Venky joined Menlo Ventures in 2013 and focuses on investments in the consumer and enterprise sectors. He currently serves on the board of Avi Networks, BitSight, Breather, Dedrone, Machine Zone, OverOps, Rover, UpCounsel, and Waterline Data Science. Prior to joining Menlo, he was a Managing Director at Globespan Capital Partners where he was part of the investment team since the firm’s inception. At Globespan, Venky led numerous successful investments including Palo Alto Networks (“PANW), Amobee (Acquired by SingTel for $321 Million), Exeros (Acquired by IBM), Jajah (Acquired by Telefonica for $207 Million), Sendia (Acquired by Salesforce.com), Virident (Acquired by Western Digital for $685 Million), and Trigo (Acquired by IBM). In addition, he also led investments or served on the boards of the following private companies: oDesk, Redfin, Rev, and SMSGupshup. Venky was recognized on the 2013, ’14 and ’15 Forbes Midas List.
Prior to Globespan, Venky was one of the founders of Trigo Technologies and played a critical part in building Trigo into the market leader in the product information management space. IBM acquired the company resulting in a substantial return for all investors. Venky also previously worked at McKinsey & Co., in the firm’s Los Angeles and Johannesberg offices and at Microsoft where he started his career as a Program Manager.
Venky holds a B.A. in Economics-Math from Reed College and a B.S. in Engineering and Applied Science with honors from the California Institute of Technology. Venky believes strongly in giving back to the community and is chairman of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA). He has also been a past Trustee of Keys School and past President of the Indian Community Center in Milpitas.
