Sierra Ventures Announces Ashish Kakran As Partner To Expand Early-Stage Focus On AI, Cloud Infrastructure, And Cybersecurity

SAN MATEO, CA / ACCESS Newswire / June 2, 2025 / Sierra Ventures, a leading early-stage venture capital firm focused on enterprise and deep tech innovation, is excited to announce that Ashish Kakran has joined the firm as a Partner. Ashish will source investments across enterprise infrastructure, focusing on artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

Ashish brings deep domain expertise and a strong investment track record to Sierra Ventures. Before joining the firm, he invested in category-defining companies, including Cohere (a leader in generative AI), Harness (DevOps automation), Isovalent (acquired by Cisco), Opaque (confidential computing for AI), and Exaforce (SOC automation). He is known for partnering closely with technical founders and helping them scale go-to-market efforts and product strategy from inception to growth.

In addition to his investing track record, Ashish is a well-regarded voice on technology trends, with bylines in TechCrunch and VentureBeat, and recognition from VC Journal's "40 Under 40" and Business Insider's "Rising Stars in VC."

"Ashish combines deep technical fluency with a clear vision for where enterprise infrastructure is heading," said Mark Fernandes, Managing Partner at Sierra Ventures. "He sees around corners in fast-moving categories like AI and security, and founders value his ability to connect product ambition with market reality early in the build."

Ashish actively mentors entrepreneurs through programs at UC Berkeley, IIT, and Carnegie Mellon, and leads several investor communities, including the Bay Area chapter of Kellogg VCs. He holds a BS in Computer Science from IIT and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.

"Sierra Ventures has a strong track record of backing and supporting technical founders from the earliest stages of their journey," said Kakran. "The AI stack is being rewritten in real-time, from infrastructure to security to applied intelligence and I'm eager to partner with technical founders who are reimagining how the enterprise is built and powered in this new era."

Ashish's addition strengthens Sierra Ventures' commitment to investing in the next generation of enterprise software and intelligent infrastructure platforms.

About Sierra Ventures
Sierra Ventures is an early-stage venture firm focused on the future of Enterprise and Frontier Technologies. With four decades of experience and over $2 billion in assets under management, Sierra has created a vast network of successful entrepreneurs, Global 1000 CXOs, operational executives, and deep domain experts, providing a platform for entrepreneurs worldwide. Learn more at www.sierraventures.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Anne Gherini, CMO at Sierra Ventures
E: anne@sierraventures.com
Telephone: (650) 233-6116

Nina Pfister, Co-Founder of MAG PR
E: nina@mooringadvisorygroup.com

SOURCE: Sierra Ventures

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sierra Ventures known for?

Sierra Ventures is known for its focus on early-stage investments in enterprise and frontier technologies, with a strong track record of supporting technical founders.

What areas will Ashish Kakran focus on at Sierra Ventures?

Ashish Kakran will focus on sourcing investments across enterprise infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and cybersecurity.

What experience does Ashish Kakran bring to Sierra Ventures?

Ashish Kakran brings deep domain expertise and a strong investment track record, having invested in companies like Cohere, Harness, Isovalent, Opaque, and Exaforce.

First published on Tue, Jun 3, 2025

Enjoyed what you've read so far? Great news - there's more to explore!

Stay up to date with the latest news, a vast collection of tech articles including introductory guides, product reviews, trends and more, thought-provoking interviews, hottest AI blogs and entertaining tech memes.

Plus, get access to branded insights such as informative white papers, intriguing case studies, in-depth reports, enlightening videos and exciting events and webinars from industry-leading global brands.

Dive into TechDogs' treasure trove today and Know Your World of technology!

Disclaimer - Reference to any specific product, software or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by TechDogs nor should any data or content published be relied upon. The views expressed by TechDogs' members and guests are their own and their appearance on our site does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by TechDogs' Authors are those of the Authors and do not necessarily reflect the view of TechDogs or any of its officials. While we aim to provide valuable and helpful information, some content on TechDogs' site may not have been thoroughly reviewed for every detail or aspect. We encourage users to verify any information independently where necessary.

Tags: