Dr. Ekta Dang is a highly accomplished and influential figure in the world of venture capital and technology. As the Founder and CEO of U First Capital, she has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a remarkable ability to drive successful investments. Prior to founding U First Capital, Dr. Dang played a key role in venture capital investments at Intel, contributing to the company’s strategic initiatives.
With an impressive track record, Dr. Dang has achieved at least one exit every year, showcasing her astute investment decisions and deep understanding of the market. Some notable exits include Pensando (acquired by AMD in 2022), Nextdoor (IPO 2021), Palantir (IPO 2020), Orb Intelligence (acquired by Dun and Bradstreet in 2020), Pinterest (IPO 2019), and Docusign (IPO 2018). Her investments have spanned category-leading companies like SpaceX, Uniphore, Pensando, and DevRev, cementing her reputation as a discerning investor in groundbreaking ventures.
In addition to her role as a successful investor, Dr. Dang actively contributes to the technology and venture capital ecosystem. She is a member of Congressman Ro Khanna’s Leadership Circle, providing valuable insights and guidance on technology policy. She serves as an advisor to the Chancellor of the University of California San Diego and has been involved in the Science Translation and Innovative Research (STAIR) Grant Committee at the University of California Davis. Furthermore, she lends her expertise as an advisor to Israel’s Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Dr. Dang’s thought leadership extends to her role as a contributing writer for Venture Beat, where she shares her insights and perspectives on the industry.
With over two decades of experience in Silicon Valley, Dr. Dang has made significant contributions as a venture capital investor, corporate executive, speaker, and writer. Her tenure at Intel provided her with a unique blend of venture capital and operational expertise, enabling her to bring valuable insights and a robust network to the startups she supports. She has served as a mentor at esteemed institutions such as Alchemist Accelerator, Stanford University, UC Berkeley, and Google Launchpad, nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs. Dr. Dang is frequently invited to speak at top venture capital and startup conferences, including TiECon and Silicon Valley Open Doors, where she shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences. Additionally, she has co-chaired TiECon’s entrepreneurship track, further solidifying her role as a respected industry leader.
Dr. Dang holds a Ph.D. in Physics with a specialization in Electronics, and her research has been published in esteemed international journals like IEEE. She has further honed her expertise by attending the UC Berkeley Haas School’s Venture Capital Executive Program, equipping her with a comprehensive understanding of the financial and strategic aspects of the industry. Her academic background, coupled with her practical experience, has positioned her as a highly regarded authority in the venture capital landscape.