
Kleiner Perkins
Description
Kleiner Perkins, established in 1972 in Menlo Park, California, stands as one of the most venerable and influential venture capital firms globally. Co-founded by Eugene Kleiner and Tom Perkins, the firm quickly became a foundational pillar of Silicon Valley, playing a pivotal role in the emergence of the technology and biotechnology industries. With a legacy spanning over five decades, Kleiner Perkins has consistently identified and nurtured groundbreaking companies, solidifying its reputation as a leading investor in transformative innovation.
The firm's investment strategy is broad, encompassing early-stage, incubation, and growth-stage companies, primarily within the technology sector. Kleiner Perkins is known for its deep expertise in areas such as enterprise software, consumer internet, fintech, and biotech. They typically seek out companies with disruptive technologies and strong leadership teams, aiming to provide not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to their extensive network. Their approach often involves leading significant funding rounds, demonstrating a strong commitment to their portfolio companies' long-term success.
Kleiner Perkins boasts an unparalleled track record of backing some of the world's most iconic companies. Their early investments include giants like Amazon, Google, Sun Microsystems, and Netscape, shaping the digital landscape. More recently, their portfolio has featured high-profile successes such as Twitter, Spotify, Uber, and Figma, underscoring their continued relevance in identifying market-leading innovators. The firm recently closed its 19th fund, KP XIX, at a substantial $800 million in 2022, alongside a $400 million "select" fund for follow-on investments, indicating their continued capacity for significant capital deployment across various stages.
While historically known for its broad technology focus, Kleiner Perkins has maintained a sharp eye on emerging trends, adapting its strategy to new frontiers like AI, blockchain, and sustainable technologies. The firm's enduring impact stems from its ability to combine seasoned experience with a forward-looking perspective, consistently backing companies that redefine industries and create substantial value. Their typical initial investments for leading rounds range from approximately $5 million for early-stage ventures to upwards of $50 million for more mature growth opportunities, reflecting their flexible yet impactful investment approach.
Investor Profile
Kleiner Perkins has backed more than 1,426 startups, with 38 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 407 rounds, about 29% of its total and boasts 335 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series B, Series A, Series C rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, China, United Kingdom.
- Strong thematic focus on Software, Health Care, Information Technology.
- Led 15 rounds in the past year.
- Typical check size: $5M – $50M.
Stage Focus
- Series B (22%)
- Series A (20%)
- Series C (17%)
- Series Unknown (11%)
- Seed (9%)
- Series D (9%)
- Series E (4%)
- Series F (2%)
- Private Equity (2%)
- Pre Seed (1%)
Country Focus
- United States (90%)
- China (4%)
- United Kingdom (1%)
- India (1%)
- Germany (1%)
- Canada (1%)
Industry Focus
- Software
- Health Care
- Information Technology
- Biotechnology
- Internet
- Enterprise Software
- E-commerce
- Mobile
- Saas
- Artificial Intelligence (Ai)
Frequently Asked Questions
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