Somesh Dash

In the first decade of my career, I encountered two major economic downturns: the dot-com collapse of 2001 and the global financial crisis of 2007–2008. Widespread bankruptcies and layoffs made palpable how difficult the startup journey is for founders and how essential it is to keep the macro in mind as you scale. Since then, I’ve found that this growth mindset applies to most facets of life. Rather than isolating risks and failures, I strive to identify potential and tackle challenges through collaborative problem solving.

As an investor, the sectors I work in exist at inflection points that are truly historic. An onslaught of data paired with the transition to cloud is transforming the software landscape. Threat vectors in security are increasing in scope and severity. The shift from PC to mobile to AI platforms is generating persistent evolution in consumer experiences. And healthcare is forever changed by COVID-19. Playing even a small part as a partner to the companies most likely to transform these industries is incredibly meaningful to me.

Over the years, I’ve found that the best founders are exceptional by definition—no two are the same. Some are introverts, others extroverts; some are operationally detailed, others are strategic masterminds. What all successful founders share is unwavering commitment and perseverance. The road from startup to scale-up is fraught with risks and challenges, and the greatest leaders are those who can will themselves and their teams to succeed despite the odds.