Kevin Hartz: Pioneering Tech Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital
Biography of Kevin Hartz
Kevin Hartz is a notable figure in the American technology
industry, renowned for his entrepreneurial endeavors and contributions to the
sector.
Hartz gained prominence as the co-founder of Xoom, a leading
digital money transfer service. Serving as the CEO of Xoom from 2001 to 2005,
Hartz played a pivotal role in steering the company through its formative years
and establishing its presence in the fintech landscape. Under his leadership,
Xoom experienced significant growth and emerged as a key player in the digital
payments industry. Hartz's vision and strategic direction were instrumental in
shaping Xoom's trajectory and cementing its position as a pioneer in online
money transfer services.
The Journey of Kevin Hartz: From California to the Tech
World
Kevin Hartz's biography is marked by a journey from his
roots in California to his impactful presence in the technology industry.
Early Years in California
Born in Berkeley, California, Kevin Hartz spent his
formative years in Orinda, California, where he attended Miramonte High School.
These early experiences in the Bay Area laid the foundation for his future
endeavors and instilled in him a passion for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Academic Pursuits
Hartz pursued his academic aspirations at prestigious
institutions, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in history from
Stanford University. His thirst for knowledge led him to further his studies at
University College, Oxford, where he obtained a Master of Arts degree in British
history. These academic achievements equipped Hartz with a diverse skill set
and a deep understanding of historical contexts, which would later inform his
approach to entrepreneurship and business strategy.
Kevin Hartz: A Career Marked by Innovation and
Entrepreneurship
Kevin Hartz's career journey is characterized by his
ventures in the technology industry, where he has made significant
contributions as an entrepreneur and business leader.
Early Ventures and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Hartz's career commenced at Silicon Graphics (SGI), where he
served as the product manager for the virtual reality browser, Cosmo Player.
His early experiences at SGI provided him with valuable insights into
technology and product management. Subsequently, Hartz co-founded ConnectGroup,
a startup focused on providing high-speed internet access to the hotel
industry. The rapid success of ConnectGroup, culminating in its acquisition by
LodgeNet within five months of its incorporation, showcased Hartz's
entrepreneurial acumen and ability to identify market opportunities.
Co-Founding Xoom: A Journey in Fintech
In 2001, Hartz co-founded Xoom, an international money
remittance business, alongside Alan Braverman. Serving as the CEO of Xoom until
2005, Hartz played a pivotal role in establishing the company as a leading
player in the fintech sector. His leadership guided Xoom through its IPO in
2012 and eventual acquisition by PayPal in 2015, highlighting Hartz's ability
to drive growth and navigate complex business landscapes.
Eventbrite and Beyond
In 2006, Hartz embarked on another entrepreneurial venture
by co-founding Eventbrite, a global self-service ticketing platform, alongside
Julia Hartz and Renaud Visage. Eventbrite quickly emerged as a disruptive force
in the event management industry, empowering organizers to create and manage
events with ease. Hartz's vision and leadership were instrumental in
Eventbrite's success and its evolution into a prominent tech company.
Venture Capital and Continued Influence
Hartz's expertise and accomplishments in the technology
sector led him to join Founders Fund in September 2016 as a partner. During his
tenure, he contributed to the firm's investment strategies and supported
emerging startups. While he later announced his departure from Founders Fund in
June 2018, Hartz continues to serve on the Board of Directors for Eventbrite,
now as Chairman, and Lookout, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to fostering
innovation and growth in the tech industry.
Kevin Hartz's Personal Life: Family and Home in San
Francisco
Kevin Hartz's personal life revolves around his family and
his home in San Francisco, where he resides with his wife, Julia Hartz, and
their two daughters.
Leading Eventbrite and A* Capital
At Eventbrite, Hartz serves as a Co-Founder and Executive
Chairman, overseeing the company's operations in the event management space.
Additionally, he is a Co-Founder and General Partner at A* Capital, a venture
investment fund focused on the technology industry. Through A*, Hartz
contributes to identifying and supporting promising tech startups.
