S. "Soma" Somasegar

"It's hard to articulate how much of an impact Soma had on me and Aarthi. He spotted us out of undergrad, made sure we got our first jobs, spent time with us though he was a senior executive at Microsoft and we were random junior people. We genuinely wouldn't have the lives and careers we have now without him."

"Soma and I were friends for almost 38 years. Of the thousands of people who interacted with him, I have never heard even the slightest negative opinion expressed about him. EVER. THAT IS A LIFE WELL LIVED."

"He was 'one of one,' and the model of being a servant leader when we were peers reporting to Bob Muglia and Satya Nadella. Love that man."

"Rest in peace, S. Somasegar. I reached out to him through a cold email, not expecting a reply, but he responded with kindness. He spoke to me calmly, guided me. Thank you for your guidance and kindness, sir."

"He always made time to mentor people, encourage founders, and support the community with kindness and simplicity. So many people grew because of his guidance, advice, and belief in them."

"He showed me again and again how someone can rise above selfish motives and genuinely help others. He restored my faith in humanity when I needed it most."

"A dear friend, a mentor, and one of the finest people I have had the privilege of knowing. Whether speaking with first-time founders, engineers, or friends navigating difficult moments, Soma always made people feel supported and encouraged."

"What set Soma apart was that he always had time for you. He was one of the busiest people in Seattle tech and somehow never acted like it. The connections he built were not transactional. They were deep and lasting."

"You never had to answer the texts but you always did. You never had to spend hours on the phone providing advice but always did. Always encouraging, always positive and most importantly always real."

"I know I'm not alone in my stories of being young and gently schooled. His generosity in helping me solve the insolvable. RIP. Love to all."

"He never made conversations transactional. Be it career, cricket, sponsorships, or simply showing up when someone needed support, he always made time for people."

"Soma was a legendary figure in our industry, but what made him truly unforgettable was the profound grace and stillness he brought into every room. When I served as an Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Madrona, he quickly became my compass. Our conversations always transcended standard business metrics: he cared deeply about the human being behind the leader. I will always cherish the memories of our shared meals, his lighthearted humor, his deep spiritual grounding, and his absolute devotion to his family. He taught me by example that true leadership comes from a calm heart and an unwavering respect for others."

"He approached every situation assuming positive intention, assuming the best in the person, and helping them find their path to the best outcome. He had an aura of playfulness and wisdom at the same time."

"Soma changed the trajectory of my professional life in a way I couldn't imagine. His humility was something that always struck me — how quickly he responded to my emails, never said no to a request to meet."

"Soma was the epitome of kindness, a key leader for the Seattle startup ecosystem and a personal mentor. He would always offer insightful comments and strong mentorship for those who needed it."

"His innate ability to focus on the smallest of details was truly uncanny, but what set him apart was how he treated people. He made everyone feel valued, empowered, and seen."

"Words cannot describe the impact you have made over four decades across Microsoft, Seattle, and the broader tech community. You are a true legend."

"I feel honored to have worked closely with Soma for many years in DevDiv, NT, and other periods. He was an amazing leader, a visionary, and a fantastic human."

"You demonstrated how to turn passion into a successful career and create a bright future. You will be missed but will continue to inspire every young entrepreneur dreaming of future success."

"I'm in disbelief! Our association started when we hosted this legend at Microsoft in June 2015. Since then, you have been such a great mentor and role model for me. I've not made a single big decision without counseling with you. What an incredible impact and legacy you are leaving behind."

"I had the privilege of working with Soma for many years at Microsoft. Beyond being an exceptional executive and visionary leader, Soma was someone who genuinely cared about people. One memory I will always treasure was when Soma took the time to review and sign my book, I'm Tired. That gesture reflected exactly who he was — someone who always encouraged and uplifted others."

"Soma was a gem of a person, genuine with down to earth humility. I got to know Soma over the years — from the creation of the India Dev Center in 1998, the early days of .NET, and as a family friend. The great successes he had did not change the person — his smile was as sweet as ever! I feel lucky to have known him."

