Shervin Pishevar facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shervin Pishevar
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| شروین پيشه ور | |
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Shervin Kordary Pishevar
March 24, 1974 Tehran, Iran
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| Nationality | Iranian American |
| Citizenship | United States |
| Alma mater | University of California, Berkeley |
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Shervin Kordary Pishevar (born March 24, 1974) is an Iranian-American entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist. He is known for helping start and invest in many new companies. He co-founded and was a leader at Hyperloop One, a company working on super-fast transportation. He also co-founded Sherpa Capital, a special fund that invests in companies like Airbnb and Uber.
As an "angel investor," Shervin Pishevar has provided early funding for over 60 companies. Before Sherpa Capital, he worked at Menlo Ventures, where he helped invest in companies like Warby Parker and Tumblr. He also advised Uber for several years. He has started his own technology companies too, including webs.com and HyperOffice.
Shervin Pishevar has also been involved in public service. He was part of the United Nations Foundation's Global Entrepreneurs Council. In 2012, the U.S. Government recognized him as an "Outstanding American by Choice." In 2015, President Barack Obama appointed him to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board. He received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2016.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Moving to the United States
Shervin Pishevar was born in Tehran, Iran, on March 24, 1974. His father, Abraham Pishevar, worked in television and radio. Due to political challenges in Iran, his father moved to the United States. He became a cab driver in Silver Spring, Maryland. About 18 months later, Shervin and his family joined him.
Even while driving a cab, Abraham Pishevar continued his education. He already had a Master's degree and went on to earn a Ph.D. in Mass Communication from Howard University.
School and College Years
Shervin's parents encouraged him to study medicine. He attended Montgomery Blair High School, which was a special school for math and science. While in high school, he was elected to be a student member of the Montgomery County Board of Education. He worked to create a special education tax and suggested donating student projects to charity.
For a science project, he researched special substances called Magainin peptides. He continued this research at the University of California, Berkeley, where he studied molecular cellular biology. In 1996, he helped write an article for a medical journal. This article contributed to creating important international guidelines for human rights.
While at Berkeley, Shervin also started Berkeley Scientific. This was the first student-run research journal in the United States where other experts reviewed the articles. He also took graduate courses in health economics.
Career Highlights
Starting New Companies (1997–2004)
Instead of becoming a doctor, Shervin Pishevar chose to become an entrepreneur. At 23, he founded WebOS. This company created a new way for people to use the internet, like having a "desktop" right in their web browser. He believed this technology would change how software was used. He was the CEO of WebOS until 2001. The software from WebOS later became HyperOffice.
In 2001, Shervin also helped start Seges Capital. This company invested in new businesses. He also co-founded Ionside Interactive, where he helped develop advanced 3D graphics and artificial intelligence for portable devices.
Growing Businesses (2005–2012)
In 2005, Shervin became a founding president and COO of Webs Inc.. This company helped people create their own websites. Webs Inc. grew to become one of the largest online communities for publishing content.
In 2008, he co-founded and became the CEO of Social Gaming Network (SGN). This company focused on online games. SGN raised a lot of money from investors and was later bought by MindJolt in 2011.
In 2011, Shervin joined Menlo Ventures, a large investment fund. He led a major investment in Uber and became an advisor to the company. He also helped launch the Menlo Talent Fund, which invested in many early-stage companies.
Sherpa Capital and Other Ventures (2013–Present)
In 2013, Shervin Pishevar co-founded Sherpa Capital with Scott Stanford. Sherpa Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in new technology companies. It also helps these companies grow. Sherpa Capital has invested in many well-known companies, including Uber, Airbnb, and Postmates. By 2017, investors had put nearly $640 million into Sherpa Capital.
Shervin continued to advise Uber as an investor. He supported the company's growth and development.
In 2014, Shervin Pishevar co-founded Hyperloop One, later known as Virgin Hyperloop One. This company aimed to build a super-fast transportation system called a "hyperloop," based on an idea from Elon Musk. Sherpa Capital led the first investment round for the company. In 2017, Virgin Group invested in the company, and it was rebranded. Shervin Pishevar later resigned from Virgin Hyperloop One and Sherpa Capital to pursue legal action against false claims affecting his reputation.
Angel Investments
As an angel investor, Shervin Pishevar has provided early funding for over 60 companies. Some of these include Dollar Shave Club, Gowalla, Kissmetrics, Klout, Postmates, and Taskrabbit.
Activism and Public Service
Promoting Internet Access
On January 27, 2011, when the internet was shut down in Egypt, Shervin Pishevar started the Open Mesh Project. He called for help to create software that could turn laptops into simple internet routers. This would allow people to create a "mesh network" and share internet access. He later traveled to Egypt to see the Arab Spring protests.
Supporting Entrepreneurs and Safety
In the United States, Shervin Pishevar has supported the Startup Visa Act. This act would create a special two-year visa for immigrant entrepreneurs. In 2016, he suggested a mobile app that could help police officers and citizens share information during traffic stops. The idea was to reduce the need for face-to-face contact and improve safety.
Political Involvement
Shervin Pishevar has been a top fundraiser for political campaigns. He helped raise money for both of President Barack Obama's presidential campaigns. In 2016, he hosted a fundraising event for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign at his home. He also endorsed Donald Trump and donated to his presidential campaign in 2024.
Awards and Recognition
Shervin Pishevar has received many awards and recognitions for his work.
- He was a keynote speaker at President Obama's Summit on Entrepreneurship in Algeria.
- He was a member of the United Nations Foundation's Global Entrepreneurs Council from 2011 to 2013. During this time, he helped create the UN's first mobile application.
- In 2012, the United States government chose him as an "Outstanding American by Choice." This award celebrates the achievements of naturalized American citizens.
- In 2013, he was one of 15 technology leaders who met with President Obama to discuss technology issues.
- He served as an Entrepreneurial Ambassador on several trips for the United States Department of State.
- In 2015, President Obama appointed him to the J. William Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board.
- He received an Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2016.
- In 2017, he was named to Vanity Fairs "New Establishment" list and Forbes Midas List for the fourth year in a row.
Philanthropy and Giving Back
Shervin Pishevar has always been involved in helping others.
- While at the University of California, Berkeley, he volunteered in the emergency room at a children's hospital.
- He also reached out to help a children's clinic doctor in Bosnia during the Bosnian War.
- He has worked with several charities, including Invisible Children, Inc. and Charity: Water.
- He has also been active with the Bay Area Boys & Girls Clubs of America and served on the boards of Illuminate the Arts and BUILD.
In 2011, Shervin Pishevar co-founded an organization called 1% of Nothing. Its goal is to connect new companies and their founders with different charitable causes. In 2013, he created the Cyrus Prize, a $100,000 grant for Iranian inventors.
Shervin Pishevar has two children, whom he raised as a single father.
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Shervin Pishevar
