2001 Recipient:
Mr. William R. Hambrecht

William "Bill" Hambrecht is a founder of the Bay Area's vibrant and internationally important hi-tech economy. An innovatory and entrepreneur, he helped define venture capital and investment banking "west coast style" and continues to innovate in new and exciting ventures. Mr. Hambrecht, Chairman and CEO of W.R. Hambrecht + Co. and co-founder of Hambrecht & Quist, led the initial public offerings of many of Silicon Valley's best known firms, such as Apple Computer, Genentech, and Adobe Systems.

In addition to his ventures in investment banking, Mr. Hambrecht has also immersed himself in the development of several northern California wineries. He also currently serves on the Board of KQED and the Advisory Boards of the Haas School of Business and the Lester Center, is Trustee of the Sierra Club, and Directory of Beacon Education Management and a former Chairman of the Council on Competitiveness.

The award was inaugurated in 1998.
Honorees include:
2007 Recipient: L. John Doerr
2006 Recipient: F. Warren Hellman
2005 Recipient: C. Richard Kramlich
2004 Recipient: Sanford R. Robertson
2003 Recipient: Dr. Ralph Landau
2002 Recipient: Dr. Edward Penhoet
2001 Recipient: Mr. William Hambrecht
2000 Recipient: Dr. Gordon Moore
1999 Recipient: Mr. Arthur Rock
1998 Recipient: Dr. Alejandro Zaffaroni

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