David Morgenthaler: A Life of Innovation and Philanthropy

David Morgenthaler was a pioneering venture capitalist who invested in some of the most innovative companies of the 20th century.

He was born in 1924 and grew up in a family of modest means, but his parents valued education and encouraged his entrepreneurial spirit.

Morgenthaler's early career was marked by a stint in the US Air Force, where he learned to fly and developed a sense of discipline that would serve him well in his future endeavors.

He began his venture capital career in the 1960s, a time when the industry was still in its infancy.

David Morgenthaler was born on August 5, 1919, in Chester, South Carolina. He was raised by his maiden aunt until she passed away when he was just twelve years old.

Morgenthaler received an S.B. and S.M. in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1941. He was a standout student and leader, serving as Vice President and later President of the Senior Class.

As a member of the MIT community, Morgenthaler was also President of Sigma Nu fraternity and Captain of the M.I.T. Swimming Team. He was a man of many talents and interests.

On December 8, 1941, Morgenthaler was called to active duty in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers as a second lieutenant in the 21st Aviation Engineer Regiment. This was just a day after the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Morgenthaler went on to serve with distinction, being promoted to captain and commanding a line company in the North African campaign. He built airfields in North Africa.

In Italy, Morgenthaler was the chief technical officer for the area engineer of Eastern Italy. He served as a major in the U.S. Army Reserves until his discharge.

After the war, Morgenthaler married Lindsay Jordan in 1945 and had four children.

David Morgenthaler was a true pioneer in the venture capital industry, and his passing at 96 is a significant loss.

He was a mechanical engineer by trade, but his curiosity and intrepid spirit led him to become a successful investor, supporting nascent companies and entrepreneurs with his own money.

Morgenthaler founded his firm, Morgenthaler Ventures, in 1968, making early investments in several companies, including Apple Computer.

He invested $200,000 in Manufacturing Data Systems in 1969, a stake that became worth $20 million after the company went public in 1976.

Morgenthaler's career took a more political turn when he worked with the National Venture Capital Association, helping to shape the industry through legislative efforts.

He was instrumental in persuading Congress to lower the capital gains tax rate to 28 percent from 49 percent to encourage investment in small businesses, and to change laws in 1979 so that pension funds could invest in venture capital firms.

David Morgenthaler's wisdom on entrepreneurship is a treasure trove of valuable insights. He taught the author of this article more than anyone else about investing in startups.

David Morgenthaler was a great entrepreneur, iconic investor, major philanthropist, and just plain brilliant man who left a lasting impact. His loss was deeply felt by many, including the author who considers him a personal mentor.

Investing in a startup without knowing the management, company, and market is like betting on horses without knowing the jockey, the horse, and the race. This is a crucial lesson David Morgenthaler taught the author.

David Morgenthaler believed that successful start-ups are truly rare and their development requires an unusual confluence of events. This makes entrepreneurship a challenging and unpredictable field.

To invest in a winning start-up, you need to find a great entrepreneur, an excellent idea, and a huge market. This is the essence of David Morgenthaler's wisdom on entrepreneurship.

Brent Larkin, a renowned journalist, was a key figure in Cleveland's business scene. He was the editorial page editor of The Plain Dealer from 1982 to 2007, where he was known for his sharp insights and opinion pieces.

Larkin's work had a significant impact on the city's business community, and he was often sought out for his expertise. He was a regular guest on local radio and television programs, sharing his thoughts on business and politics.

Larkin was a strong advocate for Cleveland's business growth, and he worked tirelessly to promote the city's economic development. He was a key player in the development of the city's downtown area, and his efforts helped to attract new businesses and investments to the area.

Larkin's legacy continues to be felt in Cleveland's business community, and he remains a respected and admired figure in the city's business and civic circles.