Sheila Gulati
Managing Director at Tola Capital
Sheila Gulati
Managing Director at Tola Capital
Seattle, Washington
Overview
Work Experience
Managing Director
2010 - Current
Tola Capital is a venture capital firm focused on the generational opportunity to invest in the next wave of enterprise software companies enabled by new data and cloud platforms. The firm provides both capital and hands-on engagement to drive the growth of its portfolio companies. Tola Capital targets software companies with essential products for enterprise customers, a solid existing customer base, a strong competitive position, and great talent and culture. Tola Capital invests globally and across multiple stages. Our portfolio: http://www.tolacapital.com
Pratham Seattle Leader
2007
Pratham is the largest NGO working on literacy development in India. I got to know the company as I was looking for a charitable organization that could drive broad scale change to make the education system more effective in India. Upon moving back to the US, I founded a Pratham chapter in Seattle with a core group of volunteers. We raise awareness and donations for Pratham’s Read India work which has educated tens of millions of kids in India in basic literacy, math and beyond.
General Manager, Application Platform and Developer Marketing
2008 - 2010
Business and marketing leader of Enterprise Application Platform, Developer Platform and Tools businesses including SQL Server, Visual Studio Development Tools and BizTalk Server. Direct responsibility for approximately $5 billion in annual Microsoft global revenue. My organization managed all aspects of marketing for the product portfolio including: product definition, value proposition, messaging, pricing and offers and all external product communication. We re-vamped the SKU lineup, offers and pricing for the company’s database and developer tools products. We also co-owned the company-wide Enterprise IT strategy.
General Manager, US Developer and Platform Evangelism
2006 - 2008
Owner of US developer business spanning sales, technical evangelism and marketing. The DPE US organization increased the reach, satisfaction and adoption of US developers and IT professionals by investing in online and community connection vehicles. The US DPE organization drove sales for Microsoft’s developer tools in the US. We also drove Microsoft platform technology adoption with large US Enterprises and ISVs. With over 200 evangelists spread across the US geography we were able to better connect and serve technologists. Member of Microsoft’s US Subsidiary Leadership Team.
Director, India Developer Platform and Evangelism
2004 - 2006
Owner of strategy to grow and partner with the Indian IT ecosystem. Drove broad partnerships with Indian SIs and ISVs that deepened the penetration of Microsoft developer tools and platform adoption with these organizations. Launched first Microsoft India Technology Center aimed at helping Indian enterprises architect and build cutting edge software solutions to help run their businesses. Engaged thousands of students in development contests, projects partnerships and offered stronger and software curriculum resources to academia.
Business Manager, Server and Tools
2002 - 2004
Business manager for Eric Rudder, SVP of the Server and Tools Business, responsible for orchestration of corporate calendar for the Server and Tools business, e.g. annual business plan, long term strategy plan, divisional talent review, which spanned 22,000 people. Created Frontline program for the division which placed engineers on short term assignments within customer accounts to increase customer understanding and empathy. Worked as the business manager for the Developer and Platform Evangelism team for Mr Rudder as well while he led that business.
Senior Manager, Corporate Development and Strategy
1999 - 2002
Member of team responsible for the management of Microsoft’s strategic equity portfolio including: acquisitions, investments and joint ventures. The team also provided the Corporate Strategy function where we partnered with different business units on strategic planning and competitive reviews.
Investment Banking Analyst, Communications Software Division
1998 - 1999
Investment banking financial analyst for the communications team. Partnered with clients on numerous IPO, secondary, private placement and M&A transactions.