Venture Capitalist Cali Tran Reflects on His Background

Cali Tran at Harvard Business School

What makes a young venture capitalist tick? In the case of Silicon Valley investor Cali Tran, it's all in the challenge.

The 36-year-old Tran came up the hard way, as the son of Vietnamese refugees living in California. His intellect and drive earned him a scholarship to Bowdoin, positions as a Wall Street analyst, and entry into Harvard Business School. Eventually, he heard venture's siren song. He currently is a principal at North Bridge Venture Partners, specializing in wireless and Internet innovations.

Tran's story and interests and related in his recent interview in siliconvalley.com by journalist Peter Delevett. It's a brief, yet very interesting piece, touching on the immigrant experience, the fascination with VC's promise, and an insight into how challenges are considered and mastered.