Thomas G. Stemberg is an entrepreneur, venture capitalist and executive, most notable for founding office supply retail chain Staples Inc. with Leo Kahn.[1][2]
In 1986 Stemberg and Kahn came up with the idea for Staples Inc. in response to frustration with small retailers that provided critical supplies. Stemberg previously had worked in the grocery store business at Star Markets. Stemberg noticed many retailers on Main Street selling ball point pens at $2 - $3 with a wholesale cost of just 30 cents and determined that the business could be profitable and reduce customer costs.
In 2005, Stemberg joined Highland Capital Partners, a venture capital firm, in Lexington, Massachusetts as managing general partner.[3]
Stemberg was ranked 50th in a recent article describing the 50 Wealthiest Bostonians. His estimated net worth is $202 million.