Professional Role and Affiliations
David Stavis is currently an Investment Partner at Dorm Room Fund, an original student-run venture capital fund focused on backing student and recent alumni entrepreneurs. Dorm Room Fund operates with over $6 billion+ raised in follow-on capital by its portfolio companies and has invested in 300+ student-led startups to date. The fund emphasizes early-stage investing, typically providing checks ranging from $90,000 to $250,000 and positioning itself as a critical resource for founders navigating their first rounds of venture capital.
David’s role involves sourcing, evaluating, and investing in nascent ventures, supported by Dorm Room Fund's extensive network of venture capitalists and alumni operators. Dorm Room Fund's mission includes injecting diverse talent into the startup ecosystem, a strength actively promoted in recent initiatives such as their 2023 Summer Diversity Tracks program.
Beyond Dorm Room Fund, David was previously a Summer Associate at Boston Consulting Group, reflecting experience in strategic consulting with an emphasis on business growth and investing intersections.
Educational Background and Academic Achievements
David is a junior at Baylor University’s Hankamer School of Business, where he studies Finance and Economics. His academic record includes multiple honors and distinctions that suggest high academic performance and entrepreneurial aptitude:
- Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society Member – recognition for exceptional academic achievement in the first year of study.
- Baylor New Venture Competition - Top 50 – ranked among the leading ventures in a prestigious university entrepreneurship competition.
- Dean’s List Honoree reflecting consistent academic excellence.
- National Honor Society and National Society of Collegiate Scholars Member recognizing academic and leadership merits.
Notably, David has experience mentoring entrepreneurship students at the University of Texas, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to fostering emerging talent in startup communities.
Industry and Venture Capital Network
David is integrated deeply within the venture capital and startup communities, evidenced by his role at Dorm Room Fund and by his contributions to the ecosystem:
- He actively participates in investment decision-making and community-building activities for student founders and investors.
- He is engaged in fostering diversity and inclusion within venture capital, contributing to programs designed to expand underrepresented participation in startup investing.
- He maintains a robust LinkedIn presence with over 4,800 followers and a growing professional network exceeding 500 connections.
Testimonials from peers emphasize his entrepreneurial mindset, business acumen, and a genuine commitment to mentorship and community support.
Technical and Language Skills
David holds limited working proficiency in Spanish, which may support communications in diverse founder demographics or international networks. He also has foundational knowledge in business-related quantitative subjects including Business Calculus and Microeconomics.
Early Innovation and Entrepreneurial Experience
David’s early exposure to technology and innovation is highlighted by his work in high school where he collaborated with Dell and Nvidia on developing a mineral-oil submerged supercomputer, which was exhibited at SXSW, indicating a strong technical curiosity and capability in emerging technologies.
Public Communications and Thought Leadership
He has authored and contributed to content on startup funding and venture capital themes, including articles announcing funding milestones for startups like RealQuik via Austin-based venture funds, further underscoring his active role in the startup and investment ecosystem.
David Stavis presents as a highly engaged, academically accomplished, and strategically minded investment professional within Dorm Room Fund's venture capital framework. His background in finance and economics combined with practical investing and mentorship roles position him as a valuable connector and evaluator in early-stage startup investing, particularly within student and emerging founder communities. His work supporting diversity initiatives aligns with Dorm Room Fund’s strategic priorities to foster inclusive and expansive venture ecosystems.
