Lightspeed Venture Partners, a provider of early stage venture capital to technology companies, announced that Ron Cao has joined the firm as a partner focusing on opportunities in the China market.

Based in Shanghai, Ron will take on a lead role in identifying and building industry-leading Chinese companies across multiple investment sectors including communications, Internet, wireless and semiconductors.

"Ron has demonstrated strong technology expertise and has proven success as a venture investor in both the US and China markets," said Eric O'Brien, general partner. "Ron's unique background and his excellent track record complement our team as we continue to grow our presence in China and launch new relationships internationally."

Ron brings to Lightspeed more than six years of venture capital experience in both the US and China. Recently serving as managing director of KLM Capital, Ron focused on investments in the communications and semiconductor sectors.

Lightspeed recently announced the closing of Lightspeed VII, a US$475 million early stage technology venture capital fund. The firm plans to allocate a significant percentage of the fund to international investments, of which China will be a core focus.

Lightspeed's local resources in China are supplemented by several of the firm's US partners who hold board seats in the region and are involved in executing and managing the firm's investments in China.