Dave Payne

Dave Payne is a serial entrepreneur and venture builder with a deep focus on consumer and hyper-local businesses. He co-founded successful ventures like Scoutmob and Switchyards, and continues to innovate with Neighborhood Studios, a venture studio dedicated to launching hyper-local startups. His approach emphasizes understanding customer needs and de-risking ideas before full-scale implementation, reflecting a seasoned perspective on startup development. substack+1

Payne has a significant background in the Techstars ecosystem, serving as a mentor, Entrepreneur In Residence, and as the Managing Director for Techstars Atlanta. In this role, he was instrumental in fostering the Atlanta startup scene, guiding 60 companies, and emphasizing the importance of dedicated and resilient founders. He consistently works to support the growth of new ventures, both his own and those of others. techstars+1

Beyond his direct entrepreneurial roles, Payne is an active advisor and investor in numerous startups, demonstrating a commitment to nurturing the broader startup community. He advises companies across various sectors, ranging from online marketplaces to media, and has served on the board of the Venture Atlanta Conference, further cementing his influence in the Atlanta tech landscape. theorg