Rob Short

Former VP, Windows Core Technology, Microsoft

Founding Partner, of CDL-Seattle, Robert Short, invests in and advises early-stage social impact organizations. Rob spent his career in deep technology leading the design of hardware and software products. As VP for core technology for Microsoft Windows, he led a cross industry effort to improve reliability and performance of PC hardware and software.

Growing up in Ireland, Rob moved to the U.S. to work on computer design. He received his master’s in computer science at the University of Washington in 1987, and during the course of his studies he recognized the value of having a world-class university in the region. Rob is a major supporter of the university, and served 10 years on the Dean’s visiting committee for the College of Engineering.