Life at Transcend: Utsav Patel, Software Engineer

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I was born and raised in a small town in India. This is where I spent the early years of my career before moving to the U.S. at the age of 24 to pursue my master’s degree.

From a young age, I was captivated by mathematics and problem-solving. This passion naturally led me to explore the world of competitive programming during my undergraduate years, where I found immense joy in tackling complex challenges.

Beyond academics, I’ve always been drawn to solo video games, where strategic thinking and immersive storytelling kept me engaged for hours. I also have a deep love for books—fictional stories that transport me to new worlds, self-help books that shape my mindset, and financial reads that fuel my curiosity about wealth-building. Traveling is another passion of mine; exploring new places, cultures, and cuisines has been a constant source of inspiration and learning.

Describe your path to Transcend. How did you end up here?

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work at startups, mid-sized companies, and multinational corporations. While each experience had its own value, I’ve always been drawn to startups for two key reasons.

First, the impact—at a startup, the work I do is highly visible, not just to my team but also to the customers we serve. Seeing the direct effect of my contributions is both motivating and fulfilling.

Second, ownership—startups provide the freedom to take full responsibility for projects, fostering an environment where innovation isn’t just encouraged but necessary. Having the ability to experiment, build, and refine ideas without bureaucratic roadblocks is something I deeply value.

After completing my master's, I came across Transcend through a platform called Untapped. The company’s mission and culture resonated with me, so I applied. Shortly after, I got a call, went through the interview process, and was thrilled to receive an offer. The journey to Transcend felt like a natural progression—one that aligned with both my skills and aspirations.

What do you work on at Transcend?

At Transcend, I work as a Software Engineer, focusing on silo, structured, and unstructured data discovery.

I started by working on classifying Personally Identifiable Information (PII) within our structured discovery product, incorporating Large Language Models (LLMs) to automate classification with high precision. This enhancement significantly improved accuracy and efficiency for our customers.

From there, I expanded my work to silo discovery, structured discovery, and unstructured discovery for some of our existing integrations. Additionally, I helped introduce new integrations based on customer requests, ensuring that our product evolves to meet real-world needs.

Currently, my focus is on creating parity between structured and unstructured discovery, making it easier for customers to navigate and understand our platform seamlessly. By bridging this gap, we aim to enhance user experience and provide a more intuitive approach to our data discovery.

Every project at Transcend pushes me to think critically, innovate, and solve complex problems—all while working alongside a team of brilliant and passionate individuals. It’s an exciting and fulfilling journey, and I’m grateful to be part of it.

What’s your favorite part of working at Transcend?

My favorite part of working at Transcend is collaborating with like-minded, hard-working colleagues who embrace new ideas with an open mind. It’s inspiring to work alongside individuals who are not only passionate about their craft but also humble enough to learn from others and stay focused on achieving common goals.

I’m especially grateful for the company’s culture of open communication, which has broadened my perspective beyond engineering. Through cross-functional collaboration, I’ve gained valuable insights into how different teams – both technical and non-technical – approach challenges, adopt new technologies, and uphold diverse work etiquettes. These experiences have not only enhanced my professional skills but also deepened my understanding of how innovation truly thrives when people from varied backgrounds come together.

What’s one value that resonates with you, and why?

The value that resonates with me most is "Step In, Step Up." It perfectly aligns with my belief that growth in any arena stems from action. I’ve always found that the best way to overcome fear or uncertainty is to take that first step—because progress, no matter how small, builds momentum and clarity.

At Transcend, this value translates into finding practical solutions for both functional and non-functional requirements while continuously refining them. Rather than getting stuck in endless cycles of requirement gathering, we prioritize action—building, testing, learning, and improving iteratively.

This mindset not only accelerates results but also fosters personal and professional growth. Whether it’s developing technical expertise, enhancing soft skills, or navigating cross-functional challenges, "Step In, Step Up" encourages us to embrace discomfort, take ownership, and unlock our full potential. It’s a principle that doesn’t just drive business success but also empowers individuals to become the best versions of themselves.

Where can we find you when you’re not logged on?

When I’m not logged on, you’ll usually find me immersed in a book at my desk. Lately, I’ve been focusing on self-help books, with a personal goal of reading at least one book per month this year. It’s been a rewarding journey of self-improvement and gaining new perspectives.

I also enjoy my regular calisthenics workouts, which keep me energized and focused. When I’m in the mood to unwind, I love exploring nearby restaurants, discovering new flavors, and indulging in the stories behind each dish.

Traveling is another passion of mine. It has taken me to vibrant metropolitan cities, serene national and state parks, and countless hidden gems along the way. Whether it’s a quick weekend getaway or an extended trip, I find joy in exploring new places and embracing different cultures.

But above all, I cherish spending quality time with friends and family—whether it’s a casual hangout, a shared meal, or an impromptu adventure. These moments, big or small, add balance and meaning to my life outside of work.