William Herman: A Journey of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mentorship
Biography of William Herman:
William Herman serves as a Board Member at JumpCloud and
offers his expertise as an Advisor at One Way Ventures. His extensive career
includes serving as President and Chief Executive Officer of Innoveda and
holding board positions at MobileDay and Latis Networks. As a serial
entrepreneur, Herman has played pivotal roles as president, CEO, and co-founder
at companies like Viewlogic Systems, Scopus Technology, Silerity, and Dataware
Logic. Currently, he sits on the Board of Directors of four private companies,
namely StillSecure, AccuRev, Carbon Design, and TrustPlus. Previously, he held
board positions with various public and private companies, demonstrating his
diverse experience and leadership in the tech sector.
Will Herman's Academic Journey
Will Herman's academic journey laid the groundwork for his
illustrious career as an entrepreneur, investor, and mentor.
Pursuing Mechanical Engineering at Lehigh University
From 1977 to 1979, Will Herman pursued his passion for
engineering at Lehigh University. During this time, he immersed himself in the
study of mechanical engineering, acquiring fundamental knowledge and skills
that would later prove invaluable in his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Embracing Computer Science and Mathematics at Temple
University
Continuing his academic pursuits, Will Herman enrolled at
Temple University from 1979 to 1981. Here, he delved into the realms of
computer science and mathematics, expanding his intellectual horizons and
gaining expertise in disciplines that were rapidly shaping the technological
landscape.
Title: Blending Engineering and Technology
Will's educational journey epitomizes the seamless
integration of engineering principles with cutting-edge technology. His diverse
academic background equipped him with a multifaceted skill set, enabling him to
navigate the dynamic intersection of innovation and entrepreneurship with
confidence and proficiency.
William Herman's academic journey includes earning a degree
in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University and a Bachelor of Science in
Computer Science & Mathematics from Temple University. These educational
achievements, coupled with his extensive industry experience, have equipped him
with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the ever-evolving landscape
of technology and entrepreneurship.
Will Herman: A Multifaceted Entrepreneurial Journey
Will Herman, author of "The Startup Playbook," is
a seasoned entrepreneur, angel investor, startup mentor, and advisor. With a
wealth of experience, he has embarked on various ventures in the startup
ecosystem, demonstrating both successes and setbacks. Having started five
companies, Will has encountered both triumphs and challenges along the way,
with notable achievements including the sale of his company, Innoveda, to
Mentor Graphics in 2002.
Will Herman's entrepreneurial journey is marked by
significant milestones, beginning with his role as the CEO of Innoveda, Inc., a
leading provider of Electronic Design Automation (EDA) software and services.
Innoveda, which was acquired by Mentor Graphics in 2002, emerged from the
merger of Viewlogic Systems and Summit Design, two prominent EDA companies.
Will co-founded Viewlogic Systems in 1984 and played pivotal roles, including
President and CEO, during its growth phases.
From Viewlogic to Innoveda: A Career Evolution
Will's entrepreneurial journey began with the co-founding of
Viewlogic Systems in 1984, which later led to the creation of Innoveda through
a reverse acquisition. Despite leaving Viewlogic in 1992, he returned in 1995
and played key roles as President and CEO. Following the acquisition of
Viewlogic Systems by Synopsys in 1997, Will led a team in repurchasing most of
the assets, reforming Viewlogic as a new private entity.
Will Herman's Diverse Career Journey
Will Herman has had a dynamic career trajectory marked by
entrepreneurial ventures, leadership roles, and investment endeavors, spanning
several decades.
Directing JumpCloud and Pointillist
Since October 2013, Will has served as the lead director and
chair of the compensation committee at JumpCloud, a company specializing in
cloud-based directory services. Concurrently, since February 2020, he has held
the position of corporate director at Pointillist, a tech company based in
Boston, Massachusetts.
Authoring The Startup Playbook and Advising at Bolt
In January 2018, Will authored "The Startup
Playbook," a comprehensive guide tailored for first-time entrepreneurs
seeking valuable insights into the startup landscape. Alongside his writing
pursuits, since February 2013, he has been an advisor at Bolt, a venture
capital firm dedicated to supporting early-stage startups.
