IBM has appointed Akiba Saeedi as Global Head of Venture Capital and Startup Ecosystem, placing him at the center of the company’s efforts to engage with startups, investors and partners shaping the future of artificial intelligence and quantum software.
Saeedi announced the new role on LinkedIn, highlighting his long-standing interest in building software businesses that solve real-world problems and achieve product-market fit. He said the position would allow him to work with founders, investors, clients and ecosystem partners developing emerging technologies.
His career has included product and business leadership, with a focus on building technology businesses around customer needs. In his announcement, Saeedi emphasized the importance of connecting innovative ideas with practical applications a challenge that continues to shape the development and commercialization of enterprise technology.
In the new role, Saeedi will build on the foundation established by Emily Fontaine and the IBM Ventures team. His priorities include expanding investments and creating new opportunities for portfolio companies, the broader market and IBM’s clients.
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The appointment comes as AI and quantum computing attract growing interest from businesses and investors. Startups are developing new software, tools and applications, while established technology companies are looking for ways to connect emerging innovation with enterprise capabilities and customer demand.
Venture capital and startup partnerships can help bridge this gap by providing young companies with investment, market access and opportunities to collaborate with established organizations. For startups working in complex technology areas, these relationships can be particularly important in moving products from development toward commercial adoption.
Saeedi’s appointment reflects IBM’s continued focus on connecting its global capabilities with entrepreneurial innovation. As the AI and quantum software markets evolve, building effective relationships among startups, investors and enterprise customers will be important to identifying promising technologies and supporting their growth.
