Venture Community Saddened by the Passing of Venture Legend Tom Perkins

WASHINGTON, DC – The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) today issued the following statement after the passing of venture capital pioneer Thomas Perkins, co-founder of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and past Chair of the NVCA Board of Directors.

“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.  “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.”