Robert is the founder of RAE Systems, a Vector Capital portfolio company, which provides rapidly deployable connected, intelligent gas detection systems that enable real-time safety and security threat detection. In 2002 RAE Systems became a publically traded company. In 2006 and 2007 it was one of Silicon Valley's fastest growing companies and received for both years Deloitte's Technology Fast 50 Award.

Robert has worked for Delco Electronics Division of General Motors, General Electric, Tektronix, Fairchild Semiconductor, and Hewlett Packard. In 1981 Mr. Chen founded Applied Optoelectronic Technology (AOT) Corporation. In 1991 AOT merged with Hewlett-Packard.

Robert grew up in Taiwan and attended Taiwan National Cheng Kung University where he received his BS Degree in Electrical Engineering. He received a MSEE degree from South Dakota School of Mines and Technology and his Advanced Engineering Degree from Syracuse University. Robert also attended General Motor's MBA Program at Purdue University as well as Stanford's Graduate Business School Executive Program and Harvard's Graduate School of Business Owner President Program (OPM).