Richard joined Accel in 2006, with a focus on mobile infrastructure and services, and the enterprise software space. Rich currently serves on the board of AdMob, the largest mobile advertising player and Parature, a leader in SaaS-based customer support. Rich also works closely with the management team of Getjar Networks, the largest mobile development community and free mobile apps download portal. Through pre-Accel associations, Rich also serves as a board advisor to Plaxo (acquired by Comcast) , Sana Security, and Simplicita (acquired by Sandvine).
Some of Rich’s writing on key trends in the mobile industry can be found here and here.
Prior to Accel, Rich was SVP/GM of Products at Openwave. In this capacity, Rich launched several of OPWV’s most successful new products such as the Edge security gateway (anti-abuse), integrated messaging, and location-based services. Rich was previously GM of Messaging Products, and Chief Marketing Officer from 2001 to 2003.
While at Openwave, Rich founded and chaired the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group, a consortium of ISPs and technology providers working together to combat internet abuse.
Previously Rich was the Chief Marketing Officer and EVP/GM of Value-Added Services at Covad Communications, the DSL provider. Preceding Covad, he was a management consultant for McKinsey & Company, focusing on software and consumer technology. Rich started his career as a Brand Manager at Procter & Gamble
Mr. Wong holds a B.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and received his MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Rich remains active as an EVP of the MIT Club of Northern California, Board Member of the MIT CNC - Entrepreneurship Program, and the CTIA Wireless Internet Caucus.
Copies of Rich’s recent presentation on key trends in mobile from the Wharton Wireless event, Future of Digital Media & Advertising, or presentation on wireless from the MIT C3 Wireless event, can be downloaded here.
