The Founder's Guide to

Kleiner Perkins

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Overview

Kleiner Perkins is one of the most storied venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, founded in 1972 by Eugene Kleiner and Tom Perkins in Menlo Park, California. Over its five-decade history, the firm has backed entrepreneurs in over 900 ventures, including transformative companies like Amazon, Google, Genentech, and Netscape. With a total investment exceeding $10 billion across 21 venture funds and 6 growth funds, Kleiner Perkins has established itself as a powerhouse in the venture capital landscape. The firm underwent a significant cultural transformation starting in 2017 under the leadership of Mamoon Hamid, shifting to a lean, focused team of 48 members. In 2024, Kleiner Perkins raised approximately $2 billion across two vehicles: KP21, an $825 million early-stage fund, and KP Select III, a $1.2 billion growth fund. The firm maintains offices in Menlo Park, San Francisco, and Shanghai, emphasizing its strong presence in the U.S. market. Kleiner Perkins has produced 48 unicorns and taken 97 companies public, including the notable Figma, which had a successful IPO in July 2025 at a market cap of $13.5 billion. This impressive track record solidifies Kleiner Perkins' reputation as a leading venture capital firm committed to supporting innovative entrepreneurs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What stages does Kleiner Perkins invest in?

Kleiner Perkins invests across multiple stages, including Seed, Series A, Series B, and Growth Equity. The firm primarily focuses on Series A investments, with average round sizes of approximately $17-18 million, while also participating in seed rounds averaging around $4-5 million.

How do I pitch Kleiner Perkins?

To pitch Kleiner Perkins, founders should prepare a compelling presentation that highlights their business model, market opportunity, and team. The firm values founder quality and team excellence, so emphasizing these aspects is crucial. While specific pitch submission details are not provided, a well-crafted approach is recommended.

What sectors does Kleiner Perkins focus on?

Kleiner Perkins has a broad investment focus, primarily targeting sectors such as artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, enterprise software, healthcare technology, and consumer internet. The firm is particularly interested in companies that leverage AI to drive industry transformation.

What is Kleiner Perkins' typical check size?

The typical check size for Kleiner Perkins ranges from $2 million to $50 million, with average investments of approximately $4-5 million for seed rounds and $17-18 million for Series A rounds.

Where does Kleiner Perkins invest geographically?

Kleiner Perkins primarily invests in the United States, with offices located in Menlo Park, San Francisco, and Shanghai. The firm has a strong focus on U.S.-based startups, particularly in the technology sector.

What portfolio support does Kleiner Perkins provide?

Kleiner Perkins offers hands-on operational support through experienced partners, who provide strategic guidance, hiring support, and access to a vast network of portfolio relationships. The firm emphasizes helping founders build capital-efficient companies aligned with their investment thesis.

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