David Cruz e Silva is a distinguished figure in the venture capital sector, with a 12-year tenure that spans across several pivotal roles including Founder of EUVC and Venture Partner at Isomer Capital. His expertise lies in identifying and fostering early-stage European venture funds, where he has made significant strides as an LP/Investor and an Advisor. His work at the IN+ Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research further accentuates his commitment to technological advancement and policy development.
David’s professional journey began with a strong entrepreneurial foundation, leading business development initiatives for SMEs and startups. This experience paved the way for his deep-seated passion for niche-focused emerging and micro VCs, especially in sectors such as biotech, climate tech, space tech, and more. Notably, David's leadership at eu.vc has positioned it as the leading content company within the European VC industry, a testament to his strategic vision and influence.
A recognized Global Shaper affiliated with the World Economic Forum, David contributes to global dialogues and is instrumental in addressing real-world challenges through initiatives like re-skilling for the future, specifically financial literacy, trade and investment, specifically in technology investing and private markets, and advocating for tech sovereignty in Europe. His dedication to the industry is paralleled by his commitment to education, literacy, and democracy, aligning with the key themes of technology and innovation.
His leadership skills are evident from his pioneering work in creating a hub project on financial literacy within the Lisbon Hub. This project, which started as an illustrated children’s book to teach financial literacy, has not only scaled but also turned into a cross-hub collaboration involving over 50 hubs and has been translated into more than 20 languages, showcasing David's ability to build an international coalition for global impact.
Educationally, David graduated summa cum laude from prestigious universities in Portugal and Belgium, demonstrating his exceptional analytical skills and his specialization in Innovation & Entrepreneurship. He also hold post-graduate education and industry training in the realms of capital makets and venture capital.
David is fluent in English, Portuguese, and French, which complements his international perspective and networking prowess. Outside of his professional sphere, David is known for his podcast, The European VC, and his dedication to philanthropic efforts, including establishing scholarships for underprivileged students—a tribute to his late father’s legacy.