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whadu · Level 49: GameShark **Posts:** 37196 **Timestamp:** Mon Sep 29, 08 7:25 PM

bizjournals: Keith Grinstein, a Seattle venture capitalist and philanthropist who was chairman of Coinstar Inc., has died at the age of 48.

Grinstein co-founded Seattle venture capital firm Second Avenue Partners in 2000, where he helped bankroll companies such as Insitu, HouseValues.com and Neah Power Systems.

“He could have easily been the funniest man in Seattle,” said Nick Hanauer, a close friend who worked with Grinstein at Second Avenue. “He had a remarkable wit … and a big heart.”

Grinstein had served on the boards of F5 Networks Inc., Netsuite, Car Toys and Labor Ready. He also was a strategic adviser to Madrona Venture Group, another venture capital firm in Seattle.

Representatives at Bellevue-based Coinstar and Seattle software maker F5 — both publicly traded companies — declined to comment. Coinstar operates coin-counting and processing machines.

Before co-founding Second Avenue, Grinstein had an active career in the wireless industry. From 1988 to 1996 he held senior executive roles at McCaw Cellular and AT&T Wireless. He also served as president and CEO of Nextel International.

Grinstein was active in progressive politics and had a love of animals, offering support to the Humane Society and other causes.

“We are shocked and sad,” Hanauer said. “He was an extremely talented and unique person and a great friend.”

Steve Wood described Grinstein as a smart businessman and a good friend who excelled at nearly everything he did.

“He was a very outgoing, charming, gregarious guy with a booming voice who definitely filled up the room wherever he was,” said Wood, who worked alongside Grinstein at McCaw Cellular and Wireless Services over the past 15 years.

Grinstein is survived by his wife, Claire, his brother Charles and parents Gerald Grinstein and Roly Alhadeff.

The cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

Source: bizjournals
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