Founder and Managing Director, Draper Fisher Jurvetson

With venture funding in the Sacramento region heading toward a record year, two seasoned financiers—and proven entrepreneurs in their own right—paid visits to the Graduate School of Management this past fall, one
a former Intel innovator who later led two software companies from concepts to global positions in their market, and the other a third-generation VC and founder of a top Silicon Valley high-tech investment firm who plans to establish an outpost and regional fund in the state capital.

Tim Draper, founder and managing director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson, introduced himself and leaders of his new Sacramento team to the School’s Business Partners at a breakfast event in October. In what would be a milestone for Sacramento’s quest for more capital and stronger ties to Silicon Valley, Draper revealed his goal to establish a full-fledged affiliate in the city and described his firm’s investment philosophy and background. Known for its willingness to take risks that have returned big rewards, Draper’s $3 billion fund focuses on early-stage start-ups and has invested in more than 150 companies involved in informationtechnology, telecommunications and networking. Headquartered in Redwood City, Draper Fisher Jurvetson has 13 offices in the United States, Singapore and Hong Kong.