PALO ALTO, Calif. & WALTHAM, Mass.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–July 11, 2003–Advanced Technology Ventures (ATV), a leading bi-coastal venture capital firm, today announced with great sorrow, the death ofcolleague and friend, General Partner Jos Henkens. Henkens had been a key member of the ATV team for 20 years, playing a crucial role in shaping the firm’s culture, investment strategy and strongtrack record in helping to launch many successful technology companies. Henkens passed away unexpectedly this week during a cycling trip in France. He was 50 years old.
“For many years, Jos has been an anchor in the venture capital community, his death will be deeply felt by his fellow investors and entrepreneurs,” said Steve Baloff, general partner, ATV. “Jos’ contributions helped ATV establish a strong legacy built on collaboration, quality and respect. During this time of grief, we send our heartfelt condolences to Jos’ family, and look to the entire ATV team to continue carrying out the vision and passion he helped instill in our partnership.”
A pioneer in the venture capital industry, Henkens worked tirelessly to build and maintain a far-reaching network of highly respected investors, partners and entrepreneurs. During his career, Henkens was known for his intellect, fairness and dry wit. He invested in more than 50 software, Internet and communications-related technology companies, expertly guiding them through numerous market cycles. Prior to joining ATV, Henkens held management positions at Spectra Physics, Inc., a developer of scientific gas laser products.
“Jos was a trusted colleague and dear friend for many years, and he will be deeply missed by many in the industry,” said Ted Ashford, of Ashford Capital, a long-time investor in ATV and a member of ATV’s Board of Advisors. “Jos leaves behind a strong team at ATV, one that shares his ethical investment philosophies and strong personal attributes of compassion and tenacity.”
Jos resided in Menlo Park, Calif., and is survived by his wife, Kathryn, and three children. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family, including traveling and weekends in the mountains. He was enthusiastic about great wines, time with friends, and had a passion for cycling.
Jos earned his MBA and MS in Engineering Economic Systems from Stanford, as well as an MS in Business Administration from Delft Technical Institute, The Netherlands. He also received MS and BS degrees in Physics, summa cum laude, from the University of Leyden, The Netherlands. Jos was born in 1952 and moved to the U.S. at the age of 25.
A memorial service will take place in early August at the Stanford Memorial Church. The funeral will be held in Thorn, The Netherlands. Further details will be posted on the ATV website, www.atvcapital.com, as soon as they become available. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Lucile Packard Foundation for Children’s Health, Stanford University Medical Center, 770 Welch Road, Suite 350, Palo Alto, CA 94304 Attn: Gift Processing, or The Children’s International School, 4000 Middlefield Road, L-1, Palo Alto, CA 94306.
About Advanced Technology Ventures
Founded in 1979, Advanced Technology Ventures (ATV) is a bi-coastal venture capital firm with more than $1.5 billion in capital under management. ATV works closely with entrepreneurial teams across several markets, including communications, IT infrastructure, software and services, and healthcare, to build emerging-growth business ventures into market leaders. For more information, visit www.atvcapital.com.