"We are heartbroken. Soma was one of a kind with his sweet unassuming presence and ever smiling face. I met Soma for the first time at our house in 1999 and he made such a mark with his sincerity and generosity. He is why I am here at Microsoft with a career spanning 26 years — I owe my first job in Windows to him. He was always present and showed up in my life and countless others!"

"His encouragement never felt conditional on perfection, appearances, or proving myself over and over again. He treated me with a kind of respect and conviction that gave people courage to become more fully themselves. As a woman in tech and leadership, that meant more to me than I can fully express."

"In Loving Memory of Soma — My Younger Brother, My Elder in Virtue. He was younger in age, but in sheer human values and virtues, you were my elder brother. I have used your name as a yardstick to describe a person — 'He carries some of Soma's virtues!' That, to me, was always the highest praise I could give another human being."

"Soma always found time to check on you, had a kind word to say, a joke to crack, and more than anything be there for you. My heart is heavy, overflowing with sorrow, wondering if this empty space will ever be filled."

"His name is very well known around the world, nearly all who ever came even close to coding, and Microsoft and Anna University. But most important he was the pillar to the family. Long live Soma ❤️"

"He lives on through his wonderful, kind and beautiful daughters Sahana and Archana. Please accept our heartfelt condolences. Akila, we love you and are here for you."

"Extremely sad to have lost a brother and friend... he was one of the first person we got to know in Seattle 30+ years ago... such a humble and caring person — we will miss you Soma."

"You achieved great heights in your life yet remained humble, connected to the roots and giving back to society every way possible. Rest in peace."

"Yet when my mother passed away 3 years back, he called me to convey his condolences. His last message was to wish me for my special 60th birthday. I have been feeling empty knowing that I cannot return my best wishes for his 60th."

"I met Soma when I was just an entry level software engineer at Microsoft IDC. Over the next 25 years, each one of my outreaches came back with the same warmth and openness. He had absolutely no reason to meet me or help me in any way, but he always did, made me feel heard, provided crucial guidance."

"Soma didn't know me beyond a familiar face with a camera at Madrona and tech events but he was always quick to offer a warm hello. His kind smile always made me feel a little better, as no doubt it did for many."

"Despite your amazing success and seniority, you were always so kind and humble. I still remember when years later I ran into you at Seattle airport, how warmly and respectfully you greeted and talked with my parents though you had never met them earlier. You simply made the world a better place for all."

"Soma helped onboard me when I joined Microsoft. He was the epitome of technical passion, brilliant mentorship and humble leadership. Unforgettable and deeply valued."

"One memory I will always treasure was when Soma took the time to review and sign my book, I'm Tired. That gesture reflected exactly who he was — someone who always encouraged and uplifted others, even amidst his own tremendous responsibilities."

"In less than 15 minutes of conversation, Soma did what he always did best: he elevated my thinking. He helped inspire a new mission in me regarding how I view myself, my professional value, and how I can contribute to the massive AI transformation we are living through."

"I had the honor of sitting across from Soma once a month as my Partner at Madrona for 2.5 very formative years as a founder. He ended every meeting with his signature smile and a kind anecdote of encouragement."

"Working with Soma at Madrona was fun and rewarding. It's not a coincidence that all four of us who worked with Soma as associates at Madrona eventually went on to start companies. He believed in us, pushed us to think big, and gave us the confidence to take risks."

"Soma changed my path in ways he probably never knew. His kindness will live on in every founder he ever lifted up, in every community he helped build, and in every quiet moment of belief he gave us when we needed it most."

"Even at that early stage of our lives in the US, it was clear that Soma was someone who had the motivation, determination and clarity of thinking to achieve great things in life. What's struck me the most is how humble, modest, down to earth and true to himself he has remained throughout his life."

