Six Leadership Moves Signal Norwest's Strategic Shift Across Venture and Growth Teams

Norwest Venture Partners made significant moves in its organizational structure, promoting six accomplished professionals across its investment and operational divisions. The overhaul reflects the firm’s commitment to strengthening its global footprint and deepening its market reach across venture and growth equity strategies.

Leadership Restructuring at the Top

The California-based firm, which oversees more than $12.5 billion in assets, elevated Ran Ding to the position of General Partner and Co-Head of the Growth Equity Team. Since 2011, Ding has been instrumental in building the firm’s software, compliance technology, and data analytics investment thesis. His track record speaks volumes—portfolio exits include Avetta, Cority, Envisage, Galvanize, Infutor, and YipitData, representing a mix of acquisitions and strategic recapitalizations by tier-one sponsors like Welsh Carson, Thoma Bravo, and Carlyle. Currently, Ding maintains active involvement with companies spanning supply chain, fintech, and geolocation sectors.

Matthew De Dominicis expanded his role to Administrative Partner and Chief Financial Officer, consolidating control over the firm’s human resources, IT infrastructure, data science capabilities, and facilities management. Since joining as CFO in 2016, De Dominicis has been pivotal in capital raising initiatives and establishing operational excellence across Norwest’s global offices.

Accelerating India and Venture Team Capabilities

The promotions to Principal reflect Norwest’s deepening commitment to India’s startup ecosystem. Nikhil Kookada advanced to Principal, leveraging his expertise in financial services, fintech, insurance, and B2B technology. His portfolio management extends across 10 active investments, including notable exits like the 2022 IPO of Five Star Finance.

Ankit Prasad, promoted to Principal, has cultivated a reputation as a versatile investor operating seamlessly across venture and growth equity mandates. His contributions span consumer tech, SaaS, and logistics sectors, with direct involvement in high-profile companies like XpressBees, Amagi, and Swiggy.

Emerging Talent Advancement

Two vice president promotions underscore the firm’s investment in junior leadership. Krish Kapadia, who joined in 2019, has contributed to thesis development across technology, consumer goods, and manufacturing. His portfolio oversight includes Culinary Brands, Infinx, and Sila.

Jordan Leites, on-boarded in 2020, has carved out expertise in fintech, artificial intelligence, and application-layer venture investments. Leites works across multiple deal teams and maintains close relationships with portfolio companies such as Butter, Pequity, and Xembly. His AI-focused thesis aligns with broader market interest in the sector.

What This Signals

These promotions come as Norwest continues expanding beyond its traditional Silicon Valley base. The firm maintains offices across Menlo Park, San Francisco, Mumbai, and Tel Aviv, having invested in over 700 companies throughout its history with more than 230 active portfolio holdings. The leadership restructuring enables deeper regional specialization while maintaining cohesive global investment strategy.