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Billionaire Profile
John Doerr
Global Rank
#120

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

John Doerr

CEO, Kleiner Perkins
US
Real-Time Net Worth
$20.5B
As of December 2025
Age
74
Source
Venture capital
Industry
finance-investments
Citizenship
US

Biography

John Doerr, a prominent figure in the world of venture capital, is an American investor known for his significant contributions to the technology sector. With an estimated net worth of $20.5 billion, his wealth source is primarily from venture capital investments. He is the chairman of Kleiner Perkins, a leading venture capital firm. His career spans decades, marked by pivotal investments in groundbreaking companies like Google and Amazon. Doerr's achievements extend beyond financial success; he is also a philanthropist, actively involved in initiatives supporting climate action and education. His expertise in identifying and supporting disruptive technologies has solidified his reputation as one of the most influential investors in Silicon Valley.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

L. John Doerr was born on June 29, 1951, in St. Louis, Missouri. He graduated from Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis. Doerr pursued higher education at Rice University, earning a B.S. and an M.E.E. degree in electrical engineering. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1976.

Rise to Success

Doerr's career began at Intel Corporation in 1974, where he worked as an engineer, and later as a marketing manager. He joined Kleiner Perkins in 1980 and has directed venture capital funding to numerous technology companies, including Compaq, Netscape, Symantec, Sun Microsystems, drugstore.com, Amazon.com, Intuit, Macromedia, and Google. He played a pivotal role in funding and guiding major tech giants, and is renowned for his ability to spot and support groundbreaking entrepreneurs.

Key Business Strategies

Doerr is known for his ability to recognize transformative technologies early on. He provided not only funding but also mentorship and strategic advice to help startups grow into global companies. His investment strategy has been focused on identifying groundbreaking startups with high growth potential.

Philanthropy

John Doerr and his wife, Ann, are known for their philanthropic endeavors through the Benificus Foundation. In May 2022, they donated $1.1 billion to Stanford University to establish the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, which is the largest gift in Stanford's history.

Career Milestones

1974

Joined Intel

Began his career at Intel Corporation, eventually becoming one of its most successful salespeople. Also held roles in engineering, management, and marketing

1980

Joined Kleiner Perkins

Joined Kleiner Perkins, where he directed venture capital funding to successful technology companies, including Google and Amazon.

1999

Invested in Google

Led Kleiner Perkins' $12.5 million investment in Google, which became a highly successful investment.

2009

Economic Recovery Advisory Board

Appointed to the President's Economic Recovery Advisory Board.

2022

Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

Donated $1.1 billion with his wife to establish the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education and Environment

Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability

$1.1B

Donation to Stanford University for a school focused on climate change and sustainability.

Education

New Schools Venture Fund

Not specified

Co-founded the New Schools Venture Fund to finance innovative entrepreneurial ventures serving high-need students within public schools.

Global Poverty and Health

ONE Campaign

Not specified

Serves on the board of Bono's ONE campaign to fight global poverty, particularly disease in Africa.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"What matters most is their passion — their focus on serving a large, unmet market need with an outstanding team and disruptive innovation."

Leadership Principles

Focus on Execution

Emphasizes the importance of execution, introduced the OKR (Objectives and Key Results) system.

Mission-Driven Entrepreneurs

Prioritizes entrepreneurs who are missionaries, not mercenaries.