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David Oates
CEO and Founder, Curtsy
David Oates is a multifaceted professional known for his entrepreneurial ventures and leadership roles in the tech industry. He is the former CEO and Co-Founder of Curtsy, a successful fashion resale app that offers a sustainable alternative to fast fashion for Gen Z users. Under his leadership, Curtsy experienced remarkable growth, doubled its business in recent months, and secured a place in the top 20 apps list in the shopping category on the App Store.
David's journey into the tech world began with his academic pursuits, where he studied Computer Science and Philosophy at Northeastern University. This diverse educational background equipped him with a unique perspective that he later applied to his various professional roles. Prior to his work at Curtsy, David held key positions at organizations like Rough Draft Ventures, HubSpot, Mummify, and Husky Startup Challenge, honing his skills in product design, entrepreneurship, and software development.
As a co-founder at Curtsy, David spearheaded a mission to provide a user-friendly platform that connects real people through fashion resale, offering them an opportunity to earn extra income while simplifying their lives and staying away from fast fashion trends. His dedication to sustainability and user experience propelled Curtsy to become a favorite among hundreds of thousands of monthly active users, showcasing strong customer loyalty and continuous growth over the past year.
David's achievements extend beyond Curtsy, as he is a Y Combinator alumnus (S19) with backing from renowned venture capital firms and angel investors, including Index Ventures, CRV, and basketball star Kevin Durant. His leadership style and strategic vision have played a pivotal role in positioning Curtsy as a prominent player in the fashion tech industry and have solidified his reputation as a dynamic entrepreneur with a passion for sustainability and innovative solutions.
In addition to his professional endeavors, David is also an avid podcaster, sharing insights, learnings, and experiences from his entrepreneurial journey on his podcast 'Something Like That.' Through his podcast, he aims to engage with a broader audience, offering valuable lessons and candid discussions on the realities of building and growing a successful startup.
