WASHINGTON, D.C., June 14, 2026 — The U.S. Congress has paid tribute to late Indian-American technology leader Sivaramakrishnan “Soma” Somasegar, recognizing his lasting contributions to Microsoft, the American technology industry, and the startup ecosystem that he helped shape over several decades.
Somasegar, a respected software engineer, executive, investor, and mentor, passed away on May 19 at the age of 59. During a recent session of the U.S. House of Representatives, Congresswoman Suzan DelBene honored his life and career, describing him as an extraordinary technologist, entrepreneur, leader, and community builder whose influence extended far beyond the companies he worked for.
Born in India, Somasegar came to the United States to pursue higher education and joined Microsoft in 1989. Over a distinguished 27-year career at the company, he played a key role in some of Microsoft’s most important engineering initiatives. He worked on the development of Windows NT and later rose through the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Microsoft’s Developer Division, overseeing products and technologies used by millions of software developers around the world.
Colleagues and industry leaders have often credited Somasegar with helping shape Microsoft’s developer ecosystem during a transformative period in the company’s history. His leadership helped foster innovation within the company while supporting the broader software development community.
After retiring from Microsoft in 2015, Somasegar began a new chapter as a managing director at Madrona Venture Group, a Seattle-based venture capital firm. There, he became a trusted mentor and investor to emerging technology companies, focusing on areas such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and enterprise software.
Many startup founders have spoken about Somasegar’s willingness to share his experience and guidance, earning him a reputation as one of the Pacific Northwest’s most influential mentors in the technology sector.
In her congressional remarks, DelBene highlighted not only Somasegar’s professional accomplishments but also his commitment to community service and inclusion. She noted his support for women’s advancement in technology and his dedication to mentoring the next generation of innovators.
Beyond the technology world, Somasegar helped promote cricket in the United States as a co-founder of the Seattle Orcas franchise in Major League Cricket, contributing to the growth of a sport beloved by many immigrant communities.
Friends and colleagues remember him as a leader who combined technical excellence with humility, generosity, and a deep commitment to helping others succeed.
The congressional tribute serves as a recognition of a life that helped shape one of America’s most influential industries while opening doors for countless entrepreneurs, engineers, and innovators. For many in the Indian-American community, Somasegar’s journey from India to the highest levels of the U.S. technology sector stands as a testament to the impact immigrants continue to have on American innovation and economic growth.
Cover photo courtesy of madrona.com.
