Turing CEO: ChatGPT is indispensable, Kindle is a must, and vacation is a rare luxury after 7 years.

Coins2Day’s series, The Good Life, shows how up-and-coming leaders spend their time and money outside of work.

Today, we meet Jonathan Siddharth, co founder and CEO of AI company Turing.

Siddharth leads a $2.2 billion enterprise that develops large language models (LLMs) for major corporations such as OpenAI. His enthusiasm for technology, however, began before he established the unicorn company in 2018. As a youth, he aimed to combine his interests in AI and Formula 1, initiating a personal project where he coded a neural network to operate a vehicle. The businessman states that an initial endeavor facilitated his admission to Stanford University, where he earned a master's degree in computer science.

“I have been fascinated by artificial intelligence since high school, when I began tinkering with neural networks before the subject was even taught in class,” Siddharth tells Coins2Day. “I would raid the library for every book I could carry, captivated by the idea of algorithms inspired by biology.”

During his master's studies, he encountered his eventual business partner, Vijay Krishnan. The two then established Rover, an AI-driven discovery platform, in 2008. It attracted initial acquisition proposals from entities such as Google and Twitter, but the founders turned them down; at one time, Rover held the top spot on Apple's App Store for content suggestions. They divested the company to Revcontent less than ten years later, and shortly thereafter, Siddharth embarked on a new venture. 

“I felt an unfinished quest,” the serial founder says. “Rover had been a good outcome, but not yet in the league of companies I admired.”

A year after its inception, Turing was established, bearing the name of the renowned computer scientist Alan Turing. The company aimed to address the talent acquisition challenges encountered at Rover by leveraging AI to pinpoint exceptional engineers and subsequently assigning them to innovative teams. However, a significant shift occurred with the arrival of OpenAI. This prominent AI entity requested Siddharth's team to assist GPT-3 in acquiring coding proficiency and tool utilization skills. ChatGPT was launched shortly thereafter, its coding capabilities fueled by Turing's data, a development Siddharth described as a “proud parent moment.”

Today, Turing builds real-world AI systems for Coins2Day 500 companies across banking, insurance, retail, and advanced tech. It also partners with major AI labs to push the needle on coding, reasoning, and agentic workflows. In March, Turing secured a $111 million Series E funding round, which doubled its valuation to $2.2 billion. Alongside the AI business, Siddharth has served on the board of Quora, and continues to invest and advise startups through Stanford’s accelerator program StartX. 

The CEO is perpetually working hard, having never taken over two weeks of vacation annually in the last seven years as he grew Turing. However, when he does find time to relax, his focus remains entirely on technology. Siddharth enjoys racing games on his PlayStation 5 and is “one of those rare humans” a proponent of Apple Vision Pro. His interests include high-performance vehicles, Starbucks, and Domino’s pizza, and he adheres to a minimalist lifestyle to dedicate his mental energy to Turing. 

“My love of Formula 1 and AI shapes elements of Turing’s culture: a relentless human-machine feedback loop where both driver and car push each other beyond previous limits and focus on learning rate,” Siddharth continued. “That ethos guides our pursuit of performance.”

The finances

Coins2Day: What’s been the best investment you’ve ever bought?

A premium Kindle, costing approximately $300, offers unparalleled "joy-per-dollar" value. I've read numerous AI books, science fiction sagas, and entrepreneurial life stories on its comfortable e-ink display. If I were limited to just one gadget besides my iPhone, the Kindle would be my consistent choice.

And the worst?

My attempt at being a “grown-up” with my car choice. After becoming a dad, I convinced myself I needed something more sensible and mature. So I sold my Porsche 911 convertible and bought a high-end sedan with all the luxurious bells and whistles.

On paper, it seemed ideal: serene, pleasant, stress-reducing, and packed with advanced technology and AI. However, after roughly ten months, I understood my error. I rarely had the opportunity to drive it, and when I did, I longed for the unadulterated, exciting rush of a sports car. It never inspired spontaneous, enjoyable drives.

I ended up selling it and learned two important lessons: first, I should stick with what genuinely brings me happiness rather than what I think I “should” have at this stage of life. Second, no half measures. We now have a lovely Honda minivan for the kids and it is a phenomenal family car with a mobile changing station. And I’m in the market again for a convertible sports car with two seats. Two focused tools for two different applications.

