Michael Moritz was born on December 12, 1954, in Cardiff, Wales. His parents, Ludwig and Doris Moritz, were Jewish refugees who had fled Nazi Germany during World War II. Growing up, Moritz was always a curious and ambitious child, showing a keen interest in history and current events.
After completing his secondary education, Moritz went on to study at Christ Church, Oxford, where he earned a degree in history. Following his graduation, he decided to further his education by pursuing an MBA at the University of Pennsylvania, which he completed in 1978.
Upon completing his MBA, Moritz began his career in journalism, working as the San Francisco bureau chief for Time Magazine. It was during this time that he wrote his first book, "The Little Kingdom," which documented the rise of Apple Inc. and garnered critical acclaim.
In the early 1980s, Moritz made the transition from journalism to venture capitalism, joining Sequoia Capital as a partner. His keen eye for investments quickly earned him a reputation as one of the top venture capitalists in Silicon Valley. One of his most notable early investments was in Google, which skyrocketed in value and earned him the top spot on the Forbes Midas lists in 2006 and 2007.
Throughout his career, Moritz has invested in some of the most prolific internet companies to ever be created, including Yahoo, PayPal, YouTube, Zappos, and Google. His success in the field of venture capitalism has not only made him a wealthy individual but also a respected figure in the tech industry.
Outside of his career, Moritz is a devoted husband to his wife, Harriet. The couple shares a love of travel and philanthropy, often using their wealth to support charitable causes around the world.
Michael Moritz's legacy as a venture capitalist and investor is one that will be remembered for generations to come. His influence on the tech industry, as well as his dedication to giving back, has solidified his place as one of the most influential figures in Silicon Valley.