Sekhar Paladugu

Vice Chair

Sekhar is an entrepreneur with a background in technology and startups. He has direct experience spanning sales, marketing, product, and business operations from founding to IPO/exit. After co-founding an energy software company, he now advises high-growth organizations with a focus on ClimateTech and aging.

Sekhar joined Next50 inspired by his experience as a caregiver, with an interest in dementia, mental illness, and caregiving. He serves as Vice Chair of the board and chairs the Governance Committee, with prior roles on the Finance & Audit, Investment, and Executive Compensation Committees. In 2023, he led the Executive Search Committee that hired President and CEO Peter Kaldes. Sekhar also has a special interest in impact investing.

Sekhar’s past volunteer work includes political organizing and serving on Denver Mayor Mike Johnston’s Transition Committee for Climate Action. He’s become a passionate advocate for electric cars and all-electric buildings. Sekhar also volunteers with the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD).

A graduate of Phillips Exeter Academy and Stanford University, Sekhar lives in Denver with his husband Jim and their dog Cosmo. Prior to moving to Colorado, he lived all over the world across four states and five countries. Sekhar enjoys hiking, traveling, reading nonfiction, and playing board games.