DAVID SZE
General Partner at Greylock
About
David Sze is a General Partner at Greylock, a prominent venture capital firm. He specializes in early-stage investments across consumer internet, social media, and enterprise software sectors, backing companies that redefine their industries. Sze is recognized for his strategic insights and long-term commitment to founders building groundbreaking technology.
Experience
Deep Dive
David Sze stands as a distinguished General Partner at Greylock, one of the most respected venture capital firms globally. Since joining Greylock in 2000, Sze has been instrumental in identifying and nurturing some of the internet's most impactful companies. His investment focus primarily spans consumer internet, social media, marketplaces, and enterprise software, with a keen eye for disruptive technologies and platforms that redefine user experiences and business operations. He is celebrated for his ability to spot nascent trends and back visionary founders at their earliest stages.
Sze's career trajectory before Greylock provided him with a deep understanding of product development, market strategy, and scaling internet businesses. He served as Senior Vice President of Product Strategy at Excite@Home, a pioneering broadband internet service provider. Prior to that, he held the role of Vice President of Product Marketing at Yahoo!, a foundational internet portal. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on as a co-founder and CEO of HotBot, a search engine that was later acquired by Lycos. He also gained valuable experience in the gaming industry at Electronic Arts, further broadening his perspective on consumer engagement and technology. Academically, Sze holds a B.A. from Yale University and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, providing him with a robust analytical and strategic foundation.
Throughout his tenure at Greylock, David Sze has amassed an impressive portfolio of investments, many of which have grown into household names and industry leaders. He was an early investor and board member at LinkedIn, playing a crucial role in its journey to becoming the world's largest professional network. Sze also served as a board observer for Facebook during its formative years, recognizing its immense potential for global social connection. Other significant investments include Pandora, where he served on the board, helping to shape the future of digital music streaming. He also backed Workday, a leader in cloud-based human capital management and financial applications, and Nextdoor, the neighborhood social network. His portfolio further includes successful ventures like Oodle, Digg, and Tumblr, demonstrating his consistent ability to identify and support companies poised for significant growth and market impact. More recently, his involvement with companies like Discord underscores his continued relevance in the evolving digital landscape.
David Sze's strategic vision and commitment to fostering innovation have solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the venture capital community. His legacy is defined by his profound influence on the internet and software sectors, consistently backing companies that not only achieve commercial success but also fundamentally change how people connect, work, and interact.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is David Sze?
David Sze is a General Partner at Greylock, a prominent venture capital firm. He is a highly respected investor known for his early-stage investments in transformative internet and software companies, including LinkedIn, Facebook, and Workday.
What does David Sze invest in?
David Sze primarily invests in consumer internet, social media, marketplaces, and enterprise software companies. He focuses on disruptive technologies and platforms that aim to redefine their respective industries and user experiences.
Where does David Sze work?
David Sze works as a General Partner at Greylock, a leading venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California. He has been with Greylock since 2000.