News Byte

Kleiner Perkins Emphasizes Design With New Product Mentorship Program

Venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers announced on Wednesday the formation of ProductWorks, an initiative that will involve Kleiner partners lending design and product expertise to members of their portfolio companies. The new program — which will be led by Kleiner partner Bing Gordon — will also include partners Mike Abbott and Megan Quinn, as well as newly installed design partner John Maeda.

Rhode Island School of Design President John Maeda Departs for Roles at Kleiner Perkins and eBay

Design fever in the Valley continues with a new addition to a familiar firm.

Nextdoor Aims at International With New $60 Million Investment From Kleiner Perkins, Tiger Global

Another large round for the locally based social network.

Seven Questions About Security for Kleiner Perkins’ Ted Schlein

As threats change, so must the approach to security. Get used to it.

News Byte

Syntellia Raises $3 Million to Build Better Virtual Keyboards

Syntellia, the San Francisco-based startup focused on developing virtual keyboards for touchscreen devices, announced Wednesday that it raised a $3 million Series A round of venture funding. The round included participation by Highland Capital Partners, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Middleland Capital and a number of angel and private investors.

News Byte

Security Startup Synack Raises $1.5 Million

Synack, a startup that allows users to crowdsource security testing of their software systems in virtual private environments, announced Thursday that it raised $1.5 million in a seed round of venture funding. Contributors to the round include Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Greylock Partners, Wing Venture Partners, Allegis Capital, and Shape Security CEO Derek Smith.

Voices

Kleiner, Pao Attorneys Continue Battle Over Discrimination Claims

The gender discrimination case against Silicon Valley venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers continued to wend its way through the legal system Wednesday as attorneys for both sides argued over whether the case should be tried in open court.

Seven Questions for Silicon Valley Superlawyer Gordy Davidson

Soon to step down from his position as chairman of Fenwick & West.

IRS Says Former HP Chairman Ray Lane Owes $100 Million

The government says he improperly claimed losses of more than $250 million to offset income. Tough few months for Lane.

Electric Cars, Wearable Computing and TV Disruption — 10 Things You Missed During the First Two Days of D11

Not constantly refreshing our homepage? Never fear — here’s a good place to start if you missed anything from the first two days at D11.