David founded Ascent Energy Ventures to execute upon the generational opportunity in energy technology and to support innovative founders solving today’s energy problems. He brings over 15 years of experience deploying investment capital for institutions, private investors, and a single-family office. 

He began his investment career in quantitative finance managing algorithmic execution and systematic investment models for Joe Ritchie at Fox River Financial Resources where he gained firsthand experience with industry-wide automation. After eight years managing as much as $100mm in public market portfolios, David joined an energy focused single-family office where he sourced and conducted due diligence on private investments. 

Throughout his life, David has been involved in numerous segments of the energy industry- starting as a college intern for the Secretary of Energy; then as a portfolio manager of long/short E&P equities and commodity futures; then managing oil & gas investments in working interests and minerals; and most recently as an investor targeting energy technology opportunities. 

In addition to his investment work, David acts as a strategic advisor to multiple entrepreneurs, founders, and private investors as well as a litigation financial expert, where he prepares expert reports including complex calculations of damages and financial malfeasance. 

David has spoken at the University of Colorado on the subject of investments, public market structure, and financial sector automation. He spent seven years as the vice chairman of the advisory board for a $3b financial firm. David holds a BS in Finance from the University of Colorado at Boulder where he delivered the student commencement address and received a leadership award. 

David is a CFA Charterholder, member of the Colorado CFA Society. He is a long-term resident of Denver, Colorado where he lives with his wife Shannon and their young children. Over the years, he has enjoyed global travel and is passionate about skiing and spending time in the mountains.