Within the first 15 to 20 minutes of meeting a founder, I can usually tell if they’re someone who will expand my thinking over time.

If you have children, what do your childcare arrangements look like?

When it comes to childcare, we’ve established a flexible arrangement that adapts to the unpredictable schedule of leading a high-growth company.

We depend on reliable assistance for particular circumstances, such as evenings out with my spouse or during periods of increased work responsibilities, while also deliberately prioritizing family moments that are completely attentive and involved. My wife likewise receives occasional support for childcare.

The most significant takeaway for me is that a flawless system doesn't exist. It's crucial to continually adjust and discover approaches that suit your unique family circumstances, all while making sure your children receive the attention and nurturing they're entitled to.

What are your living arrangements like: Swanky apartment in the city or suburban sprawling?

Our residence boasts a lovely backyard, offering a peaceful escape from the demanding tech environment. What I value most about our setting is its proximity to a charming park; it's now a fundamental aspect of our family's daily life and fosters our connection to the neighborhood. This locale offers an ideal equilibrium for me. We're conveniently near Stanford, allowing access to its innovation center, yet sufficiently distant to enjoy ample space and serenity. 

I’m also strategically positioned between SFO and San Jose airports, which is crucial given how frequently I travel—I’ve refined my airport timing to an art form, sometimes…Okay, most of the time, pushing the envelope by leaving just 1.5 hours before an international flight.

How do you commute to work?

My car usually serves as my mobile command center for Uber rides; I frequently conduct back-to-back Zoom meetings while traveling and manage a “to call” list on the go. There's a unique satisfaction in transforming tedious traffic delays into valuable work time, akin to reclaiming hours from The Bay Area's commute deities.

Do you carry a wallet?

I prefer to carry very little; I've streamlined my pocket items with the same strict effectiveness our developers use to remove unnecessary code. Instead of a typical wallet, I keep three crucial cards: a credit card, a debit card, and my identification. Nothing else.

By simplifying, I cut down on clutter and make everyday living easier. Having fewer things to manage frees up my mind for what's most important.

Do you invest in shares?

I have most of my eggs in one basket, which is Turing. 

Regarding my personal financial holdings, I exclusively put money into index funds and give it minimal thought. Additionally, I invest in specific AI startups and businesses such as Aida, Fastrak.AI, Create.xyz, Toma, and Parallel.AI. These ventures were largely founded by individuals within my professional circle and are focused on automating customer support, product management, and product development processes. 

My investment strategy is straightforward: I consider if I'd enjoy spending time with the entrepreneur. I'm drawn to highly intelligent, driven founders targeting substantial markets. This method connects with a core interest of mine: accelerating my personal learning curve. I aim to be around remarkably bright individuals from whom I can gain knowledge. Typically, within the initial 15-20 minutes of a founder meeting, I can gauge if they're someone whose insights will broaden my perspective as time progresses. I generally make early-stage investments in ventures where I perceive this capacity for shared development and knowledge acquisition.

What personal finance advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

While you're busy with your work, make sure to enjoy life's simple pleasures too. For AI, this means optimizing for both business results and enjoyment.

Reflecting now, I see that while founding businesses and chasing significant objectives is immensely fulfilling, there's also considerable worth in savoring the process. Monetary achievement holds scant importance if you've failed to permit yourself the enjoyment of life's delights en route to its attainment.

Occasionally, the most valuable investment involves crafting memories and experiences that offer perspective and maintain your sense of grounding. While the drive for achievement is crucial, it's equally important to pause periodically and acknowledge your past successes. I'm still developing this habit, as my inclination is to constantly seek the next challenge without reflection.

What’s the one subscription you can’t live without?

ChatGPT Pro, without a doubt. ChatGPT has proven utterly essential to my work process. It's fundamentally changed my methods for tackling challenges, conducting investigations, and even managing daily activities. If a computer served as a mental bicycle, AGI would be akin to a jet engine.

Where’s your go-to wristwatch from?

As a recent enthusiast of watches, I've come to admire the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. The aspect that captivates me about this watch is its reversible dial, allowing you to turn it over and display a distinct face on the back.

