Documentation of the early development of the Macintosh computer provided the initial bridge between the career of journalist Michael Moritz and the technology industry. His transition from the newsroom to boardrooms in San Francisco fundamentally altered his trajectory, leading to four decades of venture capital activity that reshaped digital markets and the landscape of global startup funding.
Journalism and Apple History
Born in 1954 in Cardiff, Wales, Moritz spent his early career as a staff writer at Time magazine. During his tenure as the San Francisco bureau chief, he interviewed Steve Jobs and members of the Apple development team. These encounters culminated in the publication of The Little Kingdom: The Private Story of Apple Computer. He later authored Going for Broke: Lee Iacocca's Battle to Save Chrysler, co-authored with Barrett Seaman. This period served as his introduction to the rapid expansion of the personal computing sector.
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In 1986, Moritz joined Sequoia Capital in San Francisco, marking the start of a long-term professional association with the firm. Before this move, he co-founded Technologic Partners to manage technology conferences and newsletters. Over his career, he focused on backing internet and software companies, including PayPal, Google, Yahoo!, LinkedIn, and YouTube. His investment strategy involved serving on numerous boards, such as those for Stripe, Klarna, and Kayak.com.
Market Recognition and Philanthropy
The 2004 initial public offering of Google cemented his reputation in financial circles, leading to his placement at the top of the Forbes Midas List in 2006 and 2007. Beyond his commercial work, he invested in media initiatives like The San Francisco Standard. In 2013, he was appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire. He holds an honorary doctorate from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, awarded in 2014.
Later Career at Sequoia
Moritz stepped down from his primary role at Sequoia Capital in July 2023. Following this departure, he shifted his focus toward Sequoia Heritage, a wealth-management fund he helped establish. While he transitioned away from his former board duties, he maintained oversight of specific investments, including Stripe and Instacart, as part of a planned replacement strategy for his board seats.
Fast facts
- Born: 1954, Cardiff, Wales
- Education: Howardian High School, Christ Church, The Wharton School
- Joined Sequoia Capital: 1986
- Appointed Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire: 2013
- Honorary doctorate: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (2014)
- Residence: San Francisco
Questions readers ask
What books did Michael Moritz write?
He authored The Little Kingdom: The Private Story of Apple Computer, Return to the Little Kingdom, and Going for Broke: Lee Iacocca's Battle to Save Chrysler.
What is his connection to the San Francisco Standard?
He is the founder and primary funder of the for-profit news website, which is based in the Mission District of San Francisco.
Achievements
- Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire
- Affiliated with Time and Sequoia Capital
- Educated at Christ Church and The Wharton School
