VC on Ulitzer

Voyager Capital, a leading West Coast venture capital firm, announced that Bruce Chizen, former CEO of Adobe Systems, has joined the firm as a Venture Partner. Previously serving on Voyager's Advisory Board, Chizen is expanding his role to bring his strategic insight and leadership experience to technology entrepreneurs offering innovative solutions in digital media and software.

"Bruce possesses a rare combination of valuable market insight and senior business experience," said Bill McAleer, managing director at Voyager Capital. "His strong industry reputation, connections and background in digital media and software will benefit our ventures as new applications and services redefine how businesses and consumers engage with information."

Well-known as CEO of Adobe Systems, Chizen transformed the company into one of the world's largest and most diversified software companies in terms of revenue, global reach and breadth of products. During his tenure, Chizen tripled revenue and transformed a company known mainly for its popular design products into one of the most significant forces in the software industry. Chizen also led the company's expansion into new markets, including the enterprise, knowledge worker and consumer.

"I'm very excited about where Voyager Capital is headed," said Chizen. "The firm is uniquely positioned in the major technology markets on the West Coast including Silicon Valley, Seattle and Portland. I've been impressed by Voyager's value-add strategies, as well as the depth and experience of the firm's investment team. I look forward to helping build Voyager's franchise and accelerate the growth of our portfolio companies."

Prior to Adobe Systems, Chizen served at Claris Corporation, a subsidiary of Apple Computer, Inc. He first joined Claris as founding senior manager and later became vice president of sales and worldwide marketing before assuming the role of vice president and general manager of Claris Clear Choice. Previously, Chizen also held positions in Mattel Electronics' merchandising group, helping grow it to a $500 million business, and Microsoft Corporation, where he was the company's eastern region sales director.

Chizen holds a bachelor's degree from Brooklyn College, City University of New York. He currently serves on the board of directors of Synopsys, Inc., Oracle Corporation, Elemental Technologies, a Voyager Fund III portfolio company in the digital media sector, as well as a number of non-profit boards. Chizen also continues in his capacity as a senior adviser to Permira Advisers, LLC.