Seattle's technology community is mourning the loss of S. “Soma” Somasegar, who passed away this week at the age of 59. His death has reverberated through Microsoft, where he dedicated 27 years of his career, and Madrona, the venture capital firm where he worked for the past 11 years. Somasegar's impact extended beyond his professional achievements, as he was known for his kindness, humility, and dedication to mentoring others.
Tributes have poured in from colleagues and friends, highlighting his legacy as a "champion of developers and startups," according to Steven Sinofsky, a former Microsoft leader. Sinofsky reflected on their shared journey at Microsoft, noting how their paths intertwined over more than two decades. Similarly, Brad Anderson, a former executive at Microsoft and Qualtrics, described Somasegar as “one of one” and praised his servant leadership qualities.
Anoop Gupta, co-founder of SeekOut, emphasized Somasegar's intellectual curiosity and the depth of their conversations, which often sparked new ideas. He regarded Somasegar not only as an investor but also as a valued friend who was always willing to offer support, regardless of the time.