Former Secretary Colin Powell Named Strategic Limited Partner at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers

Business Wire, July 13, 2005

MENLO PARK, Calif. -- Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers (KPCB) -- an innovator in providing venture and relationship capital(SM) services to entrepreneurs -- announced former Secretary of State Colin Powell has become a KPCB strategic limited partner.

General Powell said, "I've been privileged to work with good people on important missions, and have known KPCB entrepreneurs and partners for years. Those entrepreneurs have passion for clear missions -- building innovative, global businesses that better the world. I welcome the opportunity to help develop global leaders who deliver powerful innovation where we need it most."

"We are thrilled to welcome Colin to our team," said John Doerr of KPCB. "He is passionate about innovations in communications, security, energy independence and health care. Colin is a gifted, 'always-on' communicator who loves technology. Secretary Powell offers entrepreneurs global strategic insights and wisdom about leadership. Colin is truly a great American, inspiring great American entrepreneurs, indeed, inspiring us all."

Ray Lane of KPCB said, "General Powell is one of the most influential leaders of our time. His strategic guidance in global affairs is invaluable. In our 'flat world' of global markets, global connections, and global competition, Colin adds tremendous value."

"Secretary Powell is a world leader and humanitarian," added Brook Byers of KPCB. "We will work together to help social and tech entrepreneurs innovate across the planet -- whether helping a venture 'go global' or bringing micro-credit and health care to remote communities in Africa."

Steve Case, co-founder of AOL and Chairman of Revolution, said, "It's terrific that Colin Powell is aligning with KPCB, the preeminent venture capital firm. I have known Colin for nearly a decade and benefited from his insights when he was on the AOL board, and more recently on the Revolution Health board. He understands technology, leadership and global markets, and will provide invaluable assistance to KPCB and its portfolio companies."

General Powell, 68, was sworn in as the 65th Secretary of State in 2001 after unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. He served in the military for 35 years, and rose to the rank of 4-star General. His last assignment, from October 1989 to September 1993, was as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the Department of Defense. During this time, he oversaw 28 crises, including Operation Desert Storm in the 1991 Persian Gulf War.

General Powell earned a bachelor's degree in geology from the City College of New York and a Master of Business Administration degree from George Washington University. He also holds honorary degrees from universities and colleges across the country.

The recipient of numerous U.S. and foreign military awards, General Powell has also been recognized with several civilian awards, including two Presidential Medals of Freedom, the President's Citizens Medal, the Congressional Gold Medal, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Medal, and the Secretary of Energy Distinguished Service Medal.

Since its founding in 1972, KPCB has backed entrepreneurs in over 450 ventures, including AOL, Align Technology, Amazon.com, Citrix, Compaq Computer, Electronic Arts, Genentech, Genomic Health, Google, IDEC Pharmaceuticals, Intuit, Juniper Networks, Netscape, Lotus, LSI Logic, Sun Microsystems, Symantec, Verisign and Xilinx. More than 150 of the firm's portfolio companies have gone public. Many other ventures have achieved success through mergers and acquisitions.