Photo of David Cowan, Partner

David Cowan

Partner
Redwood City

Biography

David Cowan is one of the world’s leading investors, having funded Seed, Series A, and Series B rounds that led to over 30 IPOs. David was ranked sixth on the Midas List and tied for fourth in the Midas List of Hall of Fame.

Based in our Silicon Valley office, David launched Bessemer's practices in cloud, cybersecurity, consumer internet, gaming, space, and quantum computing. Known for taking chances on the unorthodox, David’s early stage bets include Twitch (acquired by Amazon), Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), and Skybox Imaging (acquired by Google).

David has co-founded three cybersecurity companies incubated within Bessemer’s offices: VeriSign (NASDAQ: VRSN), serving as initial Chairman and CFO; Good Technology (fka Visto, acquired by Blackberry) serving as CEO; and Defense.net (acquired by F5).

He earned an AB in computer science / mathematics and an MBA, both from Harvard University. Today he serves on several non-profit boards including the Center for Inquiry and the Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics. He is the co-writer of the Silicon Valley mockumentary series “Bubbleproof,” and producer of the award-winning MTV Documentary film “Afghan Dreamers.”

Portfolio Highlights

View All Companies

“The immense computational power that QC can unleash will lead to life-changing medicines, more accurate weather forecasts, smarter AIs, longer-lasting batteries, safer space travel, sustainable energy sources, and benefits society has yet to even discover.”

Portfolio Companies

Indicates Enduring

Auth0

ACQUIRED BY: OKTA
Enterprise
Close Info Window

Crosschq

Crosschq is pioneering Human Intelligence Hiring™ by harnessing the power of people to help companies better screen, onboard and source the best talent.

Investors

David Cowan

Founded

2018

Partnered

2019

Roadmaps

Enterprise

Cyota, Inc

ACQUIRED BY: RSA SECURITY
Close Info Window

Cyota, Inc

Cyota is a cyber security company focused on online banking fraud, e-commerce fraud, and phishing. In December 2005, Cyota was acquired by RSA Security.

ACQUIRED BY: RSA SECURITY

Investors

David Cowan

Founded

1999

Partnered

2004

Roadmaps

LinkedIn

NYSE: LNKD / ACQUIRED BY: MICROSOFT
Consumer Cloud Enterprise
Close Info Window

LinkedIn

LinkedIn operates the world's largest professional network. In May 2011, LinkedIn went public (NYSE: LNKD) and in 2016, was acquired by Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT).

NYSE: LNKD / ACQUIRED BY: MICROSOFT

Founded

2002

Partnered

2006

Roadmaps

Cloud Consumer Enterprise

Investment Memo

Read the LinkedIn memo

Rocket Lab

NASDAQ: RKLB
Close Info Window

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab delivers a range of complete rocket systems and technologies for fast and low-cost payload deployment.

Rocket Lab announced to go public in merger with SPAC Vector Acquisition Corp in March 2021.

Rocket Lab went public in August 2021 (NASDAQ: RKLB).

NASDAQ: RKLB

Founded

2006

Partnered

2014

Roadmaps

Investment Memo

Read the Rocket Lab memo

Spire

NYSE: SPIR
Close Info Window

Spire

Spire is a space to cloud data analytics company utilizing satellites to provide maritime, aviation, and weather tracking. Spire Global went public in August 2021 (NYSE: SPIR).

NYSE: SPIR

Founded

2012

Partnered

2015

Roadmaps

Investment Memo

Read the Spire memo

Twilio

NYSE: TWLO
Developer Enterprise
Cloud Consumer Enterprise

Insights & News