Ram Shriram

Ram Shriram is a highly influential figure in the venture capital landscape, best known for his early involvement with some of the world's most successful technology companies. He has served as a founding board member of Google since September 1998, a testament to his foresight and strategic acumen in the nascent internet era. Prior to his venture career, Shriram held significant leadership roles, including Vice President of Business Development at Amazon.com and a key executive position at Netscape Communications, where he was instrumental in developing its e-commerce and online business initiatives. His deep operational experience across these pioneering tech giants laid the foundation for his transition into venture capital.

In 2000, Shriram founded Sherpalo Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. The firm primarily focuses on investing in disruptive technology companies across various sectors, including enterprise software, consumer internet, mobile, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence. Sherpalo Ventures seeks out innovative startups with strong leadership teams and scalable business models, often providing not just capital but also strategic guidance and access to Shriram's extensive network. His investment philosophy emphasizes long-term growth and a hands-on approach, leveraging his operational background to help portfolio companies navigate challenges and scale effectively.

Sherpalo Ventures typically deploys first checks ranging from $500,000 to $5,000,000, targeting seed and Series A rounds. This focus on early-stage funding allows Shriram to identify and nurture companies from their foundational phases. Beyond Google, his notable investments include companies like Zscaler, Paperless Post, and InMobi, showcasing a diverse portfolio of successful ventures. Shriram's reputation as a discerning and supportive investor has made Sherpalo Ventures a sought-after partner for ambitious entrepreneurs in the technology space, contributing significantly to the growth of the Silicon Valley ecosystem.