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David Cowan is a highly respected Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, a leading venture capital firm. He is known for his long tenure in the industry and his expertise in identifying and investing in transformative enterprise software, cloud, and cybersecurity companies.
David Cowan primarily invests in disruptive technologies within the enterprise sector, focusing on Software as a Service (SaaS), cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and developer tools. His notable investments include Twilio, DocuSign, and Shopify.
David Cowan works as a Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, a prominent global venture capital firm with a long history of backing innovative technology companies.
David Cowan is a General Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners based in the San Francisco Bay Area. After earning degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics and an MBA from Harvard University, he co-founded three cybersecurity companies, including Verisign in 1995 where he served as the initial chairman, and Visto in 1996 as the initial CEO. Since joining Bessemer in 1992, Cowan has funded 29 portfolio companies that eventually reached an IPO, earning him 14 appearances on the Forbes Midas List and a spot in its Hall of Fame. His notable early-stage investments and major exits include LinkedIn, Twilio, Twitch, and Rocket Lab, where he continues to serve on the board of directors following its 2021 public listing. Today, his venture capital focus centers on early-stage technology investments across the cybersecurity, enterprise software, and space technology sectors.
David Cowan stands as a highly influential Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, a firm renowned for its deep expertise in technology investments. Joining Bessemer in 1992, Cowan has cultivated an impressive career spanning decades, marked by a keen ability to identify and back transformative companies at their nascent stages. His long tenure at Bessemer underscores his integral role in shaping the firm's investment strategy and its enduring success in the competitive venture capital landscape. As a leading venture capitalist, Cowan's insights and guidance have been pivotal for numerous startups evolving into industry giants.
Cowan's investment thesis is sharply focused on disruptive innovation within the enterprise technology sector. He is a prominent investor in Software as a Service (SaaS), cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), and developer tools. His portfolio reflects a strategic emphasis on companies that offer scalable, mission-critical solutions for businesses. He seeks out technologies that not only solve complex problems but also redefine market categories, demonstrating a clear path to becoming market leaders. This forward-thinking approach has positioned him at the forefront of identifying the next wave of enterprise innovation.
What truly distinguishes David Cowan is his robust entrepreneurial background, which profoundly informs his investment philosophy. Prior to his illustrious career in venture capital, Cowan was a serial founder. He co-founded VeriSign, a pioneering internet security company that became a cornerstone of online trust. He also launched NetMarket, recognized as the internet's first retailer, and Critical Path, an early leader in email infrastructure. This firsthand experience of building and scaling technology companies from the ground up provides him with invaluable empathy and strategic understanding when evaluating potential investments and mentoring founders.
Cowan's track record of notable investments is extensive and impactful. He was an early backer of companies that have fundamentally reshaped various industries. His portfolio includes iconic names such as Twilio, a leading cloud communications platform; DocuSign, revolutionizing electronic signatures; and Shopify, empowering millions of e-commerce businesses worldwide. Other significant investments include LinkedIn, the professional networking giant; Pinterest, a visual discovery engine; Yelp, the popular local business review site; and his own co-founded VeriSign. These investments highlight his consistent ability to spot companies with immense growth potential and lasting market influence.
David Cowan's enduring impact on the technology ecosystem stems from his unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to innovation. He is not merely a capital provider but a true partner to founders, offering deep operational insights and a long-term perspective. His work at Bessemer Venture Partners continues to drive the evolution of enterprise software and cloud technologies, making him a respected and influential figure in the global venture capital community. He remains dedicated to identifying and supporting the next generation of technological pioneers.
