Michael Moritz
Born in Cardiff on 12 September 1954, Michael Moritz attended Howardian High School before going on to study at Christ Church, Oxford, and later at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Those years of education preceded a career that moved across journalism, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. He worked as a staff writer at Time magazine and produced two books during that period: The Little Kingdom, the first history of Apple Inc., and Going for Broke: Lee Iacocca's Battle to Save Chrysler.
In the 1980s, Moritz founded Technologic Partners before transitioning into venture capital, eventually joining Sequoia Capital. He also served on the board of directors of Google. His work across these fields positioned him as a figure operating at the intersection of technology, business, and finance. He holds United Kingdom citizenship and has written in English throughout his career.
The recognition that followed was considerable. Moritz was named the number one venture capitalist on the Forbes Midas List in both 2006 and 2007. He received an honorary doctorate from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. His philanthropic activities have been part of his public profile alongside his role at Sequoia Capital, where he continues to work.
Quotes by Michael Moritz
There’s nothing more invigorating than being deeply involved with a small company and a young team of founders out to do something incredibly special.
All you need do is listen to very smart people and sift out the ideas that are unworthy or implausible, and I wouldn’t pretend for a moment that I hadn’t made lots of mistakes and there are companies, perhaps, that we had been investors in.
There's nothing more invigorating than being deeply involved with a small company and a young team of founders out to do something incredibly special.
Israel is the second Silicon Valley, and it is therefore the only other place we have chosen to expand our activities.
I think the notion of retirement is just a dreadful, dreadful idea and I hope I never have to do that.
My wife calls me the Imelda Marcos of books. As soon as a book enters our home it is guaranteed a permanent place in our lives. Because I have never been able to part with even one, they have gradually accumulated like sediment.
I think overall it is better for businesses to stay private because you have more latitude, more freedom.
All you need do is listen to very smart people and sift out the ideas that are unworthy or implausible, and I wouldn't pretend for a moment that I hadn't made lots of mistakes and there are companies, perhaps, that we had been investors in.
History shows that there is no more potent engine for reform than the passion of voters who feel betrayed by the politicians they hoped would do the right thing.
My undergraduate degree was in history, and I wish I had been smart enough to really excel at maths, physics, chemistry or biology because... the voyagers and adventurers and real contributors - that's where they come from.