Sekhar Paladugu

Trustee

Sekhar is a software engineer with extensive experience at startups. He has worked for more than a decade in roles spanning sales, marketing, product development, and operations. He recently cofounded a new energy software company. Sekhar is also a passionate advocate for electric cars and all-electric buildings.

Sekhar came to Next50 because of his experience as a caregiver. His primary interests include dementia (especially rare brain diseases), mental illness, and supporting caregivers of all ages. Sekhar serves on the Finance & Audit Committee, the Investment Committee, and the Executive Compensation Committee. In 2023 he chaired the Executive Search Committee that resulted in the hiring of Peter Kaldes, Next50’s President and CEO. Sekhar also has a special interest in mission-driven investing.

Much of Sekhar’s past volunteering has been in political organizing and governmental work. Most recently, he served on Denver Mayor-Elect Mike Johnston’s Transition Committee for Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency. Sekhar also volunteers with the Association for Frontotemporal Dementia (AFTD).

Sekhar graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, holds a bachelor’s degree in history from Stanford University, and has a certificate in Web Application Development from the Turing School of Software & Design. Outside of work, he likes to hike, travel, read nonfiction, and play board games. Sekhar and his husband Jim live in Denver in the North City Park neighborhood with their dog Cosmo.