Mike Cassidy has joined Benchmark as an EIR

"Benchmark Capital, a leading early-stage high-technology venture capital firm, today announced that Mike Cassidy has joined the firm as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR). Most recently, he served as chief executive officer (CEO) of Xfire, the fastest-growing gaming community on the Internet, which now operates as a division of Viacom Inc.'s MTV Networks.



Mr. Cassidy has co-founded, served as CEO, and led three consumer Internet companies to market leadership and successful acquisitions. They include Xfire, Direct Hit, an award-winning Internet search engine that was acquired by Ask Jeeves, and Stylus Innovation, a creator of computer telephony tools and applications that was acquired by Artisoft. In his new role as an EIR, he will evaluate new business opportunities in the consumer Internet market and assist Benchmark companies across the portfolio."