"He left every interaction with 'how can I help?' Always followed up and made you feel special. I have not known another human being with that ingenuity, connection and compassion in my life."

"His quiet nature often concealed the depth of his compassion, but those who knew him well understood the warmth and generosity that defined him. He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and never forgotten."

"Soma was a gem: so loving, so warm, so humble, always smiling. He remembered even the smallest details about someone he had met only once. He made every interaction meaningful, and those moments stay with us."

"What cannot be explained by me? A brother who understood and stood by me always. A VOID WHICH WILL NEVER BE FILLED. SOMA SIR, if there's another life for us, I want you to be my baby. I love you as much as I have loved any human including my mother sir."

"We are heartbroken by this news. Since all of us moved to Seattle in 1989, we shared a lifelong friendship. He was a mentor to each one of us, including our three children, who always looked up to him with great admiration."

"I truly cherished the time we spent together — whether on walks or over dinners. He had an incredible depth of knowledge about the technology industry and the investing world. Soma will be dearly missed by so many of us whose lives he touched."

"What made Soma truly special was not only his accomplishments, but the quiet kindness with which he carried himself. Success never hardened him; it only made him more generous."

"His influence reached far beyond those who worked directly with him. He touched countless lives, mine included, and helped shape not just careers, but the culture of generosity and mentorship within the Seattle tech community."

"Precious memories — our last meeting in person."

"We shared views on many situations and considered several investments together. Always thought highly of Soma and respected his many thoughtful comments and poignant insights."

"He advised me on how to get my family settled, shared very helpful wisdom on how to be a better investor and founder. I am forever thankful for the kindness that he showed someone who truly did not need to make the time for."

"In July 2003, I had the privilege of featuring Somasegar as an impactful business leader from the Tamil community at the awards ceremony of the Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America convention. Will miss you greatly, my friend!"

"I will remember the long walks during which he shared memories of his childhood. I will remember how proud he always was of his daughters. I am grateful he and Akila were able to spend time at our house just two weeks ago."

"Soma noticed us, walked over, and asked, 'Do you want to meet Steve?' Before we could even respond, he went to Steve's car and said, 'Steve, these kids want to meet you.' He recognized what that moment meant to a few early-career employees and made it special."

"Soma was a gem in our tech community. I sought his advice as an entrepreneur, and wished I had met him earlier. Smart, humble and positive. He was unique amongst technologists and investors."

"For us at Mela Ventures, betting on Indian startups with global ambitions, having Soma on our Advisory Board was invaluable. We will miss his insights, warmth, and quiet confidence."

"His kind-hearted and gentle manner was evident every time. We feel truly blessed to have known Soma, and for the family friendship. Jaisri and I are in total shock that he is not with us anymore."

"I was blessed to have known your dad for the last 37 years and I will always remember his kindness, warmth, and the years of memories we shared."

"I cannot believe Soma is gone. Rare individual, always smiling, ready to help. I approached him several times at Madrona-organized conferences. Always responsive, guiding, and gentle."

"Ever since our family got to know Soma in 1995, his infectious smile, the twinkle in his eye, and his humble demeanor have stuck with us. Through it all, his kind-hearted and gentle manner was evident every time."

"To our dearest and most precious Somasegar who has been the person to go to for the littlest of challenges. Kindest and gentlest one of all — always with a glitter in his eyes that spoke how much he cared even without saying the words out loud. We love you so so much!!!"

"Never thought that Comrade's era would end so suddenly. The friendship that blossomed in the college oasis disappeared in the blink of an eye. Even when You touched the peaks, Your mind did not change. Your humility was superior to the heights You had scaled!"

"A great leader, planner, his vision and forethought are beyond our imagination and very affectionate, humble and very friendly. An irreparable loss to the tech industry and community at large."

"Soma was a wonderful leader and mentor. He will be missed here on earth... though he has gone to far better realms."

"Your courage, humility and smile — all are contagious. Sincere prayers to the smooth passage of this precious Soul."