Net Worth & Profile
Tom Perkins Biography and Net Worth
Thomas James Perkins was a venture capitalist and businessman from the United States.
Who is Tom Perkins?
Thomas James Perkins was a venture capitalist and businessman from the United States. He was instrumental in the formation of the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins.
Bio Data
| Name | Tom Perkins |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | 1932 – Jun 7, 2016Â |
| Age | 84 years old |
| Place of Birth | White Plains, New York, United States |
| Profession | Venture capitalist |
| Nationality | United States of America |
| Net worth | $8 Billion |
Biography
Thomas Perkins was born in White Plains, New York on January 7, 1932. He went on to study at MIT, where he received his BS in electrical engineering and computer science in 1953. He later earned his MBA from Harvard University in 1957.
Career
Thomas Perkins graduated with a BS in electrical engineering and computer science in 1953, He continued his education, graduating from Harvard University in 1957 with an MBA.
He took over the research department of Hewlett-Packard in 1963 after being encouraged to do so by Bill Hewlett and David Packard. As a result, he was the first general manager of HP’s computer divisions. HP’s foray into the minicomputer market was made possible in large part by Perkins.
He helped create the first affordable He-Ne laser and co-founded University Laboratories, which ultimately merged into Spectra-Physics. Perkins and Eugene Kleiner teamed up to form the renowned venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins in 1973. He held crucial positions in a number of companies, including Compaq and Genentech.
Perkins was instrumental in pushing for Carly Fiorina’s ouster and played a crucial role in the HP/Compaq merger. He resigned from the HP board in 2006 over ethical issues with leak investigations.
Perkins was a board member of News Corporation as well. He had a noteworthy career thanks to his numerous contributions to the corporate sector.
Net Worth
Before his death, Tom Perkins, a notable businessman and venture capitalist, had earned a $8 billion net worth. In 1972, he formed the famed venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins. This Silicon Valley pioneer offered critical support to big companies such as America Online, Amazon, Google, Electronic Arts, and Twitter.
Perkins had senior positions in Hewlett-Packard, Compaq, Corning Glass, and Genentech in addition to his venture capital projects.
Personal Life and Marital Status
Perkins was married twice. His first wife, Gerd Thune-Ellefsen, died in 1994, leaving him with two children. In 1998, he married romance author Danielle Steel. However, they split the next year and divorced in 2002.
Perkins died on June 7, 2016, at his home in Belvedere, California, after a protracted illness. He was 84 years old at the time.
FAQs
Q: Who was Tom Perkins?
A: Tom Perkins was an American businessman and venture capitalist known for co-founding the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins.
Q:Â What significant companies did Kleiner Perkins back?
A: Kleiner Perkins provided support to major companies like America Online, Amazon, Google, Electronic Arts, and Twitter.
Q: When did Tom Perkins pass away?
A: Tom Perkins passed away on June 7, 2016, at the age of 84, at his home in Belvedere, California, after battling a long illness.