David Carter

Vice President, Head of Engineering Excellence

Professional Overview
David Carter is an accomplished technology executive with over 15 years of experience driving innovation and optimizing engineering practices. As the Vice President and Head of Engineering Excellence at Sapphire Ventures, he is responsible for spearheading the firm's initiatives to elevate engineering capabilities across its portfolio companies.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the Vice President and Head of Engineering Excellence at Sapphire Ventures, David oversees the company's engineering center of excellence, which works closely with portfolio organizations to enhance their software development processes, team performance, and technological competitiveness. He has been instrumental in implementing best-in-class engineering practices, streamlining workflows, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and excellence.

Career Progression
Prior to his current role, David held various leadership positions at Sapphire Ventures, including Vice President and Senior Director, where he played a pivotal role in shaping the firm's engineering strategy and supporting its portfolio companies. Before joining Sapphire, he served as the Executive Director of Corporate Strategy at JPMorgan Chase & Co., where he spearheaded several high-impact initiatives that drove operational efficiency and technological advancements. David's early career included roles as a Network Automation Engineer, ERP Developer, and Research Analyst, giving him a well-rounded understanding of the technology landscape.

Academic Background
David holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated cum laude. His strong academic foundation has been a cornerstone of his professional success, enabling him to stay at the forefront of industry trends and drive continuous learning within his teams.

Areas of Expertise

• Software engineering and development lifecycle optimization

• Technology strategy and portfolio management

• Organizational transformation and change management

• Data-driven decision making and performance analytics

• Collaborative leadership and cross-functional team building

Professional Impact
Throughout his career, David has been recognized for his ability to drive measurable improvements in engineering efficiency and effectiveness. At JPMorgan Chase, he led the implementation of a next-generation network automation platform that increased system uptime by 15% and reduced operational costs by 20%. At Sapphire Ventures, he has overseen the development of a comprehensive engineering excellence framework that has been adopted by multiple portfolio companies, enabling them to enhance their competitiveness and achieve superior growth.

Conclusion
With his deep technical expertise, strategic vision, and proven track record of success, David Carter is a respected leader in the technology industry. As the Vice President and Head of Engineering Excellence at Sapphire Ventures, he is poised to continue driving transformative change and fostering engineering excellence across the firm's portfolio, cementing his reputation as a driving force for innovation and operational excellence.