Sandra Kurtzig is a Silicon Valley pioneer, innovator and entrepreneur. She has consistently been recognized as one of the top female founders and is the founder of ‘ASK Computer Systems’ which is now recognized as the world’s first ‘Software-as-a-Service’ company.
Kurtzig was born on 1945 and grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was the first generation college bound, attending Stanford University in California. After graduation, she opted to pursue an MBA at Stanford Graduate School of Business rather than take advantage of a job in finance. After finishing her MBA in 1971, she wanted to use her knowledge of business to make a real difference in the world by creating a business of her own.
Kurtzig started ASK in 1972, intending to sell a software solution and gain consulting fees. ASK became a pioneer in the software industry, and established itself as one of the first “software-as-a-service” companies by offering off-the-shelf software for a fee to manage general ledger and inventory, with customer support and maintenance included in the package. In 1989, Kurtzig took ASK public, making it the first Silicon Valley firm to go public without venture capital investment.
Kurtzig’s entrepreneurial journey was filled with an abundance of experiences including a stint in manufacturing and distribution where she served as the chief executive of a medical device manufacturer. She was also the CEO of DMOS Technology, which was a San Francisco-based venture development firm, as well as a current silver medalist at Cambridge University.
Throughout her life and career, Kurtzig has been an outspoken evangelist of women’s rights, advocating for equal opportunities and education in the tech industry. In 1988, the National Science Foundation appointed her to serve on the Advisory Council on National Science and Technology Education, and she has also been a member of the National Committee of Computer Science and Technology. She has received honorary doctorates from multiple universities, including her alma mater, Stanford.
In addition to her professional achievements, Kurtzig has committed to supporting multiple organizations that promote education, equal opportunity and gender equality. She established the Sandra and Andrew Kurtzig Foundation, with a mission to fund initiatives that further higher education and provide opportunities for women and underserved communities. She is also an advisor for Code2040 and on the board of Genesys Works, organizations dedicated to achieving STEM education for underrepresented minorities.
Sandra Kurtzig is a pioneer in the tech industry, a trailblazer and a unifying force in Silicon Valley. She inspires millions of people around the world to make a positive difference in the world through her commitment to education and empowering those who are underrepresented. Her legacy continues to be honored as one of the top female founders in Silicon Valley, and she will always remain an advocate for women, minorities and education.
