In Memoriam: Jos C. Henkens –

Jos C. Henkens, a general partner with Advanced Technology Ventures since 1983, died unexpectedly on July 8 during a cycling trip in France. He was 50.

Henkens was regarded by many as the driving force behind ATV over the past decade. “For many years, Jos has been an anchor in the venture capital community,” said ATV’s Steve Baloff in an official firm statement. “His death will be deeply felt by his fellow investors and entrepreneurs. 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.”

Henkens, who celebrated 20 years with ATV this year, concentrated his investment efforts on software, Internet and communications-related ventures. He made more than 50 investments during his career. He sat on the boards of Actel Corp. (NASDAQ: ACTL), Credence Systems Corp. (NASDAQ: CMOS), Docent Inc. (NASDAQ: DCNT), CaseCentral Inc., TripWire Inc. and RFco Inc.

Born in the Netherlands, Henkens moved to the United States at the age of 25, after receiving an MBA from Delft Technical Institute in the Netherlands and master’s and bachelor’s degrees in physics from the University of Leyden in the Netherlands. He went on to earn an MBA and master’s degree in engineering economic systems from Stanford University. After college, he held management positions at Spectra Physics Inc., and then joined ATV as an associate in 1983.

Henkens resided in Menlo Park, Calif. He is survived by his wife Kathryn, sons Johan and Pieter and daughter Emma. The funeral was held in The Netherlands and a memorial service is scheduled for 3 p.m. on August 7 at the Stanford Memorial Church.

In lieu of flowers, the Henkens family requests that donations be made 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.