Early Life and Education
David O. Sacks was born on May 25, 1972, in Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa. He grew up in a family that valued education and hard work, which laid the foundation for his future success. Sacks attended Memphis University School before moving to the United States to pursue higher education.
He earned his bachelor’s degree from Stanford University, where he studied computer science. After graduating from Stanford, Sacks continued his education at the University of Chicago Law School, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree. He also attended the University of Chicago, where he studied philosophy.
Early Career
After completing his education, Sacks began his career in the tech industry, working for companies like Microsoft and PayPal. His time at PayPal was particularly influential, as he worked closely with Elon Musk and Peter Thiel, two of the most successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley.
During his time at PayPal, Sacks gained valuable experience in product management and business development, which would serve him well in his future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Entrepreneurial Ventures
In 2003, Sacks co-founded Geni.com, a genealogy website that allowed users to create family trees and connect with relatives. The site quickly gained popularity and attracted millions of users worldwide. Geni.com was acquired by MyHeritage in 2012.
After the success of Geni.com, Sacks went on to co-found Yammer in 2008. Yammer was a social networking platform for businesses that allowed employees to communicate and collaborate in a secure online environment. The platform was a hit with companies of all sizes and was acquired by Microsoft in 2012 for $1.2 billion.
Luxury Real Estate
In addition to his tech ventures, Sacks has also made a name for himself in the luxury real estate market. He has invested in properties in some of the most exclusive neighborhoods in California, including Los Angeles and Silicon Valley.
Sacks’ eye for design and attention to detail have earned him a reputation as a savvy real estate investor, with many of his properties fetching top dollar on the market.
Investing and Advisory Work
Outside of his own ventures, Sacks is also an active investor and advisor to several startups in Silicon Valley. He has a keen eye for promising technology companies and has helped guide many early-stage startups to success.
Sacks’ investment portfolio includes companies like Palantir Technologies, SpaceX, and Airbnb, among others. His expertise in product management and business development make him a valuable asset to any startup looking to grow and scale.
Personal Life
Sacks is married to Jacqueline Tortorice, with whom he has three children. Despite his busy schedule as an entrepreneur and investor, Sacks prioritizes spending time with his family and enjoys traveling with them to exotic destinations around the world.
In his free time, Sacks is an avid collector of rare books and art, with a particular interest in historical artifacts from ancient civilizations. He is also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting various causes related to education and technology.
Philanthropy
Throughout his career, Sacks has been committed to giving back to the community and supporting causes that are important to him. He has donated generously to organizations that promote education and technology access for underserved communities.
Sacks is also involved in mentoring young entrepreneurs and students who are interested in pursuing careers in technology. He believes that giving back is an essential part of being successful and strives to make a positive impact on the world through his philanthropic efforts.