The Necessities 

How do you get your daily coffee fix?

Each year, I shell out a significant amount of money at Starbucks. My usual order is a tall, nonfat latte with three shots of espresso and three pumps of classic syrup—not the healthiest option, I know, but it keeps me going. When the holidays arrive, I get particularly fond of their gingerbread lattes.

Stepping into a Starbucks, no matter my location globally, and receiving that recognizable cup offers a sense of stability amidst an often-unpredictable itinerary. This reliable caffeine infusion has become a crucial element of my daily routine.

I'm acquainted with the former CEO of Starbucks, and I can observe their deliberate focus on the in-store experience, including barista training and overall culture.

What about eating on the go?

I frequently dine while moving. The majority of my meals are consumed at my workspace or in the intervals between appointments. As a vegetarian, I tend to favor uncomplicated choices that allow for swift and unobtrusive consumption during virtual meetings.

When attending international conferences such as ICLR in Singapore, I indulge in a guilty pleasure: finding well-known chains like Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and Domino’s. There's a certain appeal to these establishments in Asia. For reasons I can't quite pinpoint, I find the food superior to what's available in the U.S.! This is quite different from Our Turing team gatherings, where I prefer a simple, reliable meal—a veggie sub from Subway and a Red Bull is all I need.

My habit of eating on the go is only broken by family dinners, which I make a priority. While the AI industry's current speed means regular meal times are frequently shortened or turned into work periods, those family meals are still considered inviolable.

Where do you buy groceries?

To be perfectly honest, I haven't a clue! Groceries magically show up at our place because of my wife. She has exceptionally high standards for healthy and nutritious food (she's a certified nutritionist, in fact), so I've gladly handed over this part of running the household to her.

How often in a week do you dine out versus cook at home?

I order in frequently. With the demands of running Turing and family life, efficiency becomes paramount. We often have food delivered rather than cooked at home—there is a wonderful woman-owned start up called Planted Table that we love. They offer organic, whole food meals delivered right to your door. We are big fans!

When I eat out, it's usually for professional gatherings with my colleagues, clients, or potential hires. Evvia in Palo Alto and Madera at the Rosewood Sand Hill are among my preferred spots. The Rosewood holds particular meaning for me because it's where I asked my wife to marry me, orchestrating a complex deception that included a pretend Saturday “offsite” team meeting. The Rosewood has since witnessed numerous significant Turing achievements, making it a cherished personal choice, even if it's a bit of a Silicon Valley stereotype.

When I'm not working, I aim to dine at home as much as I can, with my indulgences featuring South Indian cuisine (particularly dosas, resembling thin Indian crepes) and, I must confess, Taco Bell and Domino's.

Where do you shop for your work wardrobe?

Online shopping is something I really enjoy. My wife, who's quite skilled in fashion choices, acts as my lead designer for this area. Right now, Quince and Lululemon are brands I favor, especially for their performance materials that are excellent for trips. I prefer garments that require minimal ironing or consideration.

My wardrobe philosophy is intentionally minimalist. The goal is to reduce decision fatigue. My closet primarily features grayscale items: black or white shirts, basic jeans, and several identical pieces. Roughly half the time, my black t-shirts will bear a Turing logo.

I utilize what I term the “barbell strategy” for my wardrobe: fundamental daily pieces at one extreme, and a few high-end suits I invest in at the other. There's hardly anything situated between these two points. I'm either dressed casually or formally; no intermediate styles. This strategy conserves cognitive energy and streamlines my daily habits, enabling me to concentrate on more critical choices as the day progresses.

What would be a typical work outfit for you?

My usual work attire consists of a black t-shirt or shirt paired with blue jeans; the t-shirt sometimes displays a Turing logo. I intentionally maintain a straightforward and uniform daily wardrobe. I generally lean towards either extremely casual comfort or formal business dress, with minimal options in between. My clothing choices adjust to the situation, particularly when transitioning between relaxed Silicon Valley environments and more formal international business settings. 

My initial Turing jacket holds a special place in my heart; it's practically my signature piece. For significant gatherings or functions, I'll opt for one of my select high-quality suits, which I do invest in, but that's strictly for those moments that genuinely warrant it.

