About Dave Fowler
I like thinking about problems and implementing solutions, ideally with other great people. I've started a lab WhatIfWeBuilt Labs to focus on doing just that.
Entrepreneurship & Innovation
I am an entrepreneur and have founded a number of companies, most notably Chartio where I focused on creating tools to enable anyone in a business (not just the data teams) to explore and understand their data. I think the mass literacy hurdles we've tackled in the past with reading and computer literacy had enormous impacts on human intelligence and I believe that data literacy is that next opportunity.
I wrote a book with my co-author Matt David on modern data best practices entitled The Informed Company. I also write for The Data School, where we aim to increase data literacy and help data experts establish, collaborate and educate on best practices.
Background & Achievements
After college, and before the startups, I worked at IBM on the Xbox360 processor where I led the development of 10 patents. I've founded 2 other companies and am an Alumni of the University of Minnesota, Gustavus Adolphus and Y Combinator.
I was listed in Forbes' 30 under 30 in Technology for 2011 and 2012, and was the primary inventor on 11 patents during my time at IBM.
Current Focus
I learn best when I write about what I learn, which is why I share the Things I Learn. I've had the opportunity to work with and invest in some incredible people and companies.
Connect With Me
You can find me on: