David Powell, Sr. founded David Powell, Inc. (DPI) in 1976 to provide executive search to the emerging high technology sector. He is recognized throughout Silicon Valley and beyond for his work on Board, CEO, and officer-level searches in all areas and aspects of technology.
After graduation from St. Lawrence University and four years as a Marine Corps infantry officer, Dave earned his Silicon Valley stripes at Fairchild Semiconductor in the late sixties, then National Semiconductor in the early seventies, followed by a well-funded start-up attempt. Exposure to the needs of the venture capital community in the mid-seventies stimulated his thinking that eventually created the services of DPI.
Dave has successfully completed key assignments for Genentech (NYSE: DNA), Abbott Labs (NYSE: ABT), Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NYSE: AMD), Intel Corporation (Nasdaq: INTC), Sun Microsystems, Inc. (Nasdaq: SUNW), PMC-Sierra, Inc. (Nasdaq: PMCS), and Network Appliance, Inc. (Nasdaq: NTAP); as well as the portfolio companies of dozens of leading venture firms including Battery Ventures, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers, Lightspeed Venture Partners, Mayfield, Mohr Davidow Ventures, Sequoia Capital, U.S. Venture Partners, and VantagePoint Venture Partners. In the mid-nineties, Dave was honored as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Silicon Valley.
In addition to his advisory role as a limited partner with several venture funds, Dave has been a guest lecturer at Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, and The Haas School at the University of California at Berkeley on the subject of building the early stage team.
Dave and his wife live in Woodside. He enjoys fly fishing, golf, gardening, and his grandchildren.
David L. Powell, Sr.