Dave Saxena

Dave Saxena is Executive Chairman of SMSC, a family of companies driven by a shared set of principles, values and business philosophies. SMSC provides strategic direction, operational support, and long-term capital to its companies through flexible and mutually beneficial partnership arrangements. The firm operates in a diverse group of global industries that includes healthcare, infrastructure, financials, natural resources, entertainment and consumer goods.  

Dave began his career as a New York based investment banker where he specialized in M&A advisory for 15 years. During that period, he served in a variety of roles at UBS, Berenson & Company and most recently as a Managing Director in the Infrastructure Group at TPH & Co.

After leaving investment banking, Dave sought to blend his deal-making experience with his desire to be an entrepreneur.  Over the last decade, Dave has served as Chief Financial Officer of several companies, including Alerian and Hammond Beverage Group, both of which he led prior to successful sales. Subsequently, he co-founded Emles, a diversified investment firm that includes its affiliates, Emles Venture Partners and Emles Bioventures.  Dave, alongside his trusted co-founders, founded SMSC with the mission to partner exclusively with companies and people who represent the best practices, principles and character of the most successful enterprises encountered in his 25 year career. 

Dave and his wife Stacy recently formed SFF, a locally focused charitable giving fund focused on education, the Arts, community services and emergency response, specifically in Southern California.  Dave also serves as a Board Member of Pratham USA, a charity committed to universal literacy for all children in India, and as a Board Member and Treasurer of the Yleana Arce Foundation. 

Dave graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering.  He currently lives in Encinitas, California with his wife, two children and Teddy the terrier.