Mentoring and Advisory Roles
Will's commitment to fostering entrepreneurial talent is
evident in his role as a mentor at Techstars, a renowned startup accelerator
program, where he has been actively involved since 2009. Additionally, he
offers advisory services to numerous individual startups, leveraging his wealth
of experience and expertise. Over the years, he has served on the boards of
companies such as Concrete Sensors, MobileDay, and Carbon Design Systems.
A Career Journey Spanning Decades
Will's professional journey commenced in January 1979 when
he embarked on his career as a programmer at Health Care Computer Systems. He
later transitioned to roles at Digital Equipment Corporation and Dataware Logic
before making his mark in the entrepreneurial world. In October 1984, he
co-founded Viewlogic Systems, laying the foundation for a career defined by
innovation and strategic leadership. Subsequently, he held pivotal roles at
various startups, including Scopus Technology and Silerity. His tenure as the
president and CEO of Innoveda, Inc., from October 1998 to June 2002,
underscored his ability to drive growth and steer companies toward success.
Will's contributions extend beyond individual companies, as evidenced by his
involvement as a corporate director and advisor across diverse industries and
sectors.
William Herman: A Journey of Entrepreneurial Leadership and Mentorship / Biography of William Herman: / Investor William Herman:
Ongoing Contributions and Mentorship in the Startup
Ecosystem
Throughout his career, Will has been involved in various
startups and companies, including Scopus Technology and Silerity, where he
served as President and CEO. His diverse experiences culminate in his current
roles as a director at JumpCloud and Pointillist, as well as mentorships at
TechStars and advisory positions at Bolt and several individual startups. With
a rich background in entrepreneurship and business leadership, Will's insights
and guidance continue to shape the startup landscape.
Will Herman: Boston-Based Angel Investor and Entrepreneurial
Mentor
Will Herman, based in Boston, is a seasoned angel investor
known for his investments ranging from $50K to $100K in early-stage companies.
While he primarily focuses on software and internet startups, he also keeps an
eye on promising hardware opportunities. Despite his Boston-centric focus, Will
remains open to compelling opportunities and talented teams from any location.
Diverse Leadership Experience
During his tenure at Viewlogic, Will Herman demonstrated his
versatile leadership skills by spearheading strategic initiatives and driving
company success. His experience extends beyond Viewlogic, as he served as
President of Scopus Technology, Inc., a software automation tools supplier,
before transitioning to Silerity, Inc., where he served as President and CEO.
Silerity's acquisition by Viewlogic in 1995 marked a significant milestone in
Will's career, completing a full circle of accomplishments.
Foundation in Technology and Innovation
Before embarking on his entrepreneurial journey, Will Herman
laid the groundwork for his career through management positions at Digital
Equipment Corporation. He was also involved in launching two software startup
ventures, Dataware Logic and Health Care Computer Systems, showcasing his early
passion for innovation and technology.
Commitment to Mentorship and Investment
In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Will Herman is
deeply committed to supporting the next generation of startups. As a director
of private companies like Carbon Design, StillSecure, and TrustPlus, he
leverages his expertise to guide emerging ventures towards success. Will's role
as a mentor at TechStars and his active involvement as an angel investor in the
Boston area underscore his dedication to nurturing entrepreneurial talent and
fostering innovation.
Will Herman: Serial Entrepreneur and Leadership Mentor
Will Herman's entrepreneurial journey is marked by the
founding and scaling of five companies, two of which went public (IPO'ed),
creating a combined shareholder value of $4 billion. Despite encountering
numerous challenges along the way, Will attributes much of his success to a
specific tool that provided real-time insights and facilitated profound
leadership growth. While acknowledging his own mistakes, he emphasizes the
invaluable guidance received from his long-time mentor, which served as the
cornerstone for building and exiting successful businesses.
