Tom Perkins was an American businessman and venture capitalist who played a significant role in the development of Hewlett Packard (HP). Born on January 7, 1932, Perkins received a B.S. in electrical engineering and computer science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 195He later earned an MBA from Harvard University in 195Perkins joined HP in 1963 as the administrative head of the research department, where he became the first general manager of HP's computer divisions. He played a crucial role in guiding HP's entry into the minicomputer business, which helped propel the company's success during the 1960s.
The Foundation of Kleiner Perkins
In 1973, Perkins co-founded Kleiner Perkins, one of the first venture capital firms located on Sand Hill Road in Menlo Park, California. Alongside Eugene Kleiner, Perkins helped establish a model of investment that involved providing small amounts of capital to promising start-ups in exchange for a stake in the company. This approach proved to be highly successful, and Kleiner Perkins became a prominent player in the venture capital industry, nurturing the growth of companies like Google and Amazon.
Perkins' Role in Other Companies
Aside from his involvement with HP and Kleiner Perkins, Perkins served as a director at various companies, including Applied Materials, Compaq, Corning Glass, Genentech, and Philips Electronics. He also held the position of chairman at Tandem Computers and Genentech. Perkins was known for his strong leadership and strategic guidance, which contributed to the success of these organizations.
However, Perkins' tenure at HP was not without controversy. In 2001, during the HP/Compaq merger fight, he was a member of the Compaq board and a vocal supporter of the merger. Perkins played a crucial role in forcing the resignation of Carly Fiorina as chairman and CEO of HP. However, his time on the HP board came to an end in 2006 when he resigned over ethical concerns regarding the methods used to uncover media leaks within the company.
Personal Life and Controversies
Tom Perkins had a colorful personal life, including marriages to Gerd Thune-Ellefsen and romance novelist Danielle Steel. He also faced legal troubles, as he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in France in 1996 following a yacht-racing collision.
Management by walking around (mbwa): hewlett packard's key philosophyPerkins was known for his extravagant lifestyle and was the owner of several luxurious properties and yachts. He resided in Belvedere, Marin County, California, and owned an Elizabethan mansion in East Sussex, England. Perkins was particularly well-known for his 289-foot sailing yacht named the maltese falcon, which was one of the world's largest privately-owned sailing yachts at the time.
Unfortunately, Tom Perkins passed away on June 7, 2016, at the age of 84, after a prolonged illness.
Legacy and Impact
Tom Perkins left behind a lasting legacy in the world of venture capital and technology. His contributions to Hewlett Packard and the establishment of Kleiner Perkins played a significant role in shaping the growth and success of numerous companies in Silicon Valley. Perkins' strategic insights and business acumen continue to influence the industry today.
Although his career was not without controversy, Perkins' impact on the technology and venture capital sectors cannot be denied. His leadership and vision have left an indelible mark on the companies he was involved with and the broader business landscape.
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