Seligman Investments Expands into Venture Capital with $500 Million Platform Supporting Early-Stage and Pre-IPO Tech Firms in Menlo Park California

Seligman Investments, the Menlo Park, California-based tech-focused investment firm, has launched Seligman Ventures, a $500 million venture capital platform aimed at early-stage to pre-IPO technology companies.

The move marks a significant expansion of Seligman’s investment approach, bridging its traditional public-market expertise with hands-on private company support.

A New Approach to Technology Investing

Seligman Ventures is designed to target high-growth sectors like AI and cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, and modern data-center hardware.

The firm leverages its deep network of CXOs and founders, along with board experience across both private and public companies, to provide a full-spectrum approach to company growth — from formation all the way to public markets.

The venture platform is capitalized with assets managed by the Seligman team, allowing it to complement the firm’s disciplined public-market investing style while taking a more active role in shaping the success of emerging technology companies.

Leadership Backed by Experience

The team at Seligman Ventures is led by Umesh Padval, a seasoned investor and former public company CEO and board member with entrepreneurial experience.

Padval will focus on seed to pre-IPO investments in cybersecurity, cloud and AI infrastructure, and modern data-center technologies.

Joining him is Ashish Kakran, Managing Partner overseeing early-stage investments in cloud infrastructure, AI/ML, and cybersecurity.

Suggested Readings (News continues below)

AlphaLab names 20 startups for 2026 program in Pittsburgh with focus on immersive mentorship, investor readiness, and rapid market execution

Labour’s trans guidance for schools sparks heated debate in the UK as former Ofsted chief highlights risks for vulnerable children and lack of clear parental safeguards

Court Declares Palestine Action Ban Unlawful and Highlights Tension Between National Security and Protest in London

Government launches consultation to extend smoke-free and vape-free spaces to schools, playgrounds, and hospitals across England to better protect children and vulnerable people from second-hand smoke

Eddie Ackerman, serving as CFO and Operating Partner, combines fund-level financial oversight with hands-on portfolio support, guiding founders through growth, fundraising, M&A preparation, and strategic planning.

Ackerman also manages financial operations for the fund and supports deal structuring and due diligence for new investments.

Early Moves and Investment Focus

Since its formation in November 2025, Seligman Ventures has already made four investments in companies operating in modern data-center hardware and AI infrastructure, signaling a clear commitment to emerging technologies that underpin the future of enterprise computing.

By pairing its venture investments with the firm’s public-market expertise, Seligman Ventures aims to create a seamless investment pipeline — helping companies scale privately and eventually transition into public markets under a trusted investment partner.

Seligman Investments: A Technology-Focused Legacy

Seligman Ventures operates under the broader umbrella of Seligman Investments, led by Chief Investment Officer Paul Wick.

The firm is part of Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a global asset manager under Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE: AMP).

With approximately $30 billion in public and private technology and healthcare assets, Seligman Investments combines sector specialization with the scale and resources of a global asset manager.

The addition of Seligman Ventures reflects a strategic pivot toward integrating private market venture opportunities into its broader technology-focused investment strategy.

What’s Next?

Investors and industry watchers will be keeping an eye on which emerging technology companies Seligman Ventures backs next.

With a focus on AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and datacenter hardware, the fund could shape the trajectory of several startups poised for high growth.

The team’s hands-on approach, combined with Seligman’s public-market expertise, may set the stage for a new model of venture capital that bridges private and public investing more seamlessly than traditional VC funds.

Summary

Seligman Investments has launched Seligman Ventures, a $500 million VC arm targeting early-stage to pre-IPO tech companies in AI, cloud, cybersecurity, and modern datacenter hardware.

Led by Umesh Padval, Ashish Kakran, and Eddie Ackerman, the fund leverages Seligman’s public-market expertise, CXO networks, and board experience to support companies from formation to IPO.

Since November 2025, the fund has already made four early-stage investments, signaling a strong entry into the venture capital space.