David W. Pidwell, BSEE ’69, MS ’70, received his bachelor’s of science degree in electrical engineering from Ohio University in 1969 and his master’s degree in industrial and systems engineering in 1970. He also completed studies at Stanford University toward a doctorate in engineering economic systems.
A partner with Silicon Valley venture capital firm Alloy Ventures since 1996, Pidwell’s investment activities are concentrated in the computer software industry, primarily with companies that address enterprise information management, the Internet, or software-as-a-service (SaaS, cloud computing) related fields.
Prior to joining Alloy Ventures, Pidwell was CEO of Rasna Corp., a mechanical design automation software company he founded in 1986. The firm was acquired by Parametric Technology Corp. in 1995.
He was also president and general manager of the Mil-Spec computer division of Rolm Corp., having been with the company for fourteen years from the time of its start-up. IBM acquired the company in 1985 with more than 2,500 employees and $1.2 billion in annual revenue.
A faculty member or lecturer with the Stanford University Graduate School of Business since 1999, Pidwell currently serves as a member of the board of directors of Informatica Corp. as well as three privately held corporations. He is also a trustee of the Ohio University Foundation and a member of the university’s Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ College of Engineering and Technology board of visitors.