Avram Miller
Businessman, Venture Capitalist, Technologist, Innovator
Executive Summary
Avram Miller (born January 27, 1945) is an American businessman, venture capitalist, scientist, technologist, and musician whose multifaceted career has spanned medical science, computer technology, business development, and venture capital. He is best known for co-founding Intel Capital with Les Vadász and for his pioneering work in developing residential broadband technology, which laid critical foundations for today's internet.
Despite his lack of formal university education, Miller rose to become Vice President of Business Development at Intel Corporation (1984-1999), was ranked #8 on the Forbes Midas List of top tech investors in 2003, and has served on numerous corporate boards. His remarkable journey from self-educated technologist to Silicon Valley visionary demonstrates his exceptional intellect, adaptability, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Career Highlights
- Co-founder of Intel Capital
- Vice President of Business Development at Intel (1984-1999)
- Pioneer in residential broadband development
- #8 on Forbes Midas List (2003)
- Founder of The Avram Miller Company
- Vice Chairman of Sommetrics
Key Contributions
- Led Intel's initiative to create residential broadband
- Provided key specifications for the DOCSIS standard
- Conceived of @Home Network
- Developed early medical monitoring systems
- Managed multi-billion dollar investment portfolio
- Founding Chair of Plugged In (1992-1999)
"You always needed a wild duck like Avram, a nonlinear thinker that stirred up the others. I always try to have an Avram on my team. Always. They disrupt and create."
Book: The Flight of a Wild Duck
In his book "The Flight of a Wild Duck: An Improbable Journey Through Life and Technology," Miller describes how luck, intuition, imagination, humor, and risk-taking enabled him to become one of Silicon Valley's visionaries and leading venture capitalists.
He recalls his journey of overcoming childhood illness, a troubled family, and an inability to function in the education system to eventually become a senior executive at one of the world's leading technology companies.
Learn More About the Book