Ted Schlein

Ted Schlein is an American venture capitalist and managing partner at the prominent Silicon Valley firm Kleiner Perkins. He is widely recognized as a pioneering investor in the cybersecurity sector, having backed numerous foundational companies in the field. Schlein has served on the boards of many influential technology firms and has been actively involved in public service initiatives related to national security and technology policy.

Early life and education

Schlein grew up in the New York metropolitan area and developed an early interest in technology. He attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned a degree from the Wharton School. His academic background in business and finance provided a foundation for his future career in the technology investment landscape of Northern California.

Career

Schlein began his career in the technology sector, working in software development and product management roles. He later joined the venture capital industry, initially working with firms focused on early-stage enterprise software investments. His deep understanding of information technology infrastructure led him to Kleiner Perkins, one of the most established and influential venture firms in Silicon Valley. At Kleiner Perkins, he rose to become a managing partner, overseeing investments across multiple technology generations. He has served as a board member for companies like Mandiant and Shape Security, providing strategic guidance during critical growth phases. His tenure at the firm has coincided with major shifts in the technology landscape, including the rise of cloud computing and mobile applications.

Investments and portfolio

Schlein's investment philosophy has heavily emphasized the critical importance of cybersecurity. He was an early backer of Fortinet, a global leader in network security appliances, and served on its board for many years. Other notable cybersecurity investments in his portfolio include Carbon Black, which was acquired by VMware, and Shape Security, later purchased by F5 Networks. Beyond security, his investment interests have spanned artificial intelligence, data analytics, and enterprise software. He has also been involved with companies like Juniper Networks and has guided numerous startups through initial public offerings and strategic acquisitions. His work at Kleiner Perkins has involved collaborating with other renowned investors like John Doerr and Brook Byers.

Philanthropy and public service

Schlein has committed significant time to public service roles that bridge technology and national security. He served as a member of the National Security Commission on Artificial Intelligence, a congressional commission tasked with advising the United States government on maintaining competitive advantage in AI. He is also a founding member of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency's Cybersecurity Advisory Committee. His philanthropic and advisory efforts often focus on strengthening the nation's critical infrastructure against digital threats and fostering innovation in defense technologies. He has participated in discussions at institutions like the Council on Foreign Relations and the World Economic Forum.

Personal life

Schlein maintains a relatively private personal life. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area with his family. An avid reader and thinker on technology's societal impact, he is known within industry circles for his strategic, long-term perspective on technological trends.