David Sacks is a prominent South African-American entrepreneur, author, and investor known for his significant contributions to the internet technology sector. He began his career as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company before joining Confinity, which later became PayPal. As the inaugural product leader and later COO of PayPal, Sacks played a crucial role in building key teams and overseeing product management, sales, and marketing. Under his leadership, PayPal went public in 2002 and was subsequently acquired by eBay for $1.5 billion, marking a pivotal moment in his career.

Following his success at PayPal, Sacks founded Yammer, which launched the first Enterprise Social Network, revolutionizing internal corporate communication. Yammer’s rapid growth led to its acquisition by Microsoft for $1.2 billion in 2012. Sacks also produced the acclaimed political satire “Thank You for Smoking,” which garnered two Golden Globe nominations, and developed the biopic “Dalíland,” showcasing his versatility in both technology and film.

In 2017, Sacks co-founded Craft Ventures, a venture capital fund that has raised over $3.3 billion to date, investing in numerous successful startups. His angel investments include notable companies like Facebook, Uber, and SpaceX, reflecting his keen eye for innovation. Additionally, he served as interim CEO of Zenefits, where he successfully navigated a regulatory crisis and revamped the company’s product line.

In December 2024, Sacks was appointed by President Donald Trump as the White House AI and crypto czar, a role aimed at shaping the future of cryptocurrency and technology policy in the U.S. His extensive experience and influential network position him as a key figure in the tech industry, making him a sought-after voice in discussions about innovation and regulation.