Bob Pavey, successful venture capitalist and former president of the National Venture Capital Association, describes himself as a “believer” in research.  “I fundamentally believe that we need understanding first to implement policies, and we need research and data to create better understanding.” Passionate about supporting cutting-edge research that leads to positive social and economic impact, Pavey stepped forward to become the first donor for the Silicon Valley Project of the Stanford Program of Regions of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (SPRIE) at the Stanford Graduate School of Business. Pavey’s donation of $25,000 will support SPRIE’s initiatives to advance the understanding and practice of how Silicon Valley and successful high-tech regions form, evolve and advance over time. 

"Fostering and sustaining innovation and entrepreneurship in Silicon Valley and rising regions around the globe is both a compelling research area and a powerful way to impact the lives of millions of people around the world and here at home," says Marguerite Gong Hancock, SPRIE Associate Director. With the aim of the Silicon Valley Project to advance the understanding and practice in this important arena, “already Bob’s active involvement in and generous support of the Silicon Valley Project are making a difference.   We look forward to close interactions between our Stanford SPRIE team with Bob and our distinguished circle of project steering committee members.” 

An inaugural Steering Committee member of the Silicon Valley Project, Pavey brings four decades of insights from working closely with entrepreneurs as a venture capitalist.  Pavey joined Morgenthaler Ventures in 1969, became partner in 1971, and has been involved in many of the first’s successful investments, from Apple Computer to Synopsys.  In the late 1980s, Pavey joined the board of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and subsequently served as President and then Chairman of the NVCA. The NVCA paid tribute to Pavey as someone who “committed an extraordinary amount of time, resources, and dedication to conveying to key legislators and regulators the pivotal role of venture capital to the U.S. economy.” Pavey’s enthusiasm for research and action was again apparent when he spoke of his time with the NVCA, “I steered NVCA’s research activity to better understand the impact of venture capital on the US economy so that we might influence regulation to be more constructive.”

Pavey’s passion for research combined with action continues now with his support and personal involvement in the Silicon Valley Project.  When asked about the unique challenges or opportunities that might be addressed by the project, Pavey commented, “There is importance of an open and change-welcoming culture. This area (Stanford in particular) is completely open to new ideas and integrations of different people and cultures. This is clearly essential for entrepreneurship. We do not protect ourselves by building walls; it is important to tear down the walls to make change.”

For Pavey, support of the Silicon Valley Project is a logical fit.  “Stanford has the perfect location –in respect to geography, alumni and other contacts, and stature – to come up with conclusions that are impactful.”