DANA SETTLE

Dana Settle stands as a pivotal figure in the venture capital landscape, renowned as a Co-founder and Partner at Greycroft, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm. Since co-founding Greycroft in 2006, Settle has been instrumental in shaping its investment strategy and building a robust portfolio of innovative companies across various sectors. Her leadership has positioned Greycroft as a go-to firm for entrepreneurs seeking strategic capital and guidance.

At Greycroft, Dana Settle's investment focus spans a wide array of high-growth industries. She possesses a keen eye for disruptive technologies and business models, particularly within consumer technology, enterprise software, digital media, e-commerce, and fintech. Her portfolio reflects a commitment to backing companies that leverage technology to solve significant problems or create new market opportunities. Settle is known for her hands-on approach, working closely with founders to navigate the challenges of scaling a startup from its earliest stages.

Before co-founding Greycroft, Settle accumulated extensive experience in finance and venture capital. She served as a venture partner at Mayfield, a leading venture capital firm, where she honed her skills in identifying promising early-stage companies. Prior to Mayfield, she was a partner at McCown De Leeuw & Co., a private equity firm, gaining valuable insights into growth equity and operational improvements. Her career began in investment banking at J.P. Morgan, providing her with a strong foundation in financial analysis and strategic transactions. This diverse background equips her with a comprehensive understanding of the entire investment lifecycle, from seed funding to successful exits. Dana Settle holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA from the University of Virginia, further solidifying her strong academic and professional credentials.

Throughout her distinguished career, Dana Settle has backed numerous successful ventures that have gone on to achieve significant market impact and lucrative exits. Her notable investments include pioneering companies such as TheRealReal, a leading online marketplace for authenticated luxury consignment; Bird, a micro-mobility leader; Bumble, the popular dating and social networking app; and Thrive Market, an online organic grocery store. She also famously supported Venmo in its early days, which was later acquired by PayPal, and Trunk Club, acquired by Nordstrom. These investments underscore her ability to identify companies with immense potential and guide them towards market leadership.

Dana Settle's influence extends beyond her direct investments. She is a respected voice in the venture capital community, frequently sharing her insights on market trends, entrepreneurship, and diversity in tech. Her dedication to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of founders makes her a truly impactful investor and a driving force behind Greycroft's continued success.