Partner
San Francisco, CA
David Thompson represents venture-backed startups, emerging growth companies, and public technology companies across the full venture lifecycle—from formation and early-stage financing to enterprise scaling and exit. His practice spans commercial and product counseling, technology transactions, privacy compliance, go-to-market strategy, intellectual property, and legal/sales operations. David regularly supports SAFE financings, priced equity rounds, and investor negotiations, bringing a pragmatic, funder-ready approach to early-stage deals. His clients include companies building in sectors such as generative AI, machine learning, Web3, 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 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, emerging growth companies, and public technology companies across the full venture lifecycle—from formation and early-stage financing to enterprise scaling and exit. His practice spans commercial and product counseling, technology transactions, privacy compliance, go-to-market strategy, intellectual property, and legal/sales operations. David regularly supports SAFE financings, priced equity rounds, and investor negotiations, bringing a pragmatic, funder-ready approach to early-stage deals. His clients include companies building in sectors such as generative AI, machine learning, Web3, 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 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
Supported hundreds of early- and growth-stage companies through venture financings, including SAFE rounds, Series B, and Series D equity raises. Helped emerging tech companies navigate investor diligence, data room preparation, board approvals, corporate governance, and customized investment documents—including side letters, amended SAFEs, pro rata participation mechanics, and institutional compliance filings.
Commercial and Technology Transactions
Directed the negotiation and drafting of SaaS and enterprise software agreements, data processing addendums, cloud infrastructure contracts (AWS, Azure), and key partner agreements. Developed customized templates and playbooks to drive scalability and compliance, including those for two companies that later went public.
Supported complex licensing and go-to-market strategies encompassing two-tier distribution models, direct and indirect reseller agreements, distributor agreements, MSP agreements, technology alliance partner programs (OEM, API), support partner programs, and AWS Marketplace.
Healthtech and Biotech
Represented health and biotech companies, including a Fortune 50 healthcare company and several innovative healthcare startups, on diverse commercial contracts, clinical trial agreements, and joint development projects. Prepared a custom template for the Fortune 50’s GTM initiative focused on collaborative algorithm development.
Emerging Technology and Crypto
Advised on integration agreements, regulatory guidance, and infrastructure partnerships for blockchain and cryptocurrency companies, including a developer of custodial wallet solutions and a Web3 infrastructure company. Drafted agreements with cryptocurrency-based payment structures for platforms focused on digital art and social media influencing.
Corporate Governance and Compliance
Guided companies through U.S. and international compliance, covering HIPAA, CCPA, and GDPR. Developed privacy playbooks for tech and healthcare clients, and provided comprehensive risk mitigation strategies, corporate policies, and compliance training.
Government Contracts and Public Sector Engagements
Negotiated a NASPO Cloud contract vehicle with Carahsoft for SentinelOne, secured contracts with the New York Office of Government Services (OGS) for both Forescout and SentinelOne, and negotiated custom flowdown agreements with federal government customers for the sale of software up to $100M.
At Practus, we handle complex and challenging legal matters. I look forward to talking to you about how we can best meet your goals.
CONTACT ME
