Driving Alpha
From law to venture: David Hornik’s path to investment success
Feb 26, 2025
David Hornik, founding partner at Lobby Capital, brings over 25 years of venture capital experience to the table. He discusses his surprising transition from law to VC and the serendipity behind early successes, including Splunk’s massive acquisition. David emphasizes the art of networking through his Lobby Conference, cultivating meaningful connections. He reflects on his biggest wins and missed opportunities—like Facebook and Uber—while revealing how psychological insights and emotional intelligence play vital roles in assessing startup founders.
28:22
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Quick takeaways
- David Hornik’s transition from law to venture capital highlights the significance of embracing passion and strategic networking in achieving success.
- The role of emotional intelligence in venture capital is crucial, as it aids in understanding founders and fostering impactful relationships.
Deep dives
Transitioning from Law to Venture Capital
David Hornick shares his journey from being a lawyer to a venture capitalist, highlighting a pivotal moment when his wife questioned his happiness in his legal career. Initially aiming to be a public defender, his trajectory changed during his clerkship in New York and subsequent work at a prominent law firm. While representing startups in Silicon Valley, he discovered a passion for the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative problem-solving that characterized the tech industry. This realization led him to venture capital, where he leveraged his legal background while embracing the opportunities to actively contribute to the growth of startups.
