make!” Another wrote, “Salesforce changed my life, too. Ten years ago I started a new career thanks to Trailhead,” referring to Salesforce’s online learning platform.

“I absolutely live or stuff like this. Thanks for sharing,” another user commented. One user reflected on the wider message behind the exchange, saying, “This means the world to many of us who shoot our shot with enthusiasm, every time, no matter the outcome. At best, change your life by being given the greatest quest. At worst, practice courage, and communicating something you care about. It’s your duty in fact.”

Others highlighted the role of direct outreach in career growth. “Loved it, the power of cold mailing is so underrated. Almost all the big breaks in my life have come through cold mails!” another user commented.