Richard Kramlich, a Pioneer of Venture Capital, Dies at 89
On February 1st, the venture capital community mourned the loss of Richard 'Dick' Kramlich, a revered co-founder of New Enterprise Associates (NEA), who has been recognized as a godfather of modern venture capital. At 89, Kramlich's impact on the industry is immeasurable; he was among the first investors in Apple and spearheaded investments in pivotal companies such as Juniper Networks, Macromedia, and Immunex. Under his leadership, NEA grew to manage nearly $26 billion in assets, significantly shaping Silicon Valley's investment landscape. After his retirement from NEA in 2012, he continued to support innovation through Green Bay Ventures, investing in notable startups including Spotify and Lyft. Tributes poured in following his passing, reflecting his belief in the potential of Silicon Valley and his unwavering support for entrepreneurs. Jon Sakoda, a former partner at NEA, poignantly remarked that Kramlich 'showed up for his companies in good times and bad,' emphasizing his enduring influence on venture capital principles and the importance of prioritizing founders. His legacy will undoubtedly continue to shape the sector for generations to come.