The Power of Perspective and Insights
One tool proved instrumental in Will Herman's
entrepreneurial endeavors, enabling him to gain valuable perspective and
uncover insights in real time. This tool played a pivotal role in fostering
deep leadership growth, allowing Will to navigate challenges effectively and
make informed decisions throughout his entrepreneurial journey. Its impact was
profound, shaping Will's approach to leadership and contributing significantly to
the success of his ventures.
The Role of Mentorship in Success
Amidst his entrepreneurial pursuits, Will Herman recognizes
the indispensable role of mentorship in his journey. He credits his long-time
mentor and coach for providing invaluable guidance and support, which proved
instrumental in his development as a leader. The mentorship relationship laid a
strong foundation for Will's entrepreneurial endeavors, offering him insights,
wisdom, and perspective that significantly contributed to the success of his
ventures.
Lessons from a Seasoned Entrepreneur
In an episode of Unmessable, Will Herman shares key insights
and learnings gleaned from his extensive entrepreneurial experience. Drawing
from his own successes and failures, he offers valuable advice and practical
wisdom for aspiring entrepreneurs. Will's journey serves as a testament to the
power of resilience, mentorship, and continuous learning in navigating the
unpredictable terrain of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial Vision and Investment Acumen
In his role as an angel investor, Will Herman has
demonstrated a keen eye for promising startups, having invested in over 85
companies to date. His investment portfolio reflects a diverse range of
innovative ventures, and he actively advises ten of these startups, leveraging
his wealth of entrepreneurial experience to guide them towards success.
Additionally, Will serves on the boards of JumpCloud and Pointillist, further
contributing to the growth and development of these companies.
Dedication to Startup Ecosystem Growth
Based primarily in the vibrant startup ecosystem of Boston,
Will Herman is deeply committed to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation.
He actively engages with the community as a mentor at Techstars, offering
valuable insights and guidance to budding entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Will's
involvement as a fund advisor at venture capital firms Bolt and One Way
Ventures underscores his dedication to supporting and nurturing the next
generation of startups.
Driving Entrepreneurial Success Through Mentorship
As a seasoned entrepreneur and startup mentor, Will Herman
understands the importance of mentorship in driving entrepreneurial success.
Through his mentorship roles at Techstars and beyond, he shares his wealth of
knowledge and experience, empowering aspiring entrepreneurs to overcome
challenges and achieve their goals. Will's commitment to mentoring reflects his
passion for cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem and empowering
individuals to realize their potential.
Some recent companies where William Herman invested
- Vueox - Information Services (B2C)
- Two Way Labs - Media and Information Services (B2B)
- AIrfox - Financial Services
- Kuvee - Consumer Durables
- Evercharge – Utilities
- Squadle - Business/Productivity Software
- Harmonics Music System - Entertainment Software
- Budnitz – Transportation
- Grapevine Village - Media and Information Services (B2B)
- Sutro - Electronic Equipment and Instruments
- Peach – Proven Lunch Solutions for Office and Hybrid Workplaces
- Netline – empowers B2B marketers to scale revenue
- Amino – data-driven healthcare navigation platfo
- Trustplus - Developer of a currency trading platform
Timeline of William Herman's Career:
1977-1979: Pursued Mechanical Engineering at Lehigh
University.
1979-1981: Continued academic pursuits in Computer Science
and Mathematics at Temple University.
1984: Co-founded Viewlogic Systems, marking the beginning of
his entrepreneurial journey.
1992: Left Viewlogic Systems but returned in 1995, playing
key roles as President and CEO.
1997: After the acquisition of Viewlogic Systems by
Synopsys, led a team in repurchasing most assets, reforming Viewlogic as a new
private entity.
2001: Served as President and Chief Executive Officer of
Innoveda, Inc.
2002: Oversaw the sale of Innoveda to Mentor Graphics.
2013: Became a Founding Partner at UpHonest Capital and
co-founded the Weis Fund.
2013-Present: Served as a Board Member at JumpCloud and an
Advisor at One Way Ventures.
Throughout his career, William Herman has demonstrated a
strong commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and mentorship, leaving a
significant impact on the tech industry.
