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David Hehman is a San Francisco-based angel investor, startup advisor, and the co-founder of the venture capital firm Underdog Labs, which he established in 2019. Before transitioning to early-stage venture capital investing, he served as the founder and chief executive officer of the vacation real estate platform EscapeHomes. He expanded the online marketplace's operations before ultimately leading the business to a strategic acquisition by the global vacation rental company HomeAway. Hehman holds a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from the University of California, Berkeley, Walter A. Haas School of Business, where he remains an active participant in the university's broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. Today, his primary professional focus centers on leveraging his prior operational background to mentor founders and allocate capital across early-stage technology startups, consumer internet platforms, and real estate technology ventures.
David Hehman stands as a prominent figure in the venture capital and startup ecosystem, serving as a co-founder and influential investor at Underdog Labs. Underdog Labs operates as a unique venture studio, actively involved in the ideation, building, and launching of innovative technology companies from the ground up. Hehman's role is pivotal, extending beyond traditional investment to include hands-on strategic guidance and operational support for the nascent ventures within the studio's portfolio.
Hehman's investment philosophy, channeled through Underdog Labs, primarily targets early-stage companies poised for significant disruption. His focus areas are deeply rooted in the digital economy, encompassing consumer internet, mobile applications, and Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms. He seeks out opportunities where technology can solve real-world problems, enhance user experiences, or create entirely new market categories. The studio's model allows for a more integrated approach to company building, ensuring that each venture benefits from Hehman's extensive experience and a robust support infrastructure.
David Hehman's career background is marked by a series of entrepreneurial successes and deep industry insight. Prior to co-founding Underdog Labs, he demonstrated his prowess as a visionary leader by co-founding GetThere, a pioneering online corporate travel booking system that was later acquired by Sabre. He also played a crucial role as a co-founder of Evite, the popular online invitation service, which was successfully acquired by IAC. These ventures not only cemented his reputation as a successful entrepreneur but also provided him with invaluable experience in scaling technology companies from nascent ideas to market leaders. His journey through various executive and advisory roles across the tech landscape has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics, product development, and strategic growth.
At Underdog Labs, Hehman applies this wealth of experience to cultivate the next generation of successful companies. While specific individual investments are often integrated into the studio's overall portfolio development, his influence is evident in the strategic direction and operational excellence of the companies built under the Underdog Labs umbrella. His track record of identifying market gaps and building scalable solutions makes him a sought-after mentor and investor for aspiring entrepreneurs. Hehman's commitment to fostering innovation and his hands-on approach underscore his dedication to not just funding, but actively building the future of technology.
David Hehman is an accomplished entrepreneur and investor, best known as a co-founder of Underdog Labs. He has a distinguished background in the tech industry, having co-founded successful companies like GetThere and Evite.
Through Underdog Labs, David Hehman primarily invests in and helps build early-stage technology companies. His focus areas include consumer internet, mobile applications, and Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms.
David Hehman works as a co-founder and investor at Underdog Labs, a venture studio dedicated to building and launching new technology companies.
