(March 14, 2026) When Krishna Ravipati left India at the age of 20, he had little idea that the move would shape the next quarter century of his life. What began as a spontaneous decision by a group of friends, sparked by a photograph of a red car in Melbourne, eventually turned into a long journey of professional growth, entrepreneurship and community building in Australia.
Today, Ravipati is a Certified Practising Accountant based in Queensland and the co-owner of an accounting firm that specialises in GST compliance and financial management for businesses. Over the years, he and his partners have also expanded their entrepreneurial footprint by investing in multiple ventures, including a digital marketing agency, a catering business and a signage company.
Having spent more than two decades in Australia, Ravipati has navigated the transition from international student to Australian citizen, from employee to entrepreneur, and from newcomer to a familiar face within the Telugu diaspora.
Yet business success is only one part of his story. The entrepreneur remains deeply connected to his Indian roots, regularly travelling to Hyderabad and actively participating in Telugu cultural life in Australia.
Growing up across cities in Andhra Pradesh
Although Krish (as he is called) was born in Chennai, his childhood unfolded largely across Andhra Pradesh, especially in Hyderabad, where he spent most of his formative years. His father worked as an officer and manager with Andhra Bank, a role that required the family to move frequently. By the time he finished school, he had studied in six different institutions across the state and had even spent a period in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh.
Rather than seeing these frequent relocations as disruptions, he remembers them as experiences that broadened his perspective and social circle. Constantly adjusting to new environments meant learning to make friends quickly and adapt to different settings.
Decades later, he still maintains friendships from those early years and remains connected to former classmates through several active WhatsApp groups.
A simple childhood shaped by family and friendships
His childhood itself, he recalls, was simple and joyful. His father’s stable banking career ensured the family’s security, while his mother, a homemaker, kept the household running smoothly despite the frequent moves. Much of Ravipati’s youth revolved around school, cricket and spending time with friends.
The red car photograph that sparked a dream
The decision to move abroad came about almost by accident. One day, while visiting a friend’s house, Ravipati was flipping through a family photo album when a particular image caught his attention.
The photograph showed his friend’s brother sitting in a red car against the backdrop of a snow-covered mountain in Melbourne. “I thought it looked amazing,” he recalls with a smile. “I asked where he was, and she said Melbourne in Australia. At that time, I didn’t even really know where Australia was, but I told my friends we should go there and buy a red car.”
Choosing Australia during the Y2K era
What began as a playful remark gradually evolved into a genuine plan. Ravipati and two of his friends decided to explore studying abroad. After completing his Bachelor of Commerce degree at Chaitanya College in Hyderabad, he briefly worked at Andhra Bank before leaving for Sydney in August 2001 to pursue a Graduate Diploma in Information Technology.
At the time, the global buzz around the Y2K technology boom made IT appear to be an exciting and practical career path.
The emotional realities of moving abroad
However, the emotional reality of moving overseas proved more challenging than he had expected. Within just forty days of arriving in Australia, the 20-year-old found himself overwhelmed with homesickness. He called his father in India and told him he was struggling.
“My father simply said, ‘Yeah, it’s been a while since I saw you too so yes, please come and visit us,’” Ravipati remembers. He did exactly that, flying back to India for a short time before eventually returning to Australia with renewed determination.
Early student struggles in a new country
Those early months were filled with the typical struggles faced by many international students: sharing accommodation with multiple roommates, adjusting to a new culture, and finding ways to support himself financially.
Looking back, he believes that not having too much information beforehand helped. “We didn’t have the information overload people have today,” he says. “Sometimes ignorance is a blessing because you just step into a situation and say, ‘Let’s give it a go.’”
Starting out with student jobs
Like many international students, he began his working life in Australia with modest jobs. His first role was at a convenience store connected to a café and several restaurants owned by the same business operator. His responsibilities included transporting food and supplies between locations using a trolley. Though simple, the work helped him understand the value of hard work and reliability.
Discovering a path in finance and accounting
Although he had initially pursued IT studies, Ravipati gradually realised that his interests were more aligned with finance and accounting, perhaps influenced by his father’s banking background. After completing his course, he began applying for positions in the financial sector and eventually secured a role at ANZ Bank. At that point, he assumed he would spend his career working within established organisations.
A move to Queensland that changed everything
However, a move to Queensland in 2003, encouraged by friends who had relocated there, shifted the direction of his professional life. Once settled in Queensland, Ravipati decided to strengthen his credentials by pursuing accounting qualifications, eventually completing the requirements to become a Certified Practising Accountant.
The unexpected transition into entrepreneurship
For many years he worked as an employee and was content with the stability that came with it. The idea of entrepreneurship did not initially appeal to him. “The employee life is comfortable,” he says. “You work from nine to five, complete your responsibilities and then go home.”
The transition into business ownership happened gradually and largely because of a close friend who had been running an accounting firm for more than 15 years.
Building an accounting firm and expanding ventures
After repeated conversations and encouragement, Ravipati agreed to join him as a partner and together they acquired another firm. The company now specialises in GST and internal financial operations for businesses, handling payroll processing, supplier payments, financial reporting and compliance requirements. Since taking over the firm, the partners have also expanded into other ventures, investing in a digital marketing agency, a catering business and a signage company.
The responsibilities of running a business
Entrepreneurship, however, has brought a new level of complexity to his professional life. “When you’re working for someone, you only need to focus on the task you are responsible for,” he explains. “But when you run a business, every decision affects employees, investors, bank loans and stakeholders.” Despite the added pressures, Ravipati finds the experience deeply fulfilling.
Staying connected to Hyderabad and Telugu culture
While Ravipati’s professional life has flourished in Australia, his connection to India, especially Hyderabad and Telugu culture, remains strong. He travels to India at least once a year, sometimes more, to spend time with family and reconnect with the city where he grew up.
Building community within the diaspora
In Australia, he plays an active role in Telugu community organisations and cultural events. Ravipati frequently serves as a master of ceremonies for gatherings organised by regional associations and enjoys interacting with people from different backgrounds within the diaspora.
Finding joy in classical Telugu literature
Beyond community events, he has also developed a deep interest in traditional Telugu literary practices such as Avadhanam, an art form that combines poetry, memory and improvisation. “We meet to recite Telugu poetry, learn classical verses and share literature,” he says. “Those moments bring a sense of joy and connection.”
A life bridging two cultures
His personal life reflects a blend of cultures as well. Ravipati married Felicity, an Australian, in a traditional temple ceremony in Hyderabad. The couple now live in Queensland with their two children — a teenage daughter and a son — while maintaining strong ties with family in India. They run a YouTube channel called Indian Asks Aussie Answers.
For the entrepreneur, cultural engagement also serves as a way to balance the pressures of running multiple businesses. “Entrepreneurship can be stressful because you are constantly making decisions and dealing with uncertainty,” he says. “Having something you enjoy — whether it’s culture, poetry or community — helps you stay grounded.”
Krishna Ravipati’s advice for young Indians moving abroad
- Adapt to local culture: Understand how people communicate and behave in your new country. Learning the language and social cues helps build relationships.
- Explore opportunities: The global economy offers many pathways — from tech careers to online entrepreneurship. Use platforms like LinkedIn and stay open to new possibilities.
- Build community connections: Cultural communities can offer support and friendship. Joining associations and attending events helps make settling abroad easier.
Follow Krishna Ravipati on LinkedIn and YouTube