| Brett Helm | |
| Birth Name: | Brett Christopher Helm |
| Birth Date: | 8 May 1962 |
| Birth Place: | Kansas City, Missouri, US |
| Alma Mater: | University of Utah (B.S. Engineering) |
| Occupation: | CEO of DB Networks |
| Known For: | Serial entrepreneur, IPivot, Coradiant, At Home, DB Networks, Off-road motorcycle racing |
| Chairman and CEO of DB Networks | |
Brett Helm (born May 8, 1962) is a former United States Air Force officer and a prominent entrepreneur and investor. He served as a B-52 aviator during Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, earning several commendations, including three Air Medals. Transitioning to the tech industry, Helm co-founded and led multiple innovative companies, including iPivot, which was acquired by Intel. He has made significant investments in various startups and venture capital firms. Helm is an accomplished off-road motorcycle racer, winning multiple SCORE International championships and Baja 1000 events.
Helm entered the USAF in 1988. He attended Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base. He graduated from Flight Training School at Mather Air Force Base in 1989. As a B-52 aviator, he flew 26 combat missions in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Helm was awarded numerous commendations during his USAF career, including three Air Medals for combat flying.[1]
Helm began his career in the business startup sector as an early employee at US West. He subsequently joined @Home Network as an early employee, where he played a key role in establishing @Work, serving as its vice president and general manager.[2] In 1997, Helm co-founded and became CEO of iPivot, a company that was an early tech innovator. Intel acquired iPivot in 1999 for $500 million[3] and appointed Helm as the general manager of their newly created Network Equipment Division.[4]
In 2000, Helm invested in Sanera Systems and assisted the company in securing its first two rounds of funding. Sanera Systems was acquired by McData for $130 million in 2003.[5] Helm also co-founded Coradiant, serving as an investor and Board member. Although professionally funded in 2000, Helm did not become an employee of Coradiant until 2005.
Helm is also a co-founder and investor in DB CyberTech.[6]
Helm invested in IPivot, Sanera Systems, Coradiant, DB CyberTech as well as multiple Venture Capital firms.[7]
Helm is an off-road motorcycle racer. Helm began racing competitively in 2005. He races in a class for riders over 40 years old. He won three SCORE International off-road racing championships in 2007, 2008, and 2010.[8] He competed in and won three prestigious Baja 1000 (Class 40) events in 2007, 2008, 2009. He raced at the famous Bonneville Salt Flats on a dirt bike exceeding 130 mph.[9]
| Position | Year | Event | Class | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5th | 2005 | Baja 1000 | Class 40 | |
| 4th | 2006 | San Felipe 250 | Class 40 | |
| 3rd | 2006 | Baja 500 | Class 40 | |
| 2nd | 2006 | Score Championship | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2007 | Baja 250 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2007 | Baja 500 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2007 | Baja 1000 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2007 | Score Championship | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2007 | 2 HYR Glen Helen | Class 40 | |
| 5th | 2007 | Vegas to Reno | Open Pro | |
| 1st | 2008 | Baja 250 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2008 | Baja 500 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2008 | Baja 1000 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2008 | Score Championship | Class 40 | |
| 2nd | 2009 | San Felipe 250 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2009 | Baja 1000 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2010 | San Felipe 250 | Class 40 | |
| 1st | 2010 | Score Championship | Class 40 |