Chris Klaus
Christopher W. Klaus | |
|---|---|
 Chris Klaus, 2010 | |
| Born | 1973 (age 50–51) |
| Occupation(s) | Founder and CEO of Kaneva, Investor |
| Spouse | Crissy Klaus (m. 2003; div. 2018) |
| Children | Will Klaus Christian Klaus |
Christopher W. Klaus (born 1973 in Sarasota, Florida) is an American technology entrepreneur. He was founder and CTO of Internet Security Systems (ISS), a company which he started in the early 1990s, and then sold to IBM in 2006 for $1.3B.
He also holds the honor of being the namesake of the Klaus Advanced Computing Building at the Georgia Institute of Technology.
History
Klaus formed ISS in the early 1990s as a student at the Georgia Institute of Technology, eventually dropping out to focus on the growing company. In 2004 he stepped down from his role of Chief Technology Officer of ISS to pursue other interests, although he remained a significant shareholder and retained his role as the company's Chief Security Advisor. In 2006 ISS was sold to IBM for $1.3B.[1][2]
Around 2007 Klaus became one of Georgia Tech's most visible contributors, giving a $15M naming gift to build the College of Computing's new home, the Klaus Advanced Computing Building.[2][3][4]
In July 2014, Klaus co-founded NeuroLaunch, a business accelerator focused towards neurotech companies in Atlanta. In October 2015, he financed and co-founded another accelerator, CyberLaunch, which focuses on cybersecurity and machine learning startups.[5]
During 2016 he was the CEO of Kaneva, a game company which he founded in 2004, and also the main financier for multiple business accelerators in the Atlanta area; including being a part of the Atlanta Technology Angels.[6][7][8]
In Spring of 2024 Klaus was supposed to deliver the commencement speech for the Class of 2024 students at the Georgia Institute of Technology obtaining their Bachelors from the College of Computing and Masters from the College of Engineering.[9] However, he was unable to attend due to the passing of his son, Will,[10] and had his friend Karl Dasher give the address instead.[11]
References
- ^ Fisher, Dennis (11 May 2004). "Internet Security Systems CTO Steps Down". The Channel Insider. Archived from the original on August 14, 2020.
- ^ a b "Internet Security Systems sold for $1.3B". Atlanta Business Chronicle. 2006-08-23. Retrieved 2007-04-03.
- ^ "The Klaus Advanced Computing Building". Georgia Tech college of Computing. Archived from the original on 2007-04-19. Retrieved 2007-03-24.
- ^ "Gen X High Tech Leader Donates $15 Million to Georgia Tech" (Press release). Georgia Institute of Technology. 2000-03-28. Archived from the original on September 26, 2006. Retrieved 2007-03-06.
- ^ Reback, Gedalyah (December 4, 2016). "CyberLaunch shows Atlanta's strengths in machine learning and cyber". Geektime. Archived from the original on April 16, 2016. Retrieved February 25, 2016.
- ^ "Christopher W. Klaus: Founder / Chief Executive Officer, Kaneva, LLC". Georgia Tech College of Computing. Archived from the original on 2007-02-21. Retrieved 2007-03-24.
- ^ "Interview with Kaneva CEO Christopher Klaus". Lockergnome. 2005-08-10. Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2007-03-24.
- ^ "ISS Timeline". IBM Internet Security Systems. Archived from the original on April 20, 2007. Retrieved June 7, 2007.
- ^ "Spring 2024 Commencement Speakers | News Center". news.gatech.edu. 2024-04-19. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- ^ Klaus, Chris (3 May 2024). "Klaus Son Passing Tweet". twitter.com. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
- ^ Georgia Tech Spring 2024 Commencement – Friday Afternoon Ceremony. Retrieved 2024-05-08 – via www.youtube.com.
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