C. Richard Kramlich, a pioneer in Silicon Valley and co-founder of the influential investment firm New Enterprise Associates, passed away at the age of 89 at his home in Oakville, California. His career spanned over five decades and he played a significant role in fueling the tech industry by being an early investor in companies like Apple Computer, Silicon Graphics, and Juniper Networks.
Throughout his career, Kramlich was known for his grace and kindness, standing out among other financiers in Silicon Valley. He believed in the people behind the businesses he invested in and was deeply committed to supporting struggling companies even when others had given up.
Kramlich’s impact extended beyond the tech industry, as he was also a passionate art collector with a focus on new media emerging in the late 1980s. In retirement, he continued to mentor founders and investors and co-founded Green Bay Ventures, investing in companies like Databricks and Dropbox.
His legacy is characterized by his generosity, loyalty, and belief in dreaming big. Despite his success in the venture capital world, Kramlich was remembered as a fundamentally good man who left a lasting impact on those he worked with. He is survived by his wife, children, stepdaughter, and grandchildren.
As Silicon Valley mourns the loss of C. Richard Kramlich, his contributions to the tech and investment industries, as well as the art world, will be remembered for years to come. His vision, kindness, and commitment to supporting entrepreneurs will continue to inspire future generations of innovators.
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