Partner
San Francisco, CA
David Thompson represents venture-backed startups and public technology companies in commercial matters, including software licensing, tech transactions, privacy compliance, channel programs, intellectual property, and legal/sales operations. His practice includes product counseling and advising on cutting-edge legal issues related to emerging technologies such as generative AI, machine learning, Web 3, blockchain, digital assets, biotechnology, Internet of Things, renewable energy, robotics and cybersecurity.
David’s legal career includes leadership roles at high-profile companies like Forescout Technologies and SentinelOne—both cybersecurity leaders that went public during his tenure. Most recently, David has managed critical cloud and SaaS negotiations, along with go-to-market initiatives for Johnson & Johnson, one of his first private clients. Over his career, David has also led practice groups focused on global commercial markets and government sectors, encompassing state, local, and education (SLED) markets, healthcare, and federal civilian and defense agencies.
In his free time, David plays tenor saxophone for Kava Jah & the Remedy, a reggae band that originated as a Covid recording project. The band has toured California, opening for reggae legends such as Steel Pulse, Sammy Johnson, Israel Vibration, Black Uhuru, and The Itals. David also performs in Bagunça, a Brazilian cover band whose name fittingly translates to “messy” in Portuguese. David resides in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife and two boys.
“Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way.”
Les Misérables, by Victor Hugo
Poltergeist
Chamonix for skiing, Oahu for surfing
Carnitas burrito with tomatillo salsa
If I didn’t work for a law firm, I’d travel the world as a musician.
David Thompson represents venture-backed startups and public technology companies in commercial matters, including software licensing, tech transactions, privacy compliance, channel programs, intellectual property, and legal/sales operations. His practice includes product counseling and advising on cutting-edge legal issues related to emerging technologies such as generative AI, machine learning, Web 3, blockchain, digital assets, biotechnology, Internet of Things, renewable energy, robotics and cybersecurity.
David’s legal career includes leadership roles at high-profile companies like Forescout Technologies and SentinelOne—both cybersecurity leaders that went public during his tenure. Most recently, David has managed critical cloud and SaaS negotiations, along with go-to-market initiatives for Johnson & Johnson, one of his first private clients. Over his career, David has also led practice groups focused on global commercial markets and government sectors, encompassing state, local, and education (SLED) markets, healthcare, and federal civilian and defense agencies.
In his free time, David plays tenor saxophone for Kava Jah & the Remedy, a reggae band that originated as a Covid recording project. The band has toured California, opening for reggae legends such as Steel Pulse, Sammy Johnson, Israel Vibration, Black Uhuru, and The Itals. David also performs in Bagunça, a Brazilian cover band whose name fittingly translates to “messy” in Portuguese. David resides in Santa Cruz, California, with his wife and two boys.
David Thompson has decades of experience providing legal services to venture backed startups and public technology companies, covering a wide range of specialties, including:
Commercial and Technology Transactions
Healthtech and Biotech
Emerging Technology and Crypto
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Government Contracts and Public Sector Engagements
At Practus, we handle complex and challenging legal matters. I look forward to talking to you about how we can best meet your goals.
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