Walter Kortschak

Early Life and Education

Walter Kortschak was born in Canada to an Austrian father and an American mother, he had an international childhood, raised largely in Geneva. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Oregon State University, a Master of Science in Engineering from Caltech, and an MBA from UCLA. His educational background provided a strong foundation for his career in venture capital.

Rise to Success

Kortschak's career began in the 1980s. He was a Vice President and Associate at Crosspoint Venture Partners. He then joined Summit Partners in 1989, where he spent 26 years. At Summit Partners, he invested in more than 30 companies, including 15 public companies, helping to establish Summit's West Coast office. Kortschak's investments yielded significant returns. He was an early investor in companies such as The Trade Desk and Robinhood.

Key Business Strategies

Kortschak's success is rooted in his long-term perspective and commitment to value creation. He has focused on identifying and supporting innovative companies. His strategy has included a focus on growth-stage companies and early-stage investments.

Philanthropy

Walter and his wife, Marcia, are active philanthropists. They established the Kortschak Scholars Program at Caltech for incoming Ph.D. students in computer science and the USC Kortschak Center for Learning and Creativity. They also endowed the Division Chair in Film and Television Production at USC Cinematic Arts. These initiatives highlight their dedication to education and supporting students.