40 Under 40: Venture capitalist David Klein is building business with a purpose
PHOTO / Tim Greenway
David Klein is head of WEX Venture Capital at WEX Inc.
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Significant professional accomplishment: Earlier in my career I was the founder of a startup. It was the first time I raised venture capital for a company that I built. Creating a job for myself was liberating, but creating jobs for other people to join our company was rewarding. It was an honor to have each of them trust us with the next step in their career, and to help them continue to grow.
Going from idea to job creation made me appreciate our economy in a new way. Now, as the head of WEX Venture Capital, I think this experience helps me connect with the founders we support because I know the emotional journey of building a company.
Current state of mind: I’m excited about the opportunity I have through WEX Venture Capital to make a meaningful impact on the energy transition and the future of WEX.
At the same time, every day since Oct. 7, I’ve been thinking about Israel and Jews around the world. I’m heartbroken for the victims, hostages and their families and humbled by the bravery of those who are fighting for Israel’s security.
Passion project: During my 20s I met hundreds of entrepreneurs each year, both through work and a volunteer organization I ran. Now that’s my full-time job, I’ll add something else — I’m a musician. I released an album last year that’s available on most streaming services.
‘Lightbulb’ moment: I used to work at the General Assembly, where I built educational software that was used by people in 60 countries. I met a student of ours who lives in Croatia and was a top performer on our digital marketing assessment. She told me that when she saw her scores, it changed her perception of what she and Croatians could achieve in the digital economy.
That conversation made me appreciate that digital products can inspire people all around the world.
Audacious goal: The WEX Venture Capital team has an opportunity to decarbonize the mobility industry, which accounts for about a quarter of greenhouse gas emissions. WEX’s scale can make a big difference in bringing new technologies to market, so I’m eager to see that through.
We also have an opportunity to solidify Maine’s role as a hub for clean energy technology. Personally, I hope to have a happy family, keep up my annual trip with my college friends, and record a few more albums.
Favorite quote: Viktor Frankl was a Holocaust survivor and psychologist best known for his memoir, “Man’s Search for Meaning.”
Favorite quote: “Don’t aim at success. The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one’s personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one’s surrender to a person other than oneself” — Viktor Frankl
Influential book: “Team of Rivals,” by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Favorite album, podcast: My favorite album is “Alone Together,” by Dave Mason. My favorite podcast is “Call Me Back,” with Dan Senor.
Best way to recharge: I used to say playing music, listening to music, playing soccer, biking, or cross-country skiing, but now I have to admit — hanging out with my daughter is the best.
At age 60: I hope to have a big family, a happy marriage, and to feel like I’m still in the middle of my career — still curious, creative and enthusiastic to make things happen.
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