David Hook

David Hook is the Managing Director at Baymark Partners, focusing on leveraged recapitalizations and management buyouts for high-growth and middle-market services businesses. Over the last 15 years, David has been crucial in acquiring 60 companies. He has also overseen the firm's investments in over 50 early-stage high-technology firms, many of which have achieved successful IPOs or been sold for more than $165 million each. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, David began his academic journey at Bowling Green State University before transferring to Wittenberg University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He continues to engage with the academic community by guest lecturing to MBA students at Southern Methodist University. David's expertise in business finance has earned him a position on the Southwest Venture Forum Steering Committee, where he advises startups on strategic planning and financial management. He is also an active participant in the DFW Private Equity Forum. This North Texas group fosters collaboration among private equity and venture capital firms, leading to profitable business alliances. Early in his career, David made a significant move to California when Silicon Valley was burgeoning as the hub of the computer industry. During this period, he gained invaluable experience and made early investments while working with Mohr, Davidow Ventures. He later co-founded the first Hook Partners Fund and has been a general partner in seven venture capital partnerships associated with Hook. David's proficiency in leveraged finance—a technique that allows companies to finance substantial acquisitions with minimal capital—has been a cornerstone of his career. Since 1982, as a private equity investor, he has been involved with firms that manage assets totaling approximately $165 million, focusing on public and private investments.