A member of the elite group of Silicon Valley venture capitalists known as the "Watchers," John Doerr is considered one of the most influential people in start-up technology companies. He has participated in more than 700 start-up investments and founded four successful companies. He has been a mentor to several leading entrepreneurs, including Steve Wozniak, who started Apple Computer, and Scott McNealy, who created Sun Microsystems. Born in San Francisco on August 27, 1937, Doerr graduated from San Jose State with a degree in mechanical engineering, then joined the U.S. Marine Corps
He retired from the Marine Corps as a lieutenant colonel in 1983 after 20 years of service. He is married to Cynthia Hsu Doerr and they have three children: Lula Mae Doerr, Susan Doerr Fung and Nora Doerr.
You talk to leadership in China, and THEY are all the engineers. They get what is going on immediately. The Americans don't because they're all lawyers.John Doerr
People are looking to have more meaning in their lives. It is a sign the technology community is coming of age.John Doerr
Green-tech could be the largest economic opportunity of the 21st Century.John Doerr
