David H. Crean, PhD, MBA

David is General Partner of the Neuroimmune Catalyst Fund, an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in transformative companies and technologies for prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

He is an accomplished and influential executive with over 30 years of experience in the life sciences and healthcare sectors. He is recognized as a researcher-turned-dealmaker-turned-venture-capitalist, an evolution that highlights a purposeful path from foundational science to the strategic business of investing in, building, and growing innovative companies.

David’s career is defined by a blend of scientific expertise, business acumen, and financial leadership. He has held significant roles in executive management, corporate development, investment banking, and venture capital, enabling him to drive growth and success across a wide range of entrepreneurial organizations and venture firms.

As a key partner for the Catalyst Fund, David brings a wealth of venture capital and investment experience. His current roles include serving as a Venture Partner at 1004 Venture Partners, a healthcare investment fund targeting $100 million AUM, and as the Founder and Managing Partner of Cardiff Advisory LLC, an M&A advisory firm. His past experience further demonstrates his deep involvement in venture capital, having served as a Venture Partner for VU Venture Partners, LemVega Biotech Capital, and Suncoast Ventures, and as a Limited Partner in Mesa Verde Venture Partners Fund II. Each of these firms has delivered a minimum cash-on-cash return (DPI) of at least three times back to its LPs. Over the course of his career in venture capital, he has also been involved with the exit liquidity events of seven life sciences companies via M&A.

David strategic and financial leadership has produced significant achievements that directly augment the capabilities of the funds and companies he has worked with. He has been instrumental in orchestrating more than 50 corporate and business development transactions, successfully secured millions in capital for advancing clinical initiatives, and played a driving role in the strategic direction and growth of over 100 client companies. His professional background also includes senior leadership positions at prominent companies such as Allergan, Inc. (AbbVie), Aqua Pharmaceuticals (Almirall), and Objective Capital Partners, where he led M&A transactions, capital financing, and strategic advisory.

David holds a Ph.D. in Biophysics and an M.S. in Oncology from the State University of New York Buffalo, along with an MBA in Finance from Pepperdine University. He is a licensed investment banking professional with FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 certifications and serves as a respected board member for several organizations, including the Alzheimer’s Association and BIOCOM California.