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David Hirsch is a Managing Partner at Compound, an early-stage venture capital firm based in New York, New York. He previously served as the Director of B2B Vertical Markets at Google from 2000 to 2007, joining as the second employee in the New York office when the technology corporation's total annual revenue was under $3 million. After leaving Google, Hirsch founded the seed-stage firm Metamorphic Ventures in 2008, which he later restructured and rebranded to Compound in 2016 alongside Managing Partner Michael Dempsey. Through these venture entities, he has built a consistent track record of early-stage investing across enterprise software, consumer technology, and fintech, successfully backing notable companies such as Chime and Upstart. Today, the University of Maryland alumnus focuses on portfolio commercialization and leverages his extensive operational expertise to support emerging technical startups across the software ecosystem.
David Hirsch stands as a pivotal figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as a Managing Partner at Compound, a leading early-stage venture capital firm. At Compound, David Hirsch is instrumental in identifying and nurturing groundbreaking startups that are building the foundational technologies of tomorrow. His investment philosophy centers on what is often termed 'deep tech' or 'frontier technology,' focusing on companies that are developing scientifically intensive or engineering-heavy solutions to complex problems.
Under David Hirsch's guidance, Compound seeks out visionary founders who are tackling challenges in areas such as artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, biotechnology, industrial automation, and sustainable technologies. He is particularly drawn to ventures that require significant research and development, possess strong intellectual property, and have the potential for transformative impact across various industries. David Hirsch’s role extends beyond capital allocation; he actively partners with entrepreneurs, offering strategic insights, operational guidance, and access to Compound's extensive network to help these nascent companies navigate the intricate path from concept to commercialization.
Before co-founding Compound (originally known as Expa Labs), David Hirsch honed his expertise in product development and engineering roles, notably at Betaworks, a startup studio and seed-stage venture firm. This hands-on background provides him with a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities inherent in building technology companies from the ground up. His experience in creating and scaling products gives him a deep understanding of the technical intricacies and market dynamics that define successful deep tech ventures.
Compound's portfolio, shaped significantly by David Hirsch's investment acumen, includes a diverse array of companies that are pushing the boundaries of innovation. While specific individual investments are often collaborative within the firm, Compound has backed notable companies such as Oura (smart rings for health tracking), Whoop (wearable fitness technology), RigUp (now Workrise, a workforce management platform for the skilled trades), and Modern Health (a mental wellness platform). These examples underscore Compound's commitment to supporting companies that are not only technologically advanced but also poised to create significant market value and societal benefit. David Hirsch's dedication to fostering innovation makes him a key driver in the evolution of the global technology ecosystem.
David Hirsch is a Managing Partner at Compound, an early-stage venture capital firm. He is known for his expertise in identifying and investing in deep tech and frontier technology startups, guiding them from inception to growth.
David Hirsch primarily invests in early-stage deep tech and frontier technology companies through Compound. His focus areas include artificial intelligence, robotics, advanced materials, biotechnology, and other foundational technologies that aim to solve complex real-world problems.
David Hirsch works as a Managing Partner at Compound, a prominent early-stage venture capital firm. Compound is headquartered in New York City, with a strong presence in the global tech ecosystem.
