Early Life and Education
Joseph Steven Lacob was born on January 10, 1956, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to a working-class Jewish family. His father worked at a paper plant, and his mother was a supermarket cashier. When he was 13, Lacob's family moved to Anaheim, California. Lacob earned a bachelor's degree in biological sciences from the University of California, Irvine, in 1978. He later earned a master's degree in public health (epidemiology) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and an MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business.
Rise to Success
Lacob began his professional career in healthcare and biotechnology, holding executive positions at Cetus Corporation and FHP International. In 1987, he became a partner at Kleiner Perkins, a venture capital firm, where he led investments in over 50 companies in various sectors, including life sciences, medical technology, internet, and energy. His strategic investments included Align Technology and NuVasive.
Key Business Strategies
Lacob, along with Peter Guber, led a group of investors in 2010 that purchased the Golden State Warriors for $450 million. Under his leadership, the Warriors have achieved significant success, including four NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022). The team's value has increased dramatically, making the Warriors one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA. Lacob has focused on innovation, analytics, and a commitment to excellence, transforming the team into a global brand. He prioritized building the Chase Center, a state-of-the-art sports and entertainment complex.
Philanthropy
Lacob's philanthropic interests center on education and supporting youth development. The Warriors Community Foundation, established in 2012, has delivered over $52 million in grants to support education, health, and youth development in the Bay Area. He also donated $1 million to establish a sports management program at Washington University in St. Louis.