Donn Davis is a prominent entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist based in the United States. He is widely recognized for co-founding Revolution LLC, a Washington D.C.-based investment firm that has backed several successful startups, including Zipcar, Sweetgreen, and DraftKings. Davis is also the co-founder and chairman of the Professional Fighters League (PFL), a fast-growing mixed martial arts organization that offers a unique sports format and a $10 million prize pool.
Born in 1969 in Michigan, Davis grew up in a family of entrepreneurs and business leaders. His father, William Davis, was a successful real estate developer and investor, while his mother, Nancy Davis, was a renowned philanthropist and community activist. Davis attended the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor's degree in economics and political science. He later received an MBA from Harvard Business School.
After graduating from Harvard, Davis began his career as an investment banker at Goldman Sachs, where he worked on several high-profile mergers and acquisitions. In 1999, he co-founded Exclusive Resorts, a luxury vacation club that offers members access to private residences and experiences around the world. The company was a huge success and was acquired by AOL Time Warner in 2004.
Following the sale of Exclusive Resorts, Davis teamed up with his college friend Steve Case to launch Revolution LLC. The firm's mission was to invest in companies that were disrupting traditional industries and creating new opportunities for consumers. Revolution quickly became one of the most prominent venture firms in the U.S., with a portfolio of successful startups across various sectors, including e-commerce, healthcare, and gaming.
In 2017, Davis and Case co-founded the Professional Fighters League, a new MMA organization that aimed to revolutionize the sport by introducing a season-based format, a playoff system, and a substantial prize pool. The PFL quickly gained traction among fans and fighters alike, and its inaugural season in 2018 was a huge success. The league has since expanded its reach and signed several high-profile fighters, including former UFC champions Fabricio Werdum and Rory MacDonald.
In addition to his business ventures, Davis is also an active philanthropist and community leader. He serves on the board of several non-profit organizations, including the Aspen Institute, the Children's National Hospital, and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Foundation. He is also a member of the Young Presidents' Organization and the Economic Club of Washington D.C.
Davis has received numerous accolades for his business and philanthropic work over the years. In 2018, he was named one of Washingtonian magazine's "Tech Titans," and in 2020, he was honored with the "Champions of Business" award by the Washington Business Journal. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and visionary leaders in the tech and sports industries today.
Donn Davis is an accomplished entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to various industries and communities over the years. From co-founding Revolution LLC to launching the Professional Fighters League, Davis has demonstrated a unique ability to identify opportunities and create successful ventures that have disrupted traditional models and created new value for consumers. His leadership and vision continue to inspire and shape the future of business and sports in America and beyond.