Investor Spotlight: A Conversation with Madrona’s Soma Somasegar

Hear from Madrona Managing Director Soma Somasegar as he discusses his path to venture capital by way of 27 years at Microsoft. He shares invaluable insights about what he looks for in a founder, the importance of passion in founders, the state of cloud technology, and the future of AI and Startups. Tim also shares Madrona's core principles, his favorite books for entrepreneurs, and his personal interests outside of work, including his passion for outdoor sports and the nonprofit Global Partnerships. This chat is a must-watch for aspiring entrepreneurs looking for insights into the venture capital world or strategies to capture an investor's eye.

(00:00) Introduction

(01:18) Soma's Journey from Microsoft to Madrona

(02:08) Choosing the Venture Capital Path

(03:31) Why Seattle and Madrona?

(05:33) Soma's Investment Focus: AI and Cloud Infrastructure

(08:00) Evaluating Founders and Teams

(11:17) Recommended Books for Founders

(12:20) Soma's Passion for Cricket