Kevin Hartz: Pioneering Tech Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital
Biography of Kevin Hartz
Kevin Hartz is a prominent American entrepreneur and
investor, renowned for his transformative contributions to the technology and
fintech sectors. As the co-founder of Xoom, a leading digital money transfer
service, Hartz played a pivotal role in revolutionizing cross-border payments.
His leadership as CEO from 2001 to 2005 was instrumental in Xoom's growth,
culminating in its IPO in 2013 and subsequent acquisition by PayPal in 2015 for
$1.1 billion.
Kevin Hartz: Pioneering Tech Entrepreneurship and Venture Capital / Biography of Kevin Hartz/Kevin Hartz#age#net worth#investor#startup#journey
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Born in Berkeley, California, and raised in Orinda, Kevin
Hartz attended Miramonte High School. He pursued higher education at Stanford
University, earning a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in history.
Furthering his academic journey, Hartz obtained a Master of Arts degree in
British history from University College, Oxford, equipping him with a diverse
skill set that would later inform his entrepreneurial endeavors.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: From Xoom to Eventbrite
Hartz's entrepreneurial journey began at Silicon Graphics,
where he served as the product manager for Cosmo Player, a virtual reality
browser. He then co-founded ConnectGroup, a startup providing high-speed
internet access to the hotel industry, which was acquired by LodgeNet within
five months. In 2001, Hartz co-founded Xoom Corporation, serving as CEO until
2005. Under his leadership, Xoom became a significant player in the digital
payments industry. In 2006, he co-founded Eventbrite, a global self-service
ticketing platform, alongside Julia Hartz and Renaud Visage. Eventbrite has
since become a leading platform for event management and ticketing.
Venture Capital and SPAC Initiatives
In 2016, Hartz joined Founders Fund as a partner,
contributing to the firm's investment strategies until his departure in 2018.
He then co-founded A* Capital, a venture investment fund focusing on the
technology industry. Through A*, Hartz has invested in various tech startups,
including Socket, Granica, Kumo, Passes, Pomelo, Feathery, Hebbia, Felt,
Glimpse, Reddit, Skiff, Sora, Clara Health, and Airbnb.
Hartz has also been active in the realm of special purpose
acquisition companies (SPACs). He co-founded One (AONE), a SPAC that completed
its IPO in August 2020 and merged with Markforged, an industrial additive
manufacturing platform. In April 2021, he co-founded Two, another SPAC, which
raised $200 million in its IPO.
Leadership Roles and Personal Life
Kevin Hartz served as the CEO and executive chairman of
Eventbrite for a decade. In 2024, he transitioned to the role of Chairman,
while his wife, Julia Hartz, who co-founded Eventbrite with him, became the CEO.
The couple resides in San Francisco with their two daughters.
Recent Developments and Initiatives
In June 2024, A* Capital, led by Hartz, raised $315 million
for its second fund, focusing on leading seed rounds and supporting portfolio
companies at the Series A stage. Additionally, Hartz has directed A* Capital to
exclusively use Waymo robotaxis in San Francisco, citing their lower cost and
faster service compared to traditional rideshare options.
Conclusion
Kevin Hartz's multifaceted career reflects his commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. From co-founding Xoom and Eventbrite to leading venture capital initiatives and SPACs, Hartz continues to influence the technology landscape. His strategic investments and leadership in emerging technologies underscore his role as a key figure in shaping the future of digital finance and beyond.
