Inspired by his classes and San
Diego’s enterprising spirit, Leo Spiegel, ’83, established
his own company, LAN Systems, while still
a student at UCSD. Since his graduation 20 years ago, 43-year-old
Spiegel has led a variety of technology companies and currently
is a general partner in Mission Ventures, a San Diego-based venture
capital firm.
Now, as volunteer chair of the Dean’s Venture Fund, a program
that raises discretionary start-up funding for the Rady School
of Management, Spiegel is helping create opportunities for
future business
leaders to follow in his footsteps.
How did your experience at UCSD inspire you to start your own
company as a student?
I learned how to think and solve problems [at UCSD]. It offered
great access to the education I needed. This educational environment
coupled with the entrepreneurial spirit in San Diego was infectious.
I started at 21, buying my first computer on a credit card.
It was a very exciting time.
And UCSD was so supportive—they
became a customer. UCSD helped me get where I am today.
What made you decide to support the Rady School of Management?
Southern California is evolving into one of the significant technology
economy centers in the world. It needs a world-class management
school, so that students stay here and become business leaders.
Plus, I believe in what the school is trying to do—that is,
changing the philosophy of business schools and marrying technology,
engineering and business. We need a business school that is more
relevant to technology. The Rady School can do that.
What’s next for you?
I would like to help make [Rady School] the top business school
in the world. When
I think back 20-plus years, I am in awe of what this university
has been able to accomplish. UCSD is never willing to accept being
average. I respect and admire that.
Professionally, I have been in my new career only four years.
I was excited to come to Mission Ventures—to create the great
companies of tomorrow.
To give to the Dean’s Venture Fund,
contact Graig Eastin at (858)
822-4230.
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