Early Life and Education
Mark Anthony Stevens was born on February 17, 1960, in Los Angeles County, California. He earned bachelor's degrees in electrical engineering and economics in 1981, and a master's degree in computer engineering in 1984 from the University of Southern California (USC). He later received an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1989.
Rise to Success
Stevens began his career at Hughes Aircraft Company and later worked at Intel Corporation in various sales and marketing roles. In 1989, he joined Sequoia Capital as an associate and became a partner in 1993, focusing on investments in the semiconductor, software, and systems markets. During his time at Sequoia, he invested in notable companies such as Google, Yahoo!, Nvidia, and YouTube. In 2012, he founded S-Cubed Capital, a private investment firm.
Key Business Strategies
As a venture capitalist, Stevens focused on identifying and nurturing high-potential startups in the technology sector. His strategic investments in early-stage companies, such as Nvidia, have yielded substantial returns and contributed to the success of Sequoia Capital. He currently serves on the board of directors of Nvidia and is a minority owner of the Golden State Warriors.
Philanthropy
Stevens and his wife, Mary, are signatories of The Giving Pledge, committing to donate a significant portion of their wealth to charitable causes. Their philanthropic efforts include substantial donations to USC, founding the USC Stevens Center for Innovation and the USC Mark and Mary Stevens Neuroimaging and Informatics Institute.