A Colorado native, Thomas Bliska graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder as a physics major and earned his MBA from the Ross school of Business in 1980.  Subsequently, his interest in mathematics and science led him to northern California and a career in the high tech industry which was to span 28 years. 
 
Arriving in Silicon Valley at the beginning of the era of the personal computer, the early 1980s were flush with growth and venture capital opportunities. During this time, Mr. Bliska met his wife, Gray Boyce, at Robertson-Coleman & Stevens, a small investment bank.  As an investment analyst and later as a portfolio manager, Mr. Bliska recognized the early signs of global warming and environmental degradation, anticipating the resulting challenges to the global economy. 

Mr. Bliska views the Erb Institute’s dual degree curriculum of environmental studies and business management as ideal training for the future leaders of the corporate world.   Asked about the motivation for his generous gift Bliska said:  “I have always thought about the world in terms of investing, the Erb program is producing the strong corporate leaders that are necessary to effect the global change we so desperately need and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to invest in the scholastic development of these young people. “ 

Mr. Bliska is currently a partner in Crosslink Capital, Inc., a leading venture capital firm that merges public and private investing.  He and his wife live in California and have two children.

Return to Founders & Sponsors