Micos headed up MySQL, the most widely-used open-source database, for 7 years until its acquisition by Sun in January 2008 for $1 billion. In a testament to MySQL’s dominance, the EU is stalling Oracle’s acquisition of Sun as regulators decide whether the two database giants constitute a monopoly.
Benchmark invested in MySQL’s $20 million Series B round in 2003, when the company was 2 years old. Benchmark partner Kevin Harvey was chairman of MySQL’s board before the acquisition.
In a tweet yesterday, the 48-year old Fin explained his thinking: “Why I like @benchmark: They consistently ask ‘What’s best for the entrepreneur?’ and they think big.”