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David Friend is the co-founder and CEO of Wasabi Technologies and an active angel investor based in the Greater Boston Area. Before launching Wasabi, he co-founded five technology companies, most notably serving as CEO of Carbonite, which he successfully guided through an initial public offering. His earlier entrepreneurial ventures include establishing Computer Pictures Corporation, Pilot Software, Faxnet, and Sonexis, while also securing multiple technology patents. Under his leadership, Wasabi reached a $1.1 billion valuation following a $250 million funding round in September 2022 and secured major partnerships with the Boston Red Sox and Liverpool Football Club. He holds a bachelor's degree in engineering from Yale University and attended graduate school at Princeton University. Friend leverages over four decades of enterprise software experience to focus on scaling global cloud storage infrastructure and funding early-stage technology ventures.
David Friend stands as a distinguished figure within the technology and investment landscape, renowned for his profound entrepreneurial spirit and strategic insights. With a career spanning several decades, Friend has not only founded and scaled multiple highly successful tech companies but has also actively contributed to the growth of the broader innovation ecosystem through his investment and advisory roles.
His most notable achievements include co-founding Carbonite, a leading provider of cloud backup solutions, and Dynatrace, a pioneer in application performance management. At Carbonite, Friend served as CEO, guiding the company from its inception to becoming a publicly traded entity and a household name in data protection. His leadership was instrumental in developing a robust cloud infrastructure and a customer-centric service model that resonated with millions of users. Similarly, with Dynatrace, he played a pivotal role in establishing the company as an industry leader, demonstrating his ability to identify critical market needs and build innovative solutions to address them. These ventures underscore his deep understanding of software development, cloud architecture, and enterprise solutions.
As an investor, David Friend primarily focuses on early-stage technology companies, particularly those operating in the cloud computing, data management, and enterprise software sectors. His investment philosophy is heavily influenced by his own experiences as a founder and CEO. He seeks out ventures with strong technical foundations, scalable business models, and visionary leadership. Beyond capital, Friend often provides invaluable strategic guidance, leveraging his extensive operational background to help startups navigate challenges related to product development, market entry, and scaling operations. He frequently serves on the boards of directors for portfolio companies, offering hands-on mentorship and strategic direction.
Friend's career background is a testament to his relentless pursuit of innovation. Before his successes with Carbonite and Dynatrace, he was involved in various other technology ventures, consistently demonstrating an ability to foresee technological shifts and capitalize on emerging opportunities. His expertise extends across various facets of the tech industry, from software engineering to business development and corporate strategy. This comprehensive understanding allows him to evaluate potential investments with a critical eye and provide nuanced support to the entrepreneurs he backs.
In essence, David Friend is more than just an investor; he is a builder and a mentor. His contributions have not only created significant economic value but have also fostered a culture of innovation within the tech community. Through his continued involvement in new ventures, he remains a vital force in shaping the future of technology, empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to achieve their own groundbreaking successes.
David Friend is a highly successful serial entrepreneur and investor, best known as the co-founder of prominent technology companies like Carbonite and Dynatrace. He is a key figure in the cloud computing and enterprise software sectors.
David Friend primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a strong focus on cloud computing, data management, and enterprise software solutions. He seeks innovative ventures with strong technical foundations and scalable business models.
While David Friend does not work for a single traditional investment firm, he is actively involved as an angel investor, board member, and advisor to numerous technology startups. His work is primarily through his own entrepreneurial ventures and strategic investments.
