Core Insights - Mamoon Hamid's transition to Kleiner Perkins from Social Capital was met with skepticism, as many viewed it as a risky move to join a firm perceived to be in decline [1][2][3] - Kleiner Perkins, once a leading venture capital firm, faced challenges in the mid-2010s, including internal tensions and a tarnished reputation due to a gender discrimination lawsuit [12][13][14] - Under Hamid's leadership, Kleiner Perkins has undergone a significant transformation, focusing on a narrower investment strategy and fostering a more collaborative culture [6][8][24] Company Overview - Kleiner Perkins was founded in 1972 and became known for its early investments in tech giants like Google and Amazon, but its focus shifted to cleantech in the 2000s, leading to mixed results [9][11][10] - The firm has raised over $6 billion in capital since Hamid and Ilya Fushman took over, with a focus on early-stage investments and high-potential deals [29][31] Leadership and Culture - Hamid and Fushman have implemented cultural changes at Kleiner, including open office layouts and firm-wide offsites, to promote collaboration and a startup-like energy [24][6] - The leadership duo emphasizes a mission to be the first call for founders aiming to make history, reflecting a shift towards a more founder-centric approach [24][8] Investment Strategy and Performance - Hamid's first major deal at Kleiner was leading Figma's $25 million Series B, which later went public at a valuation of $19.3 billion, marking a significant success for the firm [28] - Since 2018, Kleiner has returned $13 billion to its limited partners, with successful exits from companies like DoorDash, Peloton, and Slack [29][28] Competitive Landscape - Kleiner Perkins now competes with a diverse range of financial entities, including Wall Street banks and sovereign wealth funds, necessitating a more agile and focused investment strategy [8][40] - The firm aims to maintain a small partner structure to ensure quality control and a strong brand presence in a competitive venture capital environment [38][41]