November 20

Clyde Vernon Cessna was a pioneering American aviator and aircraft designer instrumental in the development of light aircraft. Born in 1879, he emerged as a self-taught engineer and pilot, contributing innovative ideas to aviation. In 1927, he founded the Cessna Aircraft Corporation, which became renowned for its reliable and efficient airplanes. His designs, including the iconic Cessna 190 and subsequent models, revolutionized private and commercial flying. Cessna's legacy endures through the company's continued production of thousands of aircraft worldwide. He passed away in 1954, leaving a lasting impact on general aviation.

Born in 1923 in Austria-Hungary, Eugene Kleiner emigrated to the United States after World War II. He co-founded Fairchild Semiconductor in 1957 and, in 1972, helped launch Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, one of Silicon Valley’s first and most successful venture capital firms. Kleiner backed pioneering companies including Genentech, Tandem Computers, and Amazon, helping shape the technology industry. He was known for his disciplined investment philosophy and focus on long-term growth. A mentor to entrepreneurs, he instilled rigorous analytical practices in venture funding. Kleiner’s contributions helped define modern venture capitalism. He passed away on November 20, 2003.