Dave Shah — CEO
Dave Shah is the co-founder and CEO of Wve Labs, a global product and innovation studio recognized for craftsmanship in design, engineering, and AI systems. Under his leadership, Wve Labs has grown from a boutique startup into a multi-market partner for Fortune 500 companies, cultural icons, and visionary brands. Beyond technology, Dave is a founder of CasaDamí, a café, wine, and tapas bar in Newport Beach that blends hospitality with cultural storytelling. He also leads Wve Ventures, a pre-seed investment arm supporting early-stage founders, and is active in real estate and acquisitions across Southern California. A former professional kitesurfer and GoPro Athlete, Dave began his entrepreneurial journey at 14 and went on to launch ventures spanning food delivery, technology, hospitality, and investment. He serves on the Board of the Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation, is a member of the Forbes Technology Council and YEC, and his work has been featured in Entrepreneur and other leading outlets.
Stackforce AI infers this person is a multifaceted entrepreneur with expertise in SaaS, hospitality, and venture capital.
Location: Newport Beach, California, United States
Experience: 15 yrs 11 mos
Skills
- Leadership
- Product Development
- Entrepreneurship
- Venture Capital
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Philanthropy
- Executive Leadership
Career Highlights
- Co-founder of a successful digital product studio.
- Founder of a recognized culinary destination.
- Active investor supporting early-stage technology startups.
Work Experience
CasaDamí
Founding Partner (1 yr 1 mo)
Newport Beach Fire Department Foundation
Board Member (1 yr 6 mos)
Founders Pledge
Pledger (7 yrs 5 mos)
Entrepreneur Media
Contributor (7 yrs 10 mos)
Wve Ventures
Managing Partner & Investor (9 yrs)
The Wall Street Journal
Business Opinion Leader (1 yr 8 mos)
Wve Labs
Co-founder & CEO (10 yrs 4 mos)
Crave On Campus Inc.
Co-Founder & CEO (3 yrs)
Maui Jim
Professional Athlete, Marketing Consultant, & Ambassador (10 yrs 7 mos)
Cabrinha Kiteboarding
Sponsored Athlete, Ambassador, & Team Rider (3 yrs 8 mos)
GoPro
Professional Athlete & Marketing Consultant (13 yrs 6 mos)
DAKINE
Sponsored Athlete, Ambassador, & Team Rider (7 yrs 9 mos)
SPY
Sponsored Athlete / Team Rider (4 yrs 2 mos)
Education
Bachelor of Business Administration - BBA at University of Southern California
at Sage Hill School