Philanthropy

During my tenure as CEO of Gliffy, the software company I founded, I embarked on my journey of philanthropy. Guided by a profound commitment to contribute to society, we pledged to donate 5% of our company's profits to our donor advised fund. This endeavor was complemented by granting our product to non-profit organizations and dedicating employee hours to local initiatives, embedding a culture of giving within our corporate ethos. Upon the sale of the company, I reserved a significant portion of the proceeds to be channeled into my ongoing donor advised fund.

Over time, my philanthropic focus has evolved to target two interconnected causes that resonate deeply with me - combating climate change and forest preservation. This passion was ignited during two transformative experiences. First, the renovation of our San Francisco home into a zero-emissions dwelling in 2020 which exposed me to the complexities of creating such buildings, and second, the time spent amidst the awe-inspiring beauty of the Sierra Nevada Mountains (our home away from home), which cultivated a deep appreciation for forest ecosystems.

Today, we proudly back organizations diligently working to develop and implement solutions for climate change, particularly those addressing the pressing issue of zero-emissions buildings. In addition, we passionately support organizations devoted to preserving our planet's invaluable forest resources. Our combined contributions in these areas symbolize a commitment to a greener, more sustainable future for all, and a testament to the beauty and resiliency of nature that we so cherish.

For a deeper dive into my philanthropic journey and approach, particularly in relation to climate change, I invite you to read this report produced by the Aspen Institute where I, along with other philanthropists, discuss our strategies and experiences in supporting this vital cause.