Improving the World Through Proactive Investment Strategies w/ David Cowan

David Cowan doesn’t let the deal flow dictate where to invest. Instead, he identifies where there are new opportunities to make a difference in the world.

David Cowan, Partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, believes in a proactive investment approach.

Unlike other VCs, David doesn’t let the deal flow dictate where to invest. Instead, like other partners at Bessemer Venture Partner, he delves into research, attends conferences, and talks to experts on the bleeding edge of innovation to identify where there are new opportunities to make a difference in the world.

With his investments, David has set his sights on big, future-defining topics such as climate change, quantum computing, space, sustainable agriculture, and cybersecurity. And as of a few weeks ago, 34 of those companies have reached IPO.

Special co-host Marc Zablatsky, Managing Director of the CFO Practice at Burkland, joins the show to chat with David about his investment philosophy and what he’s seeing in the startup landscape.

We discuss:

  • The growing collaboration between governments and startups
  • The immense power and potential applications of quantum computing
  • 7 areas of innovation to combat climate change
  • A uniquely proactive approach to investment
  • David’s new mockumentary Bubble Proof

This discussion with David Cowan comes from our show Startup Success. Browse all Burkland podcasts and subscribe to the show on Apple podcasts.

Find David on LinkedIn or visit bvp.com.