Dave Berkus
has a well-established track record in operations, venture investing and corporate board service, both public and private. As an entrepreneur, he has formed, managed and sold successful businesses in the entertainment and software arenas. As a private equity investor, he has obtained healthy returns from liquidity events in over a dozen investments in early-stage ventures. As a corporate mentor and director, he was named “Director of the Year” for his directorship efforts with over 40 companies.
Dave created his first company, Custom Fidelity, Inc., at the age of 15. He sold his interest in the Company to found Computerized Lodging Systems, Inc. becoming an early pioneer in the mini-computer industry. He is credited with innovation of numerous technology “firsts” and guided the computer company through a decade of growth, including two consecutive years on the Inc.500 list of America's fastest growing companies. He was recognized for those pioneering achievements with his induction into the Hospitality (HFTP) "International Hall of Fame"– only one of forty-two people worldwide so honored over the years.
Dave is current or recent Board Chairman or board member for numerous public and private technology companies. Active in a total of over forty companies, he was recognized as “Director of the Year” by the Orange County-based Forum for Corporate Directors, and “Technology Leader of the Year” by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.
Dave is co-author of fourteen books for entrepreneurs, investors and corporate boards. Dave is a past Vice president of the Western Region, Boy Scouts of America. He is also Chairman of the Advisory Board of ABL - Technology, a networking organization of CEO's in high tech businesses.
He has made over 202 investments in early stage ventures, for which he has an IRR of 102%,and manages four early stage funds, including Berkus Technology Ventures, LLC, Kodiak Ventures, L.P., Wayfare Ventures, and three Tech Coast Angels ACE Funds, where Dave is also Chairman Emeritus of that organization.
Dave serves as a Trustee of Occidental College, where he is Vice Chair of the Board. He is often engaged as keynote speaker for events worldwide, speaking on trends in technology and of legal and practical issues of governance for emerging company corporate boards.