What are Kleiner Perkins’ most successful investments to date?
Kleiner Perkins, one of the most renowned venture capital firms in the world, has a history of backing groundbreaking companies and technologies. Over the years, they have made numerous successful investments that have not only generated significant returns but also shaped the tech industry. Let’s take a look at some of their most notable successes.
1. Google (1998)
Arguably one of the most successful investments in the history of venture capital, Kleiner Perkins’ early backing of Google in 1998 played a crucial role in the company’s meteoric rise. The firm invested $12.5 million in Google, which was just a small fraction of the company’s $25 million Series A round. This investment paid off handsomely, as Google went on to become the world’s most valuable company by market capitalization.
2. Amazon (1998)
Kleiner Perkins also invested in Amazon in 1998, providing the company with a $250,000 loan. This investment was part of Amazon’s Series A round, which raised a total of $1 million. Although the firm’s stake in Amazon is relatively small compared to other investors, it has been a highly profitable investment. Amazon has grown into one of the largest and most influential companies in the world, with a market capitalization of over $1 trillion.
3. Intuit (1993)
Another one of Kleiner Perkins’ successful investments is Intuit, a financial software company that revolutionized personal finance and accounting. The firm invested in Intuit in 1993, providing the company with a $1.5 million loan. Intuit has since become a household name, with its TurboTax and QuickBooks products being widely used by consumers and businesses alike. Kleiner Perkins’ investment has generated substantial returns, and the firm remains a significant shareholder in Intuit.
4. Zynga (2007)
Kleiner Perkins was one of the first investors in Zynga, the social gaming company behind popular titles like FarmVille and CityVille. The firm invested $25 million in Zynga’s Series B round in 2007. Although Zynga has faced challenges in recent years, its initial success and the subsequent IPO in 2011 generated significant returns for Kleiner Perkins and its investors.
5. Nest Labs (2013)
Nest Labs, the company behind the popular Nest Learning Thermostat, was acquired by Google in 2014 for $3.2 billion. Kleiner Perkins was an early investor in Nest, providing the company with a $2.3 million seed investment in 2010. This investment has since paid off handsomely, as Nest Labs has become a leading player in the smart home market.
In conclusion, Kleiner Perkins has a track record of making successful investments that have had a significant impact on the tech industry. From Google and Amazon to Nest Labs and Zynga, the firm’s investments have not only generated substantial returns but also helped shape the future of technology.
