Ashu Garg
General Partner at Foundation Capital
Exploring how AI is breaking traditional SaaS models and the importance of persistent, structured user context in AI agents.
Intro
I'm Ashu Garg, a General Partner at Foundation Capital where I've focused on early-stage B2B and enterprise software since 2008. My journey began with 15 years as an operator, which deeply informs how I partner with founders today. I’ve had the privilege of being an early investor in companies like Databricks, Cohesity, and Eightfold, helping them scale from pre-revenue to unicorn status. I am particularly passionate about the current shift in the software landscape—what I call the 'SaaSpocalypse'—and how AI is moving us toward 'Services as Software.' I’m always looking to connect with visionary founders building the next generation of AI infrastructure and context graphs, or enterprise leaders navigating these technological shifts. My goal is to be a radical challenger and a steadfast supporter, helping teams raise their aspirations and deliver real business outcomes.
Networking
What I can offer
- ›Deep operational experience
- ›Executive hiring and talent aspiration raising
- ›Board governance and scaling expertise
- ›Strategic GTM advice
What I'm looking for
- ›Founders building in the context graph and AI infrastructure space
- ›Strategic partnerships with enterprise leaders
Best fit for
Focus
Current interests
Core competencies
Background
Career
Transitioned from 15 years in operational roles to venture capital, serving as an Executive in Residence at Trinity Ventures before joining Foundation Capital in 2008.
Education
MBA in Marketing from Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (1994–1996); B. Tech in Engineering from Indian Institute of Management, Delhi (1988–1992).
Achievements
- ›Early investor in Databricks (valued at $38B)
- ›Investor in 7 other unicorns including Cohesity, Eightfold, and Turing
- ›Successful exits with TubeMogul (Adobe) and Tubi (Fox)
Opinions
- Sell promotions, not software—align product success with the champion's career advancement.
- VCs should be a friend, supporter, and challenger who stands unconditionally by a founder.
- Lead with real business outcomes rather than AI for AI’s sake.
- The SaaSpocalypse is shifting the industry from seat-based pricing to Services as Software.
Personality
Communication style
Professional, visionary, and encouraging; balances high-level strategic theses with practical operator-led advice.
Formality — 7/10
Vocabulary