About Dave

David Young is a co-founder of Cooley’s Santa Monica office and represents emerging growth companies at all stages, as well as the venture capital firms, strategic investors and investment banks that finance these companies. In addition to providing strategic counseling, his practice encompasses venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, equity compensation matters, strategic counseling, complex corporate partnering transactions and corporate governance. He represents both public and private companies, primarily in the digital media, software, technology, cleantech, life sciences, consumer products and media and entertainment sectors, and also frequently represents venture capital firms and other investors in financings.

Passions

Family

Sports

Deal-making

Strategy

I operate at the intersection of innovation, technology and the law, serving as a strategic advisor to emerging growth companies of all stages.

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Experience

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Admissions and credentials

  • California

Rankings and accolades

The Legal 500 US: Venture Capital and Emerging Companies (2024 – 2025)

Chambers USA: Startups & Emerging Companies – Nationwide (2016 – 2025)

Chambers USA: Venture Capital – California (2021 –2025)

Chambers USA: Venture Capital – California: Southern (2021 – 2023)

Los Angeles Business Journal: Top M&A Dealmakers (2011)

Los Angeles Business Journal: Most Influential Lawyers: Digital Media and E-Commerce Law (2014)

Re/Code: Power Player of LA Tech (2014)

Daily Journal: Top Emerging Companies Lawyers (2014)

Representative Clients

  • Dollar Shave Club
  • GumGum
  • Atom Tickets
  • Velocify
  • Upfront Ventures

David Young is a rising force in the Southern California market and a powerhouse who is really tied in to the digital economy." "He is a phenomenal lawyer.

In rankings of the top 30 emerging companies lawyers nationally, Chambers and Partners.

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