David Galper

For more than a decade, entrepreneur David Galper has developed, launched, and run a series of innovative technology startups, from online music sharing to revolutionary Web navigation services. A Boston native, Galper graduated from Brookline-based Maimonides School before enrolling at nearby Brandeis University, where he pursued coursework in economics and environmental studies. Following receipt of his BA from Brandeis, Galper embarked on a successful career in management consulting, beginning with a position in the Technology & Innovation Management division at Arthur D. Little (ADL) in Boston. As an analyst with ADL, Galper worked with pioneering startups and multinational corporations alike, helping these companies reach the next stages of growth and find viable markets for new technology products and services. Among these, Galper joined DEKA Research & Development Corporation to build the first markets for the Segway personal transporter. He also spent time as director of business development for noteworthy startup incubator Idealab. Returning to college in the early 2000s, Galper entered the MBA program at the MIT Sloan School of Management and turned his attention toward opportunities in the then-nascent Web 2.0 era. Alongside fellow graduate student and business partner Vincent Han, Galper created a successful online music service targeted toward college students across the U.S. Named Ruckus, the company evolved from a subscription service to a free, advertising-supported sonic library with more than three million licensed music tracks at its disposal. Along the way, Ruckus secured $41.5 million in venture funding, built partnerships with nearly 1,000 colleges and universities, and became one of the premier online music networks, with a substantial user base. Sold in 2008 to Sony BMG and Universal joint venture Total Music, Ruckus ultimately helped define the future of online music distribution in the ensuing years. While Ruckus evolved, Galper nurtured its growth as its vice president of business development and marketing and, later, entrepreneur-in-residence at Battery Ventures, a private equity firm integral to Ruckus’ funding. Today, Galper continues to approach his work with forward-thinking leadership and a spirit of innovation, steering promising tech companies toward sustainable futures. In addition to his own pursuits, Galper helps other young entrepreneurs find pathways to success as a mentor at MassChallenge and the MIT Venture Mentoring Service. A teacher as well, Galper has lectured at Yale, Yeshiva University, Fordham University, and Bentley University, where he taught an undergraduate marketing elective. He keeps up with the latest from the Red Sox, plays hockey, and volunteers as a coach in his kids’ sports leagues whenever possible.