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IA Alumni—Where are They Now? Featuring David Nassau
By Morgan Witt
David Nassau’s journey through the UF Innovation Academy (IA) was a testament to the transformative power of innovation and entrepreneurship. As part of the Class of 2016, David pursued a degree in Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. His time at IA provided him with a unique and exciting experience that propelled him into a dynamic and impactful career.
Reflecting on his IA experience, David described it as the highlight of his time at UF. “The Innovation Academy program was the reason why my time at UF was so exciting and unique,” he recalled. Immersed in a small cohort with curriculum focused on pioneering multidisciplinary industries, David found himself among high-achieving peers who shared his enthusiasm for learning and experimenting with the latest technologies.
David’s involvement in IA extended beyond the classroom. He seized opportunities like the IA Internship program and living on campus in the Living Learning Community, where he was both a resident and a resident assistant. “My internship with the Cade Museum was incredible,” he shared. “My team and I created and taught an entrepreneurship curriculum for Youth in Gainesville that culminated in a pitch competition judged by local entrepreneurs in town.” This experience not only enriched his education but also paved the way for future opportunities.
Currently residing in San Francisco, California, David has built a successful career in marketing, particularly in the tech industry. “I spent 7 years marketing video games on the latest Intel PC Hardware, launching 7 generations of Intel Core CPU products and the first-generation Intel Arc Graphics GPUs, owning the Software Marketing for the product,” he said. He has since transitioned to Head of Marketing/Director of Marketing at a RP1, a startup which is pioneering the Spatial Internet, an all-in-one metaverse capable of connecting billions of people in a single immersive ecosystem. Check out this article by David to learn more!
David credits IA for preparing him for the practical challenges he encountered in his career. “The Innovation Academy prepared me for real-world challenges through empowering me to network and push me to learn about new trends,” he explained. The program exposed him to various technologies and businesses, both in and out of the classroom, and provided opportunities to network extensively in the Gainesville entrepreneurial community.
Beyond his undergraduate years, David continued to foster a spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship. He expanded his nonprofit, Hopping 4 A Cure, to a national 501c3 organization with chapters across seven states. Additionally, he delved into real estate investing and started a YouTube show and podcast about personal finance, aiming to inspire others to make smart financial decisions.
David’s advice to current and prospective IA students is to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their passions with determination. “Embrace your uniqueness and keep doing big things!” he encouraged. By prioritizing learning, networking and hands-on experience, IA students can prepare themselves for success in their careers and beyond, just as David has done.