Dave Lu is an advocate, investor, spokesperson, and tech industry veteran. But it’s his conviction, not just his successful career, that’s inspired many. “He’s someone you want in your corner when it comes to courageously calling things as they are and fighting for what’s right, even when a cause or goal is unrecognized, unpopular, or difficult,” says Dione Chen, MBA ’90.
Dave built his career working for several big tech companies, including Yahoo!, Apple, Cisco, and eBay, and founding two startups, Fanpop and Expo. To support other Asian American entrepreneurs, he created Asian American Founders Circle in 2011. It has since grown to over 400 founders, including Tony Xu, MBA ’13 (DoorDash), Steve Chen (YouTube), Kevin Lin (Twitch), and many others. His work with Asian American Founders Circle inspired the launch of his current venture, Hyphen Capital, a syndicate focused on supporting Asian American founders that has invested over $30 million in over 100 startups.
Dave sparked a national movement in 2021 by authoring a letter condemning the rise in hate crimes against Asians. It was signed by over 8,000 prominent business leaders and influencers and published as a full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal. This letter led to the founding of Stand with Asian Americans, a nonprofit organization committed to fighting discrimination. Dave later produced the Emmy-winning HBO documentary 38 at the Garden, which highlights Asian American representation in sports and culture through the perspective of Jeremy Lin.
Dave has also consistently shared his time and wisdom with the GSB community. His talk at the Asian Business Student Association gala encouraged students to confidently pursue leadership roles. He also participated in a fireside chat at the 2024 GSB Asian Leadership Conference. “Dave’s work is both visionary and deeply grounded in community impact — qualities that make him a remarkable leader and role model,” says Kim Chan, ’92, MBA ’97.
