Matt Cohler

Matt Cohler is an American venture capitalist and technology executive, recognized as a key early figure in the growth of major social networking platforms. He served as one of the first executives at Facebook, contributing to its foundational strategy, and later became a General Partner at the prominent Silicon Valley firm Benchmark. Cohler's career spans pivotal roles at LinkedIn and influential investments in companies like Instagram, Uber, and Snapchat.

Early life and education

Matt Cohler was born in New York City and grew up in Connecticut. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Yale University, where he graduated with a degree in East Asian studies. During his time at Yale University, he developed a strong interest in technology and entrepreneurship, which would later define his professional path in Silicon Valley.

Career

Cohler began his career as a management consultant at the global firm McKinsey & Company. His entry into the technology sector came when he joined the professional networking startup LinkedIn in its early years, working directly under co-founder Reid Hoffman. In 2005, he was recruited by Mark Zuckerberg to become one of the first executives at Facebook, initially serving as Vice President of Product Management. At Facebook, Cohler played a crucial role in shaping the platform's early product strategy and user growth, working alongside other key figures like Sheryl Sandberg and Dustin Moskovitz. After several formative years during Facebook's rapid ascent, he transitioned to the venture capital industry in 2008.

Investments and board memberships

In 2008, Cohler joined the venture capital firm Benchmark as a General Partner. At Benchmark, he established himself as a leading investor in the consumer internet and social media sectors. His notable early-stage investments include leading Benchmark's Series A investment in the photo-sharing app Instagram, which was later acquired by Facebook for approximately $1 billion. He also served on the board of directors of Instagram and was an early investor in the ride-hailing giant Uber. Other significant investments from his portfolio include the social media platform Snapchat, the workplace messaging company Slack, and the design collaboration tool Figma. Cohler has held board observer or director roles at several of these companies, providing strategic guidance during their high-growth phases.

Philanthropy

Cohler is involved in philanthropic efforts, primarily focusing on education and medical research. He has supported his alma mater, Yale University, and has contributed to initiatives in the San Francisco Bay Area. Alongside other technology leaders, he has participated in funding and advocacy for scientific research, including support for the University of California, San Francisco and its medical programs.

Personal life

Matt Cohler maintains a relatively private personal life. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area and is known within Silicon Valley circles for his mentorship of young entrepreneurs. His professional network includes longstanding relationships with prominent figures like Reid Hoffman, Mark Zuckerberg, and fellow Benchmark partner Peter Fenton.

Category:American venture capitalists Category:1976 births Category:Living people Category:Yale University alumni Category:People from New York City Category:Facebook people