Dave McClure, born on January 1, 1966, in West Virginia, is a well-known entrepreneur and investor. He spent his formative years in West Virginia, where he developed a strong work ethic and a passion for technology. McClure's interest in mathematics and engineering led him to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Sciences and Engineering at Johns Hopkins University.
After graduating from Johns Hopkins, McClure founded Aslan Computing, a consultancy firm, in 1994. The company quickly gained traction and was sold just four years later in 1998. This early success paved the way for McClure to establish himself as a prominent figure in the tech industry. He went on to work as a technology consultant for major companies such as Microsoft and Intel, honing his skills and gaining valuable experience in the field.
In 2001, McClure made a significant career move by joining PayPal as the director of marketing. During his time at PayPal, McClure played a key role in shaping the company's marketing strategy and contributing to its rapid growth. His experience at PayPal further solidified his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur and investor.
McClure's most notable achievement came in 2008 when he founded 500 Startups, a seed fund and accelerator program for startups. As the CEO of 500 Startups, McClure played a crucial role in mentoring and investing in up-and-coming entrepreneurs. His hands-on approach and deep knowledge of the startup ecosystem helped countless founders turn their ideas into successful businesses.
Throughout his career, McClure has been known for his prolific writing on venture capital finance. His blog, 500 Hats, remains one of the most widely read resources in the industry, offering valuable insights and advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition to his work with 500 Startups, McClure has served as a director of marketing at PayPal and worked closely with companies like Microsoft, Intel, and Facebook.
Outside of his professional endeavors, McClure remains dedicated to his roots in West Virginia. He is proud of his upbringing and attributes much of his success to the values instilled in him during his formative years. In his spare time, McClure enjoys giving back to his community and supporting local causes.
McClure's collaborative spirit and innovative approach have led to successful partnerships with industry leaders such as Mark Zuckerberg. During his tenure as the acting investment director for Facebook's fbFund, McClure worked closely with Zuckerberg to identify and support promising startups in the tech space.