The Successful Entrepreneur; Striking the Balance Between Investor Advice and Trusting Your Gut

Dave Berkus is acknowledged as one of the most active angel investors in the country, having made and actively participated in 76 technology investments during the past decade, achieving an IRR of 97%. Labeled “Super Angel” by Inc. Magazine, Dave currently manages two angel VC funds (Berkus Technology Ventures, LLC and Kodiak Ventures, L.P.), is a partner in Trenchant Ventures, LLC, and is past Chairman of Tech Coast Angels, one of the largest angel networks in the United States.  He currently serves as chairman of six of his portfolio companies, and was named “Director of the Year, Early Stage Businesses”by Forum for Corporate Directors for his successful directorship and CEO coaching efforts. 

Dave was the founder of Computerized Lodging Systems Inc (CLS), which he guided as CEO for over a decade that included two consecutive years on the Inc.500 list of America's fastest growing companies. For his accomplishments in advancing technology in the hospitality industry, in 1998 he was inducted into the Hospitality (HFTP) "International Hall of Fame", one of only twenty-eight so honored worldwide over the years. 

Dave is author of “Extending the Runway”, and “BERKONOMICS”, books addressing resource and growth issues for early stage businesses, and travels internationally giving keynotes and workshops on trends in technology and building great corporate boards.