Biography of Shervin Pishevar : Entrepreneurship , Investor & Innovation
Biography of Shervin Pishevar :
Early Life and Education
Born on March 24, 1974, in Tehran, Iran, Shervin Pishevar
immigrated to the United States as a child. Raised in Maryland, he attended
Montgomery Blair High School, renowned for its emphasis on math and science.
Encouraged by his parents to pursue medicine, Pishevar majored in molecular and
cellular biology at the University of California, Berkeley. During his time at
Berkeley, he co-founded Berkeley Scientific, the first peer-reviewed
undergraduate research journal in the U.S., and conducted research on Magainin
peptides, contributing to the Istanbul Protocol, an international guideline for
documenting torture. He also completed graduate courses in health economics at
the Berkeley School of Public Health.
Biography of Shervin Pishevar : Entrepreneurship , Investor & Innovation / Investor Shervin Pishevar/Shervin Pishevar#age#net worth#investor#startup
Entrepreneurial Ventures and Investments
Pishevar's entrepreneurial journey began in 1997 when, at
the age of 23, he founded WebOS, a company that developed cross-browser
interfaces for the internet, introducing the concept of a web-based operating
system. Although WebOS dissolved in 2001, the software evolved into
HyperOffice. In 2001, he co-founded Seges Capital, affiliated with Vanderbilt
University's Technology Company, and concurrently led Ionside Interactive,
focusing on advanced 3D graphics and AI engine development for Pocket PC software.
He also co-founded Application Corporation, known for creating the HyperOffice
messaging suite.
From 2005 to 2012, Pishevar served as the founding
president, COO, and board member of Webs Inc., later rebranded as Webs, a
prominent social publishing community. In 2008, he assumed leadership of Social
Gaming Network (SGN), a spinoff of Webs. Under his guidance, SGN secured
significant funding and achieved notable success before being acquired by
MindJolt in 2011. During this period, Pishevar also held positions at Mozilla
Corporation and contributed to the growth of various startups in the social, consumer
internet, and mobile sectors through Menlo Ventures. He notably led Menlo's
investment in Uber's Series B round and played a pivotal role in nurturing
companies like Tumblr, Machine Zone, and Warby Parker. Additionally, he helped
launch the Menlo Talent Fund, supporting numerous seed-stage startups.
In 2013, Pishevar co-founded Sherpa Capital, a venture
capital firm, with Scott Stanford. Sherpa Capital has made 93 investments, with
its latest investment in AusperBio as part of their Series B - II on May 27,
2025.
Virgin Hyperloop One
In late 2014, Pishevar co-founded Hyperloop One, later
rebranded as Virgin Hyperloop One after investment from the Virgin Group in
October 2017. The company aims to revolutionize transportation through
hyperloop technology. However, in December 2017, Pishevar resigned from both
Virgin Hyperloop One and Sherpa Capital amid allegations of sexual misconduct.
Recent Developments
In September 2025, Pishevar joined the board of directors of
Nova Sky Stories, a company focused on innovative storytelling experiences. His
investment firm, Sofreh Capital, led a $50 million funding round for the
company.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Pishevar is a devoted philanthropist, donating money, time,
and leadership to numerous global and local charities. He has been actively
involved with several charities, including volunteering with organizations like
Invisible Children and charity: water in Africa. He has also supported the Bay
Area Boys & Girls Clubs of America and served on the boards of Illuminate
the Arts and BUILD, demonstrating his commitment to community engagement and
youth development.
Political Engagement
Pishevar has been actively involved in political
fundraising, notably supporting Barack Obama's presidential campaigns and
hosting fundraising events for Hillary Clinton's campaign in 2016. His
contributions underscore his commitment to advancing political causes aligned
with his values and vision for a more inclusive society.
Legal Battles
Following allegations of sexual misconduct in 2017, Pishevar
faced legal challenges, including a lawsuit against Definers Public Affairs for
spreading false rumors about him. The lawsuit was dismissed in February 2018,
but Pishevar continued to seek justice and defend his reputation.
Recent Investments
Pishevar's recent investments include companies such as
Limit Break, Nue Life Health, Teleport, and AusperBio, reflecting his continued
focus on innovative sectors like entertainment software, health, and
technology.
Conclusion
Shervin Pishevar's journey from a young immigrant to a prominent entrepreneur and investor underscores the transformative power of innovation and determination. His ventures, investments, and philanthropic efforts continue to impact various industries and communities, reflecting his commitment to fostering positive change.
