Sonal Mane
Microsoft
National Programs Director, Microsoft for Startups
Sonal is the National Programs Director for the Microsoft for Startups team. In her role, she has responsibilities for strategic corporate initiatives to create a portfolio of high potential startups. Sonal focuses on extending the assets and resources from Microsoft among entrepreneurial hubs and early-stage businesses.
Sonal is a business leader and investor with over 12 years of experience in business and product development. Prior to joining this role, Sonal was based in Chicago managing strategic initiatives and partnerships across the startup ecosystem. Sonal also served as a Senior Investment Associate at MATH Venture Partners and helped kickoff the fund. She has launched flagship products such as Windows 8, Bing and Office 2007.
As a national advisor to Pipeline Entrepreneurs, Sonal is passionate about connecting with fellow entrepreneurs to build and grow businesses. She also sits on the Board of Directors of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center as an advocate for Women in Technology and was nominated as the 'Prominent Woman in Technology' by the Illinois Technology Association. As the Managing Director of GIT's Seattle chapter, Sonal supported the growth and success of entrepreneurial and innovative women in Seattle's technology and startup world.