The National Venture Capital Association salutes Thomas Perkins, the co-founder of Silicon Valley VC giant Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, who died earlier this week.
“We were saddened to learn of Tom’s passing. As co-founder of one of the most storied venture firms on the planet and past Chair of NVCA, Tom was a legendary figure of our industry and will always be remembered as one of the founders of the modern day venture capital industry,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA, in a statement.
“Not without controversy, Tom was outspoken on issues he felt passionate about and never one to shy away from sharing his honest opinion.
“There was never a question of his commitment to the entrepreneurial ecosystem and pushing the boundaries of innovation through the creation of entire new industries. He will be missed but his legend lives on.”
Perkins also was a former chair of the NVCA.
A sample of headlines about his death reflect Perkins’ importance and legacy:
- VC legend Thomas Perkins, 84, dies
(USA TODAY)
“Venture capital legend Thomas J. Perkins, whose storied Silicon Valley firm helped launch Google, Amazon and …”
- Thomas Perkins, Venture Capitalist Legend, Dies
(Wall Street Journal)
- Thomas J. Perkins, Major Silicon Valley Venture Capitalist, Dies at 84
(NBCNews.com)
- Thomas Perkins, Tech Financier Who Funded Google, Dies at 84
(Bloomberg)
- Thomas J. Perkins, Pioneering Venture Capitalist in Silicon Valley …
(New York Times)
- Thomas Perkins, 84; tech financier funded Google
(Boston Globe)
