Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons
Vinod Khosla is an Indian-American billionaire businessman and venture capitalist, ranked #238 globally. His wealth source is primarily through Sun Microsystems, co-founded in 1982, and Khosla Ventures, established in 2004. His career has focused on technology, making him one of the most influential venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. Khosla is known for early investments in networking, software, and alternative energy, and his net worth is estimated at $12.1 billion.
Vinod Khosla was born on January 28, 1955, in Pune, India. His father was an officer in the Indian Army. Khosla's interest in technology and entrepreneurship began at age 14 after reading about the founding of Intel.
Khosla earned a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, a master's in biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. After graduating from Stanford, he co-founded Daisy Systems, a computer-aided design company. In 1982, he co-founded Sun Microsystems with Scott McNealy, Andy Bechtolsheim, and Bill Joy. Khosla left Sun Microsystems in 1985. In 2004, he founded Khosla Ventures, a venture capital firm that invests in experimental technologies.
Khosla's investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies in various sectors, including AI, fintech, healthcare, and sustainable energy. Khosla Ventures has invested in prominent companies such as Impossible Foods, Instacart, Affirm, and OpenAI. He is known for taking a long-term approach and providing strategic guidance to portfolio companies.
Khosla has been involved in several philanthropic initiatives, including supporting microfinance organizations. His wife, Neeru Khosla, co-founded the CK-12 Foundation, which develops open-source textbooks.
Co-founded Sun Microsystems with Scott McNealy, Andy Bechtolsheim, and Bill Joy. Served as Chairman and CEO from 1982-1984.
Joined Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers as a general partner.
Founded his own venture capital firm, Khosla Ventures, focusing on experimental technologies.
Donated to the Wikimedia Foundation.
Wife Neeru Khosla co-founded the CK-12 Foundation, which develops open-source textbooks.
"Vinod Khosla is one of the most successful and influential venture capitalists."
Focus on breakthrough technologies and startups in areas like AI, healthcare, and sustainable energy.
Patiently investing in companies, providing guidance and support beyond capital.
Khosla has been involved in a legal battle over public access to Martins Beach, a popular surfing spot.
