ORDER NOWtells the story of a man present at the creation of the modern technology age, starting with early-stage semiconductors and riding the tide alongside Steve Jobs during the formative years of Apple Computer. Floyd moved from tech marketing and sales into venture capital investing at Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, where he helped finance Amazon.com and other companies that have transformed the ways we live and work. Reflecting on a one-of-a-kind career that also took him to the White House—as a senior advisor to President George W.Bush—Floyd shares with readers his lessons learned, his insights on leading people and competing in fast-changing global markets, and more than a few crazy stories from 60 adventurous years.
E. Floyd Kvamme was born in 1937in San Francisco. A graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, he began his career in sales and marketing at Fairchild Semiconductor in 1963 and then held senior executive roles at National Semiconductor and AppleComputer. From 1984 to 2008, Floyd was a director (and later Partner Emeritus) at the Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield &Byers. In 2001, President George W.Bush appointed him to be Co-Chairman of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST). Here has advised other Presidents and served on many corporate and non-profit boards. He is the proud father of three sons—all working in technology—and the husband of the late Jean Kvamme.
“A Silicon Valley Life is a remarkable story of humble beginnings, great striving, and grand achievement. Our nation’s history has been made brighter by entrepreneurs—doers and innovators. Floyd Kvamme is an uncommonly kind and selfless example.”
– Karl Rove, Wall Street Journal columnist and former Senior Advisor to President George W. Bush
“Thoroughly enjoyable! This book, by one of Silicon Valley’s true luminaries, is rich with powerful insights, practical advice, and lessons for succeeding in business and in life.”
– Patrick Harshman, CEO, Harmonic
“I have benefited from Floyd Kvamme’s wisdom and his heart for transformation for over 20 years. I am so grateful he has taken the time to write down, in a way that is accessible and humble and sincere, lessons from his many years of leadership and service. I trust that many will benefit from his wisdom and candor, just as I have through the years.”
– Gary A. Haugen, Founder & CEO, International Justice Mission
“What does the crystal clarity of a video call on your phone have to do with America’s success in space? What tiny element did the U.S. car industry ignore, only to then scramble to keep up with international competitors? These intriguing stories are all the more fascinating as told by a leader who experienced them firsthand. This is why I love A Silicon Valley Life by Floyd Kvamme.”
– Joni Eareckson Tada, Joni and Friends International Disability Center
“An excellent gathering of recollections and insights by one of high tech America’s founding fathers. A Silicon Valley Life is full of wisdom, history, and humor—a good yarn.”
– Bill Bennett, Commentator,Former Secretary of Education and Drug Czar
Copyright © 2022 E. Floyd Kvamme