Dana Settle

Dana Settle is an American venture capitalist and co-founder of the early-stage venture capital firm Greycroft Partners. Based in Los Angeles and New York City, she is recognized as a leading investor in technology and digital media companies, particularly in the Southern California ecosystem. Settle has been instrumental in funding and scaling numerous successful startups across consumer internet, enterprise software, and marketplace platforms.

Early life and education

Dana Settle was raised in California and developed an early interest in business and technology. She pursued her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Los Angeles, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Following her time at UCLA, Settle attended Harvard Business School, completing her Master of Business Administration. Her academic background at these prestigious institutions provided a strong foundation in finance and strategy, which she later applied to a career in investment banking and venture capital.

Career

Settle began her professional career in investment banking at Morgan Stanley in New York City, focusing on mergers and acquisitions within the technology sector. She subsequently joined the venture capital firm Mohr Davidow Ventures in Menlo Park, California, where she honed her skills in identifying and nurturing early-stage technology companies. In 2006, she co-founded Greycroft Partners with fellow investor Alan Patricof, establishing the firm with a unique bi-coastal presence. Under her leadership as a managing partner, Greycroft has grown into a prominent firm with multiple funds, investing in seed and Series A rounds for innovative startups.

Investments and portfolio

Throughout her tenure at Greycroft Partners, Dana Settle has led investments in a wide array of transformative companies. Her notable portfolio includes early investments in the social media platform Whisper (app), the digital media company Vox Media, and the fintech leader Venmo, which was later acquired by PayPal. She has also backed successful enterprises such as the online marketplace The RealReal, the streaming service Hulu, and the cybersecurity firm CrowdStrike. Settle maintains a focus on sectors including digital media, e-commerce, and SaaS, often taking board observer or director roles to guide company strategy and growth.

Recognition and awards

Dana Settle has received significant recognition for her impact on the venture capital industry and her support for entrepreneurship. She has been consistently named to the Forbes Midas List of top tech investors and featured in the publication's list of The World's 100 Most Powerful Women. Settle was also honored on the Business Insider list of "Top 100 Venture Capitalists" and received the "Power Player" award from the National Association of Investment Companies. Her advocacy for diversity in venture capital has been acknowledged by organizations like All Raise, which promotes women in the field.

Personal life

Dana Settle is married to fellow venture capitalist David Sze, a partner at Greylock Partners. The couple resides in Los Angeles with their family. She is actively involved in philanthropic efforts, particularly supporting educational initiatives and arts institutions in Southern California. Settle serves on the board of trustees for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, reflecting her broader interests in culture and global affairs. Category:American venture capitalists Category:Harvard Business School alumni Category:University of California, Los Angeles alumni Category:Living people