John Doerr is an influential figure in the realms of venture capital and technology. Born in 1951, Doerr earned his bachelor of science and master of science degrees in electrical engineering from Rice University and a master of business administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School. A significant milestone in his early career came in 1974, when he joined Intel Corporation, where he worked closely with legendary figures like Robert Noyce and Andy Grove. His association with Intel during a critical period, in which “The Intel Trinity” ruled the company, played a pivotal role in shaping his understanding of goal setting and performance measurement.

Doerr is perhaps best known for his role as a partner at the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, where he became a driving force behind the success of numerous iconic technology companies. His investments in and mentorship of firms like Google, Amazon, and Netscape solidified his reputation as an influential figure in Silicon Valley. Given his extensive experience working with high-growth companies and witnessing the challenges they face, Doerr’s insights into the importance of effective goal setting and measurement, as outlined in Measure What Matters, are rooted in real-world experiences.

The concepts in Measure What Matters are influenced by Doerr’s unique vantage point.