About
Kleiner Perkins, established in 1972 by Eugene Kleiner, Tom Perkins, Frank Caufield, and Brook Byers, represents venture capital's founding generation and one of the most successful firms in history. Based in Menlo Park, California on Sand Hill Road, KP pioneered the concept of activist venture capital—providing not only institutional capital but deep operational expertise, strategic guidance, and board-level participation. The firm has backed 900+ companies since inception, with a portfolio containing some of technology's most impactful businesses. Kleiner's historical exits include legendary successes: Google (backed with $11.8 million in 1999, returning 10,000x+ capital), Amazon (early backing through growth stages), Netscape (web browser pioneer), Sun Microsystems (infrastructure), AOL (dial-up internet), Compaq (PC hardware), Genentech (biotech pioneer), and more recent successes including Square (payments), Snap (social messaging), Twitter (social media), and Palo Alto Networks (cybersecurity). The firm's historical thesis centered on identifying founders operating at the intersection of technological inflection and market opportunity, with particular success in semiconductors, software, and biotechnology. Modern Kleiner Perkins emphasizes AI, deep tech (physics-based technologies), software infrastructure, and cybersecurity—sectors requiring sophisticated technical judgment and long-term capital patience. The firm manages multiple funds including the flagship early-stage fund (KP21) and select growth fund (KP Select III). Kleiner's recent evolution reflects strategic focus on maintaining early-stage presence while building growth-stage capabilities. Typical checks range from $500,000 to $10,000,000+ depending on fund type and company stage. The firm's continued influence, historical returns, and founder-centric approach position Kleiner Perkins as an elite venture capital institution.