Steve Blank
Overview
Steve Blank is an American entrepreneur, educator, and author renowned for developing the Customer Development methodology, which laid the foundation for the Lean Startup movement. Over a 21-year career, he co-founded or was involved in eight high-technology startups, including Zilog, MIPS Computers, Convergent Technologies, Ardent, SuperMac Technologies, Rocket Science Games, and E.piphany. E.piphany, his final venture, specialized in customer relationship management software and went public in 1999. After retiring from E.piphany, Blank transitioned to academia, teaching entrepreneurship at institutions such as Stanford University, the University of California, Berkeley, and Columbia University. He created the Lean LaunchPad course, which became the standard for science commercialization for the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, and the U.S. Department of Energy. Additionally, Blank co-created the Hacking for Defense program and served on the Defense Business Board and the U.S. Navy's Science and Technological Board. He is also a co-founder of the Gordian Knot Center for National Security Innovation at Stanford University. Blank's work has significantly influenced modern entrepreneurship by introducing tools and processes tailored for new ventures, distinguishing them from those used in large companies. His methodologies have been adopted by over 3,051 teams and 1,300 startups as of 2023. His contributions have been recognized with various awards, including the Silicon Valley Mercury News Top 10 Influencers in Silicon Valley in 2009 and the Earl F. Cheit Award for Excellence in Teaching from the Haas School of Business in 2010. In addition to his entrepreneurial and educational endeavors, Blank has been involved in public service, serving on the California Coastal Commission and the boards of organizations such as Audubon California and the Peninsula Open Space Trust. His commitment to innovation and education continues to impact the startup ecosystem and beyond.
Investment Focus
- Innovative technology solutions
- Scalable business models
- Strong founding teams
Portfolio Companies
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Unlock full contacts →Frequently asked questions about Steve Blank
What sectors does Steve Blank invest in?
Steve Blank invests in Technology, Software, Semiconductors, Consumer Electronics, Video Games and Military Technology, and is based in United States. Steve Blank is listed as a angel in the ConnectSafely investor database.
What stage does Steve Blank invest at?
Steve Blank backs companies at Seed and Early Stage.
Which regions does Steve Blank invest in?
Steve Blank invests across United States.
What companies has Steve Blank invested in?
Steve Blank's portfolio includes Zilog, MIPS Computers, Convergent Technologies, Ardent, SuperMac Technologies, Rocket Science Games and E.piphany.
How do I contact Steve Blank?
Steve Blank's contact details — including LinkedIn — are listed in the ConnectSafely investor database, along with its website and the LinkedIn profiles of the team.
Last updated · Source: ConnectSafely investor database
