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Kleiner Perkins is a prominent venture capital firm founded in 1972 by Eugene Kleiner and Tom Perkins in Menlo Park, California. Over its five-decade history, the firm has invested more than $10 billion across 21 venture funds and 6 growth funds, backing over 900 ventures, including industry giants like Amazon, Google, and Genentech.
In 2024, Kleiner Perkins raised approximately $2 billion through two new funds: KP21, an $825 million early-stage fund, and KP Select III, a $1.2 billion growth fund. The firm operates with a lean team of 48 members and has offices in Menlo Park, San Francisco, and Shanghai. Notable milestones include producing 48 unicorns and taking 97 companies public, with Figma's IPO in July 2025 marking a significant recent achievement.
Kleiner Perkins employs a people-first investment strategy, prioritizing founder quality and team excellence. The firm’s current investment thesis revolves around the '$2B+ Rise of AI,' targeting companies that leverage artificial intelligence to drive industry transformation. This includes a focus on capital-efficient business models that can thrive with smaller teams and lower burn rates.
The firm invests primarily in sectors such as AI/ML infrastructure, cybersecurity, fintech, enterprise software, healthcare technology, and consumer internet. Investment stages range from seed, with average rounds of $4-5 million, to Series A, where average rounds are approximately $17-18 million. The firm also engages in growth equity through its Select fund, allowing for continued support of portfolio companies as they scale.
Kleiner Perkins boasts a diverse portfolio of 228 companies, featuring some of the most iconic names in technology. Notable exits include:
Current investments include:
Mamoon Hamid: Partner, joined from Social Capital in 2017, leading the firm's cultural transformation and focusing on a lean team approach.
Ilya Fushman: Partner, previously with Index Partners and Dropbox, joined in 2018, specializing in technology investments.
John Doerr: Partner, known for backing Google and Amazon, a historic figure in venture capital.
Ray Lane: Partner, recognized for his leadership in technology investments and strategic guidance.
Startups looking to pitch Kleiner Perkins should prepare a concise deck that includes the business model, market analysis, and team background. The preferred channel for submissions is through their website. Response times can vary, but founders are encouraged to seek warm introductions when possible.
Kleiner Perkins runs the Kleiner Perkins Fellows program, which connects students with startups for mentorship and hands-on experience in the venture capital ecosystem. This program aims to cultivate the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors.
In recent activity, Kleiner Perkins made 47 investments in 2025, with the latest investment in Garner on February 10, 2026. The firm co-led the Series D funding round for Huntress cybersecurity in 2024, showcasing its ongoing engagement in high-growth sectors.
Q?
What are Kleiner Perkins' investment criteria?
A Kleiner Perkins focuses on exceptional founders and teams, particularly in sectors like AI, fintech, and cybersecurity. They look for capital-efficient business models and transformative ideas.
Q?
How can startups apply or pitch to Kleiner Perkins?
A Startups can reach out through their website or via email. A well-prepared pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and team is essential.
Q?
What makes Kleiner Perkins different from other VC firms?
A The firm emphasizes a people-first approach, providing hands-on operational support and strategic guidance, leveraging decades of experience and a vast network.
Q?
What is the geographic scope of Kleiner Perkins' investments?
A Kleiner Perkins primarily invests in the United States, with offices in Menlo Park, San Francisco, and Shanghai.
Q?
What is the typical check size for investments?
A Kleiner Perkins typically invests between $2 million and $50 million, with average seed rounds around $4-5 million and Series A rounds averaging $17-18 million.
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