Real's Glaser to join VC firm Accel
The RealNetworks founder is set to become a partner at venture capital firm Accel Partners, which bankrolled Real in the '90s.
- Ed was a member of the CNET crew that won a National Magazine Award from the American Society of Magazine Editors for general excellence online. He's also edited pieces that've nabbed prizes from the Society of Professional Journalists and others.
RealNetworks' founder and chairman Rob Glaser is becoming a partner at venture capital firm Accel Partners.
Glaser said he'll be focusing on investment opportunities in the realms of digital and social media, and mobile services, the Wall Street Journal reported.
Glaser, who's been celebrated for his vision but criticized for what some say is a refusal to heed advice, left his role as CEO of RealNetworks this past January.
He remains chairman of the company, which was an early leader in streaming media but became an also-ran as entities such as YouTube and Apple's iTunes became digital phenomenons.
Accel funded Real in the 1990s, before Real went public.
Glaser told the Journal that in his new role at Accel he will also scout for venture opportunities in the Pacific Northwest.
Update, Wednesday 3:49 a.m. PDT: Accel has officially announced Glaser's new role as a venture partner.