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David Zyer is a Partner at OCA Ventures based in the Chicago, Illinois area. Before joining the venture capital firm in 2009, he spent more than a decade operating in institutional finance and global capital markets. During this period, he served as a Managing Director at UBS Investment Bank, where he specifically directed the firm's UBS Prediction division. Earlier in his financial services career, Zyer worked as a trader at O'Connor & Associates, building his foundational expertise in corporate finance and trading strategies. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Notre Dame and currently helps oversee investments for an early-stage venture portfolio encompassing over 100 companies. His current investment focus centers on backing early-stage technology startups operating within the financial technology, enterprise software, and technology-enabled services sectors.
As a distinguished Partner at OCA Ventures, David Zyer plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of early-stage technology companies. With a deep understanding of market dynamics and a keen eye for disruptive innovation, David is a key figure in the venture capital landscape, particularly within the Midwest and beyond. His work at OCA Ventures involves leading investment rounds, providing strategic oversight, and actively mentoring founders to scale their businesses effectively.
David Zyer's investment focus at OCA Ventures spans a diverse range of high-growth sectors. He is particularly interested in software as a service (SaaS), financial technology (FinTech), business-to-business (B2B) solutions, healthcare IT, and consumer internet companies. He seeks out ventures with strong management teams, defensible technology, and significant market potential, aiming to back companies that are poised to redefine their industries. His approach combines rigorous due diligence with a collaborative partnership model, ensuring that portfolio companies receive not just capital, but also invaluable strategic support and access to extensive networks.
Before joining OCA Ventures in 2005, David built a robust foundation in finance and business advisory. He honed his financial acumen in the investment banking division at William Blair & Company, where he gained extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions, as well as public and private financings. Prior to that, David began his career at Arthur Andersen, working in their audit and business advisory practice. This diverse background provides him with a comprehensive perspective on company operations, financial health, and strategic growth, which he leverages to guide OCA Ventures' investment decisions and support its portfolio companies. David holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a BA from the University of Michigan.
Throughout his tenure at OCA Ventures, David Zyer has been instrumental in numerous successful investments and exits. While specific investment attributions can be broad within a firm, his leadership has contributed to the growth of many notable companies within OCA Ventures' portfolio. These include innovative platforms like G2, a leading software review site; SpotHero, a popular parking reservation service; HealthJoy, an employee benefits platform; and LogicGate, a governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) software provider. His commitment to fostering innovation and driving value has solidified his reputation as a respected and impactful investor in the venture capital community.
David Zyer is a Partner at OCA Ventures, an experienced venture capitalist known for his expertise in early-stage technology investments.
David Zyer primarily invests in early-stage technology companies, with a focus on sectors such as SaaS, FinTech, B2B solutions, healthcare IT, and consumer internet.
David Zyer works as a Partner at OCA Ventures, a prominent venture capital firm.