Driving Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs)
Hartz is also deeply involved in the realm of special
purpose acquisition companies (SPACs). He serves as the Co-Founder and CEO of
One, a SPAC that completed its initial public offering in August 2020. In July
2021, One merged with MarkForged, Inc., now known as Markforged Holding Corp.,
an industrial additive manufacturing platform company. Hartz has served on the
board of directors of Markforged since July 2021. Additionally, he is the
Co-Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer, and Director of Two, another SPAC that
completed its initial public offering in April 2021.
Overall, Kevin Hartz's multifaceted roles in leading
Eventbrite, directing A* Capital, and driving SPAC initiatives underscore his
influence and impact in shaping the tech landscape through innovative ventures
and strategic investments.
Venture Capital Experience at Founders Fund
From September 2016 to June 2018, Hartz served as a Partner
and Entrepreneur in Residence at Founders Fund, a renowned venture capital
investment firm. During this time, he contributed his expertise and
entrepreneurial insights to the firm's investment strategies and portfolio
companies.
Leadership as Chief Executive Officer
Prior to his tenure at Founders Fund, Hartz held the
position of Chief Executive Officer from October 2005 to September 2016. In
this role, he played a central role in shaping the strategic direction and
growth of the organization, leveraging his leadership skills and industry
knowledge to drive success.
Co-Founder and Roles at Xoom Corporation
From 2001 to 2015, Hartz co-founded and held various roles
at Xoom Corporation, a publicly traded payments processing company. His
contributions to Xoom included serving as Chief Executive Officer from 2001 to
2005, overseeing the company's operations and expansion initiatives.
Additionally, he served as a Director from 2001 to 2015, providing strategic
guidance and governance oversight.
Overall, Kevin Hartz's career trajectory highlights his
versatility and expertise in both entrepreneurial ventures and venture capital
investments, underscoring his significant impact and influence in the tech industry.
Some companies where Kevin Hartz invested
- Socket - Network Management Software
- Granica - Business/Productivity Software
- Kumo - Database Software
- Passes - Media and Information Services (B2B)
- Pomelo - Financial Software
- Feathery - Business/Productivity Software
- Hebbia - Internet Software
- Felt - Multimedia and Design Software
- Glimpse - Business/Productivity Software
- Reddit – American social news aggregation, content rating
- Skiff – privacy-first collaboration platform
- Sora – AI model
- Clara Health – platform that streamlines the process of participating in clinical trials
- Airbnb - online marketplace for short- and long-term homestays and experiences.
Timeline:
Early Years and Education:
- Kevin Hartz born in Berkeley, California. (Date of Birth: N/A)
- Attended Miramonte High School in Orinda, California.
- Earned Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in history from Stanford University.
- Obtained Master of Arts degree in British history from University College, Oxford.
Entrepreneurial Ventures:
- Worked at Silicon Graphics as product manager for Cosmo Player. (Timeline: N/A)
- Co-founded ConnectGroup, acquired by LodgeNet. (Timeline: N/A)
- Co-founded Xoom Corporation, served as CEO. (Timeline: 2001-2005)
- Co-founded Eventbrite. (Timeline: 2006-present)
Venture Capital:
- Joined Founders Fund as a partner. (Timeline: September 2016 - June 2018)
- Departure from Founders Fund in 2018.
- Co-founded A* Capital. (Timeline: N/A)
- Co-founded One and Two SPACs. (Timeline: N/A)
Leadership Roles:
- CEO of Eventbrite. (Timeline: N/A)
- Executive Chairman of Eventbrite. (Timeline: N/A)
- Board member and CEO of One SPAC.
- Board member of Markforged Holding Corp.
Investment Portfolio:
- Investments in companies like Socket, Granica, Kumo, Passes, Pomelo, Feathery, Hebbia, Felt, Glimpse, Reddit, Skiff, Sora, Clara Health, and Airbnb. (Timeline: Ongoing)
