Ramin Sayar

“Throughout my 25-year career in software, I’ve focused on building great software products and services in “must have” segments. Ultimately, though, I’ve learned that you can’t drive innovation without clear-eyed foresight and extraordinary operational discipline. That’s what makes great companies in both emerging and mature markets: the ability to see things the way they really are combined with dogged pursuit of making things real.”

Ramin Sayar joined DFG Growth as a venture partner in 2024. He brings 25 years of infrastructure software product and operations experience honed during tenures as a product manager, line executive, and CEO.

As president and CEO of Sumo Logic, a SaaS-based cloud analytics powerhouse and DFJ Growth portfolio company, he orchestrated a transformation that took Sumo Logic from $10 million to over $300 million in revenue, culminating with a successful IPO in September 2020. After successfully steering Sumo Logic through the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ramin executed a strategic acquisition of Sumo Logic by a private equity firm in June 2023.

Prior to his tenure at Sumo Logic, Ramin held pivotal positions at leading technology companies, including VMware, HP Software, Tibco Software, iPlanet Software (an AOL/SUN Alliance), and Netscape Communications.

At VMware, he spearheaded the development of the Cloud Management Business Unit, cementing the company's position as an industry leader in cloud technology. At HP Software, Ramin oversaw a diverse portfolio of infrastructure management software products, strengthening HP’s leadership in the crucial IT operations management software category. At iPlanet Software and Netscape Communications, he played the role of intrapreneur, forging successful entries for both companies into emerging eCommerce software markets.

Ramin has been an active investor, mentor, and advisor for various technology startups. He currently serves as an independent director on the board of Phreesia, a publicly traded company, where he also serves on the audit committee and leads the Cyber Committee. He also serves on the board of AccelData, a private venture-backed technology company.

Ramin holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and an MBA from San Jose State University. He was a collegiate water polo player and has a strong passion for sports, technology, and innovative healthcare. In his free time, Ramin enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, cooking, and traveling with his family.