Don Valentine
Founder of Sequoia Capital and Pioneer of Silicon Valley Venture Capital
🌍 American · Born June 26, 1932 · Died October 25, 2019
About
Donald Thomas Valentine, widely known as Don Valentine, was an iconic American venture capitalist often hailed as the grandfather of Silicon Valley venture capital. Born in New York, Valentine began his career in sales and marketing at tech pioneers Raytheon, Fairchild Semiconductor, and National Semiconductor. In 1972, he founded Sequoia Capital, which grew to become one of the world's most successful and influential venture capital firms. Under his visionary leadership, Sequoia focused on early-stage investments in pioneering technology companies that would go on to shape the modern digital era, including Apple, Atari, Electronic Arts, Oracle, Cisco Systems, Microchip Technology, and LSI Logic. Valentine was legendary for his pragmatic, no-nonsense investment philosophy, famously focusing intensely on massive market demand rather than just the technology or the pedigree of the founders. He served on the boards of numerous technology giants, guiding them from small startups into global powerhouses. Beyond direct investments, he mentored a generation of elite venture capitalists, including Doug Leone and Michael Moritz, who succeeded him at Sequoia. Valentine passed away in October 2019 at his home in Woodside, California, leaving behind an indelible legacy that fundamentally defined the venture capital ecosystem and the growth of Silicon Valley.
Intelligence Summary
Joined Fairchild Semiconductor
Valentine joined Fairchild Semiconductor, a pioneering transistor and integrated circuit manufacturer, where he built up the sales team.
Joined National Semiconductor
He transitioned to National Semiconductor as the Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
Founded Sequoia Capital
Valentine founded Capital Management Services, which later became Sequoia Capital, one of the earliest VC firms in Silicon Valley.
Invested in Apple Computer
Sequoia Capital made an early-stage investment in Apple Computer, and Valentine joined the company's board.
Invested in Cisco Systems
Valentine led Sequoia's investment in Cisco Systems and subsequently served as the company's chairman for many years.
Passed Leadership at Sequoia
Valentine handed over the daily management of Sequoia Capital to Michael Moritz and Doug Leone.
Passed Away
Don Valentine passed away at his home in Woodside, California, at the age of 87.
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All data sourced from verified public references.
Don Valentine, Pioneer of Silicon Valley Venture Capital, Dies at 87
The New York Times
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/25/technology/don-valentine-dead.html →