Dave Lu

Dave Lu is a prominent figure in the technology and venture capital sectors, serving as the Founder and Managing Partner of Hyphen Capital, a syndicate dedicated to investing in pre-seed companies founded by Asian American entrepreneurs. With over two decades of experience in the tech industry, Lu has held significant roles at major companies such as Yahoo!, Apple, Cisco, and eBay. He is also a serial entrepreneur, having co-founded startups like Fanpop, an entertainment social network, and Expo, a staffing marketplace for the restaurant industry.124

In addition to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Lu is a passionate advocate for the Asian American community. He founded the Asian American Founders Circle in 2011, which has grown to include over 400 founders. This initiative inspired the establishment of Hyphen Capital, which has invested nearly $30 million in over 90 startups, with a focus on supporting underrepresented founders, including those with female leadership.123

Lu's commitment to social justice is evident through his involvement in initiatives addressing hate crimes against Asian Americans. He co-authored a letter that garnered signatures from over 8,000 influential leaders, including CEOs and public figures, published in the Wall Street Journal. This movement led to the creation of "Stand with Asian Americans," a non-profit organization aimed at combating discrimination.124

Educationally, Lu holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Stanford University.13 His leadership and contributions to the community have been recognized with various awards, including the 2023 Emmy Award for his work on the documentary "38 at the Garden," which highlights the story of NBA player Jeremy Lin.34