Rob Solomon has joined Technology Crossover Ventures as a venture partner, with a focus on the Internet sector. He is the former CEO of comparative travel search engine SideStep.
PRESS RELEASE
Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), a leading growth equity investor focused on investing in premier technology companies, announced today that Rob Solomon has joined the firm as a venture partner. Mr. Solomon, a former CEO of travel search engine company SideStep, brings almost two decades of technology and operational expertise to TCV. He will work with TCV’s management team on investment opportunities in the Internet sector, and will be based in the firm’s Palo Alto headquarters.
“Rob’s joining the TCV team is a huge win for us and our portfolio companies, and we are thrilled to have him on board,” said Jay Hoag, TCV’s founder and general partner. “Rob’s strong track record, deep management and operational experience, and extensive network within the Internet industry will be invaluable to our portfolio, and in attracting new investments.”
During his time at SideStep, Mr. Solomon strengthened the management team, added distribution partnerships, and executed a successful growth strategy that included a number of accretive acquisitions. His efforts led to the merger of SideStep with Kayak.com in December 2007, creating the fifth largest Internet travel brand worldwide.
“I have known TCV and its principals for years and have always admired both their crossover investment strategy and the innovative, world-class Internet companies in their portfolio,” said Mr. Solomon. “I am excited to be part of the TCV team and look forward to contributing to the firm’s Internet market investments and working with portfolio companies to maximize their potential.”
Prior to SideStep, Mr. Solomon spent six years at Yahoo where he was vice president and general manager of the Yahoo! Shopping Group (YHOO) and was instrumental in building one of the largest commerce destinations on the Internet. Earlier in his career Mr. Solomon worked in various roles at Electronic Arts and Cendant Corporation. He is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley.
About Technology Crossover Ventures
Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), founded in 1995, is a leading provider of growth capital to technology companies, providing funds to later-stage private and public companies. With $7.7 billion in capital under management, TCV has made growth equity and recapitalization investments in over 160 companies leading to 45 initial public offerings and more than 30 strategic sales or mergers. Representative investments include Altiris, eHarmony, Expedia, Fandango, Liquidnet, Netflix, RealNetworks, Redback Networks, Solect Technology, TechTarget, Travelport, Webroot, and Zillow. TCV has 11 partners and is headquartered in Palo Alto, California. For more information about TCV, visit www.tcv.com.