Summary:
Christopher Klaus will cover startup incorporation costs for Georgia Tech Class of 2025.
This is a first-of-its-kind gift during commencement at Georgia Tech.
Klaus's journey began with a question that inspired him to commercialize his project.
His company, Internet Security Systems, was acquired by IBM for over $1 billion.
Klaus received an honorary doctorate from Georgia Tech during the ceremony.
A Generous Gesture for Future Entrepreneurs
The Georgia Tech Class of 2025 is not just graduating with their degrees; they are also receiving a unique opportunity to kickstart their entrepreneurial journeys. During the commencement address, Christopher Klaus, an Atlanta entrepreneur and founder of Internet Security Systems, announced he will cover the startup incorporation costs for all graduates this year, from undergraduates to PhDs. This remarkable gift could amount to millions if all graduates take advantage of the offer.
A First-of-Its-Kind Gift
This initiative marks a historic moment for Georgia Tech, as it is the first time a commencement speaker has made such a generous offer. Klaus, who founded his cybersecurity company while he was a student at Georgia Tech in 1994, shared how a simple question from an adviser ignited his entrepreneurial spirit and led to the creation of a billion-dollar enterprise.
The Inspiration Behind the Gift
Klaus's journey began when he was encouraged to commercialize his project, leading him to drop out of college and devote himself to his startup. His company eventually went public and was acquired by IBM for over $1 billion in 2006. Klaus has since been committed to giving back to Georgia Tech, contributing to the Klaus Advanced Computing Building and founding the school's accelerator, CREATE-X.
Encouragement for New Entrepreneurs
His recent gift aims to inspire graduates to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams, echoing the support he received early in his career. Klaus emphasized that this gesture is more than just financial assistance; it is a message of belief in their potential. Georgia Tech's president, Ăngel Cabrera, likened Klaus to Mark Zuckerberg or Bill Gates, noting his dedication to helping others succeed after achieving his own success.
A New Honor
Although Klaus did not graduate, he received an honorary doctorate during the ceremony, commemorating his contributions to the university and the entrepreneurial community. He humorously referred to it as a 30-year detour to obtaining his degree.
A Trend in Generosity
Klaus's act of generosity follows a growing trend among commencement speakers at Atlanta universities, where notable figures have made significant gifts to graduates, including covering student debts or starting businesses.
Credit: Handout
Looking Ahead
Klaus hopes his support will ignite the same inspiration in this year's graduates that his adviser provided him over 30 years ago, encouraging them to take the leap into entrepreneurship with confidence and support.
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