Matthew Stepka

Machina Ventures; UC Berkley, Haas School of Business
Internet Law & Cyber-Security

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ABOUT

Matthew is Managing Partner of Machina Ventures, an investment fund focused on early stage, artificial intelligence and data science enabled companies. He also advises companies on a variety of strategic issues, including fostering innovation, leveraging artificial intelligence/ data science technologies, and driving social impact. He is a public speaker on how emerging technologies are reshaping our society and economy, and the important role of mission-driven enterprises. He is also a Lecturer at UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business. Matthew is a Director on the Board of Family Zone (ASX:FZO), a leading cyber security company keeping children safe at school, home and everywhere.

Previously, Matthew was Vice President, Business Operations and Strategy at Google, where he led and incubated strategic initiatives, especially mission-driven projects with high social impact. Over his nine years with the company, he led efforts ranging from expanding internet access, developing clean energy, strengthening freedom of expression and democracy, innovating in robotics, establishing novel pricing strategies and extending Google’s footprint in emerging markets, especially in Africa.

Specific accomplishments include guiding the Google Robotics product strategy and organization. He also championed investment in a successful constellation of satellites to provide internet access. Matthew incubated Google Fiber, bringing gigabit connectivity directly to the home. He led over $1.5 billion in profitable investments in renewable energy projects. Matthew launched Google Ideas, a think/do tank to address global challenges to security and freedom in the digital age. He led the Civic Innovation Initiative, and launched election tools in over 20 countries. He launched Google in Sub-Saharan Africa, opening 5 offices in the region and mapping the continent. In addition, Matthew led Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google.

Prior to joining Google, Matthew was Vice President, Pharmacy for drugstore.com, a leading online health and beauty retailer. Previously, he was Chief Operating Officer for WorldRes, a leading online hotel reservation network booking $250 million annually for 35,000 hotels around the world through thousands of distribution partners such as AOL, Sabre, Yahoo, Delta, Verizon and Opodo.

Matthew was a management consultant with McKinsey & Company for over 5 years, serving clients in the healthcare, financial services, energy and technology sectors. He was also a systems consultant with Price Waterhouse. In addition, he co-founded CyberJava, one of the first Internet cafes, and was a freelance software programmer from an early age.

Matthew holds a Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law, where he authored various papers on public policy related to technology. He has Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Engineering and Management from Case Western Reserve University.

He served on the Board of World Affairs Council and is an inaugural Disruptor Foundation Fellow. He advises many nonprofits, including New America and Human Rights Watch. Matthew is a member of the California State Bar.

Follow him on LinkedIn or Twitter @mstepka. See also his personal website.