# Viraj Puri

> Viraj Puri co-founded Gotham Greens, bringing his experience in sustainable development and environmental design to greenhouse farming near urban consumers. He led the company as CEO through its expansion from a Brooklyn rooftop into a national fresh-food business, and became executive chairman in April 2026.

- **Role:** Co-Founder and Executive Chairman at Gotham Greens
- **Organizations:** Gotham Greens, New York Sun Works, TED Fellows, Wild Gift, Environmental Leadership Program, Controlled Environment Agriculture Alliance
- **Education:** Bachelor of Arts; studied economics, international development and environmental studies, Colgate University, The Doon School
- **Known for:** Built Gotham Greens with co-founder Eric Haley and greenhouse leader Jenn Frymark., TED, Wild Gift and Environmental Leadership Program fellowships., LEED Accredited Professional.

## Career timeline

- **2003** — Graduated from Colgate University.
- **2004** — Worked on green building and renewable energy projects in Ladakh, India; received a Wild Gift fellowship.
- **2007** — Worked at New York Sun Works on the Science Barge.
- **2008** — Developed the Gotham Greens business plan with partners.
- **2009** — Gotham Greens founding year in the current company history; TED fellowship.
- **2011** — First Gotham Greens commercial greenhouse opened in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
- **2013** — Gotham Greens opened a greenhouse above Whole Foods Market in Gowanus.
- **2015** — Expanded rooftop greenhouse operations to Chicago.
- **2021** — Gotham Greens expanded into California and became a Certified B Corporation.
- **2026-02** — Named a newly elected director of the CEA Alliance.
- **2026-04** — Became Gotham Greens executive chairman as Craig Stevenson was appointed CEO; named Colgate Entrepreneur of the Year.

## Achievements

- Built Gotham Greens with co-founder Eric Haley and greenhouse leader Jenn Frymark.
- TED, Wild Gift and Environmental Leadership Program fellowships.
- LEED Accredited Professional.
- Goldman Sachs 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2020 recognition.
- Crain’s New York Business 40 Under 40 recognition.
- Colgate University 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year.

## Latest updates

- **2026-04** — Gotham Greens announced Puri’s move to executive chairman and Craig Stevenson’s appointment as CEO on April 16.
- **2026-04** — Recognized as Colgate’s Entrepreneur of the Year and participated in its April 11 TIA showcase.
- **2026-02** — Elected to the CEA Alliance board for 2026.

## Links

- Website: https://www.gothamgreens.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/v-puri

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/viraj-puri
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-12