Deven Parekh has been a prominent figure in the world of venture capital for over two decades. He has a strong track record of investing in successful companies.
Parekh's journey in venture capital began in the early 2000s, when he joined Insight Venture Partners. He was part of the team that invested in several notable companies, including K12 and Everyday Health.
Parekh's expertise in venture capital has taken him beyond the traditional boundaries of the industry, allowing him to make a significant impact in various sectors.
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Early Life and Career
Deven Parekh was raised in Livingston, New Jersey.
He graduated from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1991 with a B.S. in Economics.
Parekh's early life laid the foundation for his future accomplishments, and his education from a prestigious institution like Wharton likely provided him with valuable skills and knowledge.
Professional Experience
Deven Parekh has held various positions throughout his career, and I'd like to highlight a few of them. He is a Director/Board Member at DILIGENT CORP.
As of 2021, Deven Parekh also became a Director/Board Member at WEWORK INC., a position he still holds. His involvement with the company started on September 30, 2021.
Deven Parekh is also a Director/Board Member at CORELOGIC, INC., although the exact start date is not specified.
One notable position Deven Parekh has held is that of Private Equity Investor at Insight Venture Management LLC, which he started on December 31, 1999.
Here are some of the companies Deven Parekh has been involved with as a Director/Board Member:
Private Sector and Philanthropy
Deven Parekh has a long history in the private sector, starting his career at The Blackstone Group and Berenson Minella & Company before joining Insight Partners in 2000.
Parekh's investments are quite impressive, including Twitter, Alibaba, Calm, and Saks.com. He also serves as board chair for Appriss and on the board of directors for companies like Fanatics, Within3, 1stdibs, Checkout.com, and WeWork.
As of June 2022, Parekh's board memberships include Fanatics, Within3, 1stdibs, Checkout.com, and WeWork, in addition to his role as board chair for Appriss.
In 2021, Parekh and his wife Monika made a significant philanthropic donation of $10 million to found the Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology at NYU Langone.
Private Sector
Parekh has had a successful career in the private sector, starting at The Blackstone Group and Berenson Minella & Company before joining Insight Partners in 2000.
He made significant investments in notable companies like Twitter, Alibaba, Calm, and Saks.com.
Parekh currently serves as board chair for Appriss and is on the board of directors for companies including Fanatics, Within3, 1stdibs, Checkout.com, and WeWork.
Here are some notable companies where Parekh has held board positions:
- Fanatics
- Within3
- 1stdibs
- Checkout.com
- WeWork
Parekh was recognized as a top venture capitalist on the Forbes Midas List from 2014 through 2018.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy plays a vital role in advancing medical research and treatments for various diseases.
Parekh and his wife Monika donated $10 million to found the Parekh Center for Interdisciplinary Neurology at NYU Langone in 2021. This center focuses on research into treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Board Membership and Affiliations
Deven Parekh has had a distinguished career in board memberships and affiliations. He served on the advisory board of the U.S. Export-Import Bank from 2010-2012.
Parekh was also a member of the Technical Advisory Council of the Federal Communications Commission from 2011-2018. This experience likely gave him valuable insights into the regulatory landscape of the tech industry.
In 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Parekh to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation board, which he served on until 2018. Parekh was later nominated by President Donald Trump to the board of directors of the US International Development Finance Corporation in 2020.
The US Export-Import Bank plays a crucial role in supporting American businesses in exporting goods and services. Parekh's involvement with the Bank demonstrates his commitment to promoting economic growth and development.
Parekh's expertise in the tech industry is also reflected in his role as a member of Connexus' Board of Directors. Connexus provides a unique platform for advertisers to connect with their target customers.
Deven Parekh is also a Director on the Board of Hayneedle, a web-based shopping enterprise. Hayneedle features lifestyle and home products, and Parekh's involvement likely brings valuable insights into the e-commerce space.
As a Partner and Managing Director at Insight Venture Partners, Parekh has access to a vast network of innovative companies. His focus on software and Internet-enabled enterprises has helped drive growth and success in this space.
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