William R Hambrecht

William "Bill" Hambrecht is a founder of the Bay Area's vibrant and internationally important hi-tech economy. An innovatory and entrepreneur, he helped define venture capital and investment banking "west coast style" and continues to innovate in new and exciting ventures. Mr. Hambrecht, Chairman and CEO of W.R. Hambrecht + Co. and co-founder of Hambrecht & Quist, led the initial public offerings of many of Silicon Valley's best known firms, such as Apple Computer, Genentech, and Adobe Systems. Mr. Hambrecht currently serves on the Board of Trustees for The American University of Beirut and is on the Advisory Investment Committee to the Board of Regents of the University of California. He also serves on the Advisory Council to The J. David Gladstone Institutes. In October 2006, Mr. Hambrecht was inducted to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Mr. Hambrecht graduated from Princeton University. He also currently serves on the Board of KQED and the Advisory Boards of the Haas School of Business and the Lester Center, is Trustee of the Sierra Club, and Directory of Beacon Education Management and a former Chairman of the Council on Competitiveness.