VMware to invest in start-ups with help of outgoing CTO

Steve Herrod to leave vendor and take MD role at investment firm for General Catalyst

VMware has unveiled its plans to jointly invest in start-up businesses with venture capital firm General Catalyst, which will be headed up by its departing chief technology officer.

Steve Herrod announced he is leaving the virtualisation giant after 11 years to become managing director of General Catalyst, but will remain as a technical adviser to the firm.

The vendor and parent company EMC aim to jointly invest in firms which will "help advance VMware's vision and ecosystem", according to a statement.

VMware has not set a time scale in which to replace Herrod, but claims to be searching internally and externally for his successor.

Herrod, who joined VMware in 2002, said in his blog that he will continue to hold a technical role in his new job.

"My primary focus will be finding, supporting and developing great technical entrepreneurs as they build the products and companies they have always dreamt of building," he wrote.

"These companies will bring the same tremendous energy, creativity and innovation to these and other challenges, just as VMware has for so many years."

VMware said in a statement: "We thank Steve for his passion and leadership over the past 11 years and wish him the best in his new role."