Synopses & Reviews
A revealing memoir from Tom Perkinsrenowned venture capitalist, Silicon Valley and biotechnology pioneer, and one of Americas most successful businessmen
Known for his idiosyncratic ideas and golden touch, Tom Perkins has always been one of the business worlds most intriguing figures. But his legacy took an unexpected new turn when he resigned from Hewlett-Packards board in 2006, protesting the questionable ethics and dubious legality of their chairmans now infamous leak investigation. In this insightful memoir, Perkins recalls these and other fascinating episodes of his life, both personal and professional, including his involvement in the creation of American industries no one could have dreamed of a century ago.
In 1957 Perkins started working for Hewlett-Packard, and his career with the company spanned, becoming the administrative head of the research laboratories and the first general manager of its skyrocketing computer businesses. He was a pioneer in laser technology, starting the company that he later merged into Spectra-Physics. As chairman of Genentech for fourteen years, founder of the Silicon Valley venture-capitalist firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, and director of Applied Materials at Compaq, Corning Glass, and Philips Electronics, Perkins never shies away from the cutting edge.
He also discusses his marriage to Danielle Steel, his notorious vintage car collection, his yacht (the largest privately owned sailboat), his race across the ocean, his being tried for manslaughter in a backwater French town, and the toughest assignment hes ever had: as a trustee emeritus at the San Francisco ballet.
Review
[Perkins] sews dry humor through tales of yachting triumphs, road rallies in expensive cars, tech start-ups and the boardroom coup he instigated at Hewlett Packard. Looking back without rancor or remorse, [he] has a knack for storytelling that makes him feel like a buddy who never fails to laugh at himself.
Time
A smart, often funny and wholly engaging account of a fabulous and varied life lived on the frontiers of high-tech America. Utterly absorbing from first to last, this is one memoir which is as unique as its author.
Richard North Patterson, #1 New York Times bestselling author
Synopsis
The national bestseller now in paperback: the revealing personal memoir from Tom Perkins?renowned venture capitalist, Silicon Valley and biotechnology pioneer, and one of America?s most successful businessmen.
Known for his idiosyncratic ideas and golden touch, Tom Perkins has always been one of the business world?s most intriguing figures. In this insightful memoir, Perkins recalls many fascinating episodes of his life, both personal and professional, including his involvement in the creation of American industries no one could have dreamed of not long ago.
Synopsis
Perkins--renowned venture capitalist, Silicon Valley and biotechnology pioneer, and one of America's most successful businessmen--recalls fascinating episodes of his life, from his marriage to Danielle Steel to being tried for manslaughter in a backwater French town.
About the Author
Tom Perkins co-founded the leading venture-capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, which started and/or financed some of Americas best-known companies. More recently, he was a key player in all the changes at the top of Hewlett-Packard. He also is the author of Sex and the Single Zillionaire.