Pitch guide
How to pitch Kleiner Perkins
Kleiner Perkins has backed 22 of the startups in our index. Here's everything you need to know before reaching out.
Quick facts
- Type
- Sectors
- Based in
- Portfolio depth
- Website
- Twitter / X
The 4-step playbook
1. Confirm fit
Before spending a minute writing a cold email, make sure your startup matches Kleiner Perkins's actual focus. If you're outside their thesis, save yourself the rejection.
2. Get a warm intro
Cold inbound to Kleiner Perkins works occasionally but the conversion is brutal. Find a mutual connection: a portfolio founder, an LP, or a fellow VC who's co-invested with them. LinkedIn's "see who else they're connected with" view is your best tool. If you have no mutuals, build relationships in their community first — comment thoughtfully on their content, attend events they speak at, get on their radar.
3. Tight 10-slide deck + clear ask
Your deck should be 10–12 slides covering: problem, solution, why now, market, traction, business model, team, competition, what you're raising, and the ask. For inspiration, look at decks from Google, Amazon, Genentech — companies Kleiner Perkins backed early. See our pitch deck archive for slide-by-slide breakdowns of famous decks.
4. Follow up like a pro
If they pass, ask for one piece of honest feedback and one referral. Don't argue. Don't beg. Investors talk — and the founders who handle no's gracefully are the ones they remember when their next round opens. Keep Kleiner Perkins on your update list for 6-month progress mails even after a pass; many funded deals come from second tries.
Frequently asked questions
What does Kleiner Perkins invest in?
Based on their portfolio in our index, Kleiner Perkins most often invests in AI, SaaS, Dev Tools.
What stages does Kleiner Perkins invest at?
Kleiner Perkins has historically participated most in Series C, Series D, Series B rounds.
Where is Kleiner Perkins based?
Kleiner Perkins is headquartered in Menlo Park, USA and was founded in 1972.
How do I contact Kleiner Perkins?
The best way to reach Kleiner Perkins is through a warm introduction from a portfolio founder or existing LP. You can also visit their website at https://www.kleinerperkins.com for application details. They're also active on Twitter/X (@kleinerperkins).
What are Kleiner Perkins's most famous past investments?
Notable historical investments by Kleiner Perkins include Google, Amazon, Genentech, Twitter.