Remembering Om Malik: Groundbreaking Tech Innovator with a Love for Horology

Published: 26 Jun 2026
Om Malik, a technology thought leader and watch enthusiast, recently passed away after a long battle with heart-related problems. His contributions to the tech world left a lasting impact - and the watch community mourns one of their own.

As the horological world mourns, it becomes apparent that Om Malik, who passed away recently, was more than a tech pioneer - he was also a fervid watch enthusiast. Born in India and educated in the UK, his journey through tech started by helping legacy media brands transition online and he was a key player in launching Forbes.com in 1997. Beyond that, he kick-started GigaOm, a pioneering digital business publication, and was marginally involved in numerous budding companies such as Twitter. However, his relationship with the world of watches is what most resonates today.

While his early and fervent interest in watches made him a beloved figure in the community, friends remember him for more than his passion for timepieces. Malik was highly regarded for his kindness, and his belief in the potential of others often led to profound impacts on their lives. When he joined True Ventures as a partner after his GigaOm era, he became a trusted and enthusiastic supporter of the online watch website Hodinkee. Interestingly, his conversations were hardly ever about watches, they were more about life, friendships, and seeking significance in those around us. Remembering Om Malik serves as a reminder of the indelible impressions one individual can leave on both a professional industry and a passionate community of enthusiasts.

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