David Cohen
Summary
David Cohen is a serial entrepreneur with a career in the startup and technology industry. He is the founder of Pinpoint Technologies, iContact.com, and Earfeeder. With a global portfolio of over 100 companies, David is an angel investor, providing strategic support to numerous startups.
David Cohen is best known as the co-founder of Techstars, a mentorship-based startup accelerator that has nurtured and empowered countless early-stage companies.
Aside from his entrepreneurial endeavors, David remains an active startup advocate, advisor, and technology expert. His blog, DavidGCohen.com, serves as a platform to share his insights on startup and technology-related topics, providing valuable guidance to the entrepreneurial community. Additionally, he co-authored the book "Do More Faster: Techstars Lessons to Accelerate Your Startup" with Brad Feld.
David Cohen plays vital roles in several advisory boards at the University of Colorado, Silicon Flatirons, and the Deming Center Venture Fund. As a dedicated member of the startup community, he also serves on the selection committee for Venture Capital in the Rockies and runs the Colorado chapter of the Open Angel Forum.
Biography
David Cohen's journey began in 1991 when he worked as a software engineer for Engineering and Economics Research. He continued to build his expertise in technology, co-founding Automated Dispatch Services, Inc., where he served as Director of Development until 1995.
In 1993, David ventured into the medical technology industry, co-founding Pinpoint Technologies, where he assumed the roles of Founder, VP of R&D, and managed engineering teams and budgets. The company's success led to its acquisition by ZOLL Medical Corporation in 1999. He continued his journey with ZOLL Medical Corporation as Founder and VP of R&D at ZOLL Data Systems, where he was responsible for budgeting and managing all software engineering and documentation.
David's entrepreneurial spirit continued to drive him, and in 2004, he co-founded iCentric Corporation, serving as Founder and CTO. His dedication to innovation and leadership in technology propelled him to establish earFeeder.com in 2006, where he took on multiple roles as CEO, web developer, and cook. The company's success culminated in its acquisition by SonicSwap.com later that year.
In 2006, David co-founded Techstars in Boulder, Colorado. As Co-CEO and Board Member, he played a pivotal role in shaping Techstars into a global platform that empowers entrepreneurs worldwide. Under his guidance, Techstars expanded to various cities and industries, offering accelerator programs that provide seed funding, mentorship, and resources to early-stage startups.
David is also the as Founder and Advisory Board Member of the Techstars Foundation since 2015. Through this role, he invested in and accelerated nonprofits working to deliver scalable impact for underestimated entrepreneurs.
Beyond Techstars, he served as a Board Member for various organisations, including Endeavor Colorado, LevelTen Energy, Chowbotics, and SendGrid.
Vision
David Cohen's vision revolves around empowering and democratising entrepreneurship, making it accessible to everyone. He believes in providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the resources, mentorship, and opportunities needed to transform innovative ideas into successful startups that drive positive change in the world. Through his co-founding of Techstars, David aims to create a global platform that nurtures and supports early-stage companies, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
As an influential figure in the startup community, David Cohen envisions a future where innovative minds from diverse backgrounds have the opportunity to thrive and disrupt industries through their entrepreneurial endeavors. His dedication to mentorship, investment, and leadership in various startup organisations demonstrates his commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity. David's vision extends beyond individual success stories; he envisions a world where innovation knows no boundaries, and entrepreneurs are equipped with the tools to create transformative solutions that impact society positively.
Recognition and Awards
References
- Do More Faster Book l domorefasterbook.com
- Entrepreneurs Unplugged: With David Cohen, Executive Director of Techstars l Silicon Flatirons Center for Law, Technology, and Entrepreneurship
- Techstars l Techstars.com
- Techstars founder David Cohen turns "power angel" — raises $28M fund l Venturebeat.com
- How to get a Mentor for your Startup l Dormroomtycoon.com
- RailsConf Program l Ruby Center
- Hear Techstars founder David Cohen at the Silicon Prairie Awards event l Silicon Prairie News
- David Cohen My professional Story l Vizify.com
- Zoll l Zoll.com
- Open Angel Forum Boulder #4 l davidgcohen.com
- How Techstars Founder David Cohen Turned A Passion For Technology Into An Incredible Career l Therisetothetop.com
- Techstars' Davi Cohen on transparency, growth and funding trends l Gigaom.com
- Techstars The Program l Techstars.com
- Bloomberg TV l Techstars.com
- Bloomberg TV Techstars episode 1 l Techstars.com
- Get Into a Start-up Incubator: Mastering the Video l Inc.com
- Computer Science Advisory Board l University of Colorado
- Entrepreneurship Advisory Board l Silicon Flatirons Center
- Silicon Prairie Awards 2012 l Silicon Prairie News