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Condoleezza Rice, Robert Gates sign deal with Khosla Ventures

The venture capital firm will use RiceHadleyGates for help with "political, policy, and regulatory issues around the world."

Don Reisinger
CNET contributor Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has covered everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Besides his work with CNET, Don's work has been featured in a variety of other publications including PC World and a host of Ziff-Davis publications.
Don Reisinger
Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. James Martin/CNET

A consulting firm owned by former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and former Secretary of Defense Robert Gates has inked a deal with venture capital firm Khosla Ventures.

RiceHadleyGates announced today that it will provide "strategic insight" to Khosla Ventures in an effort to help the venture-capital firm's portfolio companies "make critical business decisions around expanding to markets like China, India, and Brazil."

"We look forward to putting our network and experience to good use by helping the Khosla companies navigate the tricky waters of political, policy, and regulatory issues around the world," Rice said today in a statement.

RiceHadleyGates is a who's who of past government big shots. In addition to Gates and Rice, the company is co-owned by former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley. Former State Department official Anja Manuel is also a principal. According to the company, RiceHadleyGates consults with major businesses to aid them in their "national security and public policy challenges" as they look to expand internationally.

Khosla didn't share details on its deal with RiceHadleyGates; however, the venture-capital firm did say that the partnership should aid its portfolio companies as they consider international expansion.

Khosla has a relatively broad tech portfolio, spanning social media and gaming, the mobile market, and financial services. The company has invested in mobile-payment firm Square, mobile company Jawbone, and Web media company Vox Media.