David Oates

Real talk, let me break down David Oates, dude’s a straight-up startup grinder. He jumped into the game back in YC S16, which is already a badge of honor, right? The guy’s been around the block with some serious names, HubSpot, Mummify, and he’s got his own thing, Oates Web Design. But what really kicks it off is his latest gig as the CEO and co-founder of Curtsy.

Curtsy? It’s this Gen Z-focused women’s apparel rental and resale app that totally crushed it. They did $25M in annual GMV with just a tiny team of 6. No bullshit, that’s nuts. They got into Y Combinator, raised big bucks, and basically proved that you don’t need a huge squad to shake up a crowded market. That says a lot about David’s vision and hustle, he’s not just riding trends, he’s building real stuff that hits a nerve with the new generation.

Before that, he cut his teeth at HubSpot, which is like the gold standard for marketing and sales software. So he’s got that SaaS background, understands how to grow tech companies, and how to scale smart. But what’s clear is that David’s all about jumping into new ideas, taking risks, and making shit happen. From his startup roots to leading Curtsy to big wins, it’s obvious he’s driven by a love for innovation and a desire to build something that really matters.

He’s based in SF, but his process screams that he’s all about that startup grind, over a decade of leadership, chasing big dreams, and getting his hands dirty. Plus, he’s been involved with things like Rough Draft Ventures and Husky Startup Challenge, proving he’s not just about his own success; he’s all in to help others level up.

Bottom line? David Oates is that guy who’s been in the trenches, learned the game, and now he’s crushing it with Curtsy. He’s proof that with the right vision, a lean team, and mad hustle, you can totally change the game. No Cap, he’s the real deal, and he’s just getting started.