Are you the proud owner of any futuristic gadgets?

As an avid gadget enthusiast, I've accumulated nearly everything from The Apple Store, and I've successfully persuaded my parents and in-laws to join Apple's ecosystem. I'm among the few individuals who possess and genuinely appreciate the Apple Vision Pro. Although its nearly $5,000 cost makes it inaccessible for widespread adoption, it provides an intriguing preview of augmented reality's future.

My enthusiasm for tracking and metrics prompted me to monitor my heart rate with three devices concurrently: my Oura ring, Whoop band, and Apple Watch. I have a tendency to go overboard with gadgets! I recently purchased the PlayStation 5 Pro for playing racing games. When I was younger, I was captivated by racing games such as Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed, which exclusively featured Porsche vehicles. 

The Moleskine smart notebook is my latest acquisition, and I'm especially proud of it. Its discreet nature is what I appreciate most; it appears as a standard notebook with a typical pen, yet it seamlessly converts my handwriting into an app on my phone, saves sketched visuals, and records audio. I'm attracted to “under the radar” technology—gadgets that don't overtly display their advanced capabilities.

The Treats  

How do you unwind from the top job?

When I have the opportunity, I immerse myself in reading and gaming, especially racing titles such as F1 and Need for Speed. This offers an ideal mental shift after a day filled with meetings. It's a nostalgic link to my beginnings in AI; my initial substantial coding endeavor involved developing a neural network for autonomous driving, which was instrumental in my admission to Stanford.

What’s the best bonus treat you’ve bought yourself?

I recently made a significant purchase, though not for my own benefit. I secured tickets to a Taylor Swift concert for my wife. The genuine pleasure came from the time we spent together during that outing. It's often the case that the most valuable treats involve creating shared moments for loved ones rather than solely focusing on personal acquisitions.

How do you treat yourself when you get a promotion?

While traditional promotions are no longer a significant part of my path as a founder and CEO, I do mark important company achievements. Frankly, my initial response after securing a substantial funding round or closing a major deal is overwhelming relief, quickly followed by deep fatigue. Having poured weeks, months, or even years of intense effort into it, my usual celebration involves an undisturbed 8- to 12-hour period of sleep—it's the greatest indulgence when you've been fueled by adrenaline.

My approach to celebrating involves intentional time alone, perhaps reading a book or taking a solo drive to unwind. This is then followed by a date night with my wife, during which we discuss topics unrelated to our jobs. Although we do celebrate collectively as a team, I've discovered that carving out time for peaceful contemplation allows me to regain energy before the predictable point, typically within a day, when my thoughts turn to amplifying our recent achievements. 

Take us on holiday with you, what’s next on your vacation list?

My holidays can be divided into three main types. The first is family trips; we recently visited Hawaii and experienced what I term the 'vacation bubble' at resorts offering on-site amenities. While dating profiles might praise hiking and adventure, my perfect break involves very little activity and a lot of rest, although traveling with two toddlers does add an element of excitement!

In the second group, I reunite with companions for more thrilling adventures, such as concerts or Formula 1 competitions. Having attended the Miami Grand Prix last year and even taken a rapid lap with The Mercedes F1 team, my sights are now set on Monza in Italy. Furthermore, my automotive aspirations include a visit to the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, although currently, I'm the one arriving at Menlo Park Cars and Coffee in a minivan.

Beyond While leisure travel is important, maintaining family ties, like frequent trips to India to see my parents, offers stability within the demanding AI field.

How many days of annual leave do you take a year?

I'll start with a bit of humor. Although Turing offers unlimited paid time off, and I strongly believe everyone needs breaks to refresh, I'm likely the worst offender for not taking enough time away. The real reason is “not much.” 

Over the last seven years since founding Turing, I've rarely taken more than two weeks off, and even then, I'm typically still engaged with work. This stems from my difficulty in disengaging my mind, a trait tied to my personality. Entrepreneurship is integral to my being, deeply connected to my enthusiasm for AI. Given the rapid evolution of technology, extended breaks are challenging. However, I understand this approach isn't viable long-term or suitable as an example for my team. Like many entrepreneurs, I'm actively trying to implement my own advice regarding the necessity of periodic disconnection. It's an ongoing effort!