Russ Johnson

Russ Johnson is currently a partner with KPLJ Ventures and works with early-stage companies developing promising new technologies, particularly those technologies in complex electronic, optical, and semiconductor products. Since entering the investment community, Russ has been involved in the management and financing of startup companies in a wide variety of technologies and markets. Through the board-level assignments, he has been instrumental in helping companies develop products leading to successful exits either through IPOs or acquisitions. He has served on numerous private and public company boards.

From May 1998 through September 2000 Russ served as the Senior Vice-President of Global Sales and Marketing for JDS Uniphase. During that period he was responsible for the formation of a worldwide sales organization and an integrated marketing program as well as playing an active role in companies’ M&A activities. Prior to joining JDS Uniphase Russ spent over twenty years with the Hewlett Packard Company (now Agilent Technologies) in a variety of marketing, operational, and international business roles. Russ has a BSEE from New Mexico State University and an MBA from Purdue University. He also serves on the boards of several non-profits like the Pacific Research Institute.