AI & Crypto Policy and Technology Leadership by David Sacks

David Sacks is a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, investor, and technology executive who became a founding member of the “PayPal Mafia” during his tenure as COO at PayPal. Sacks later founded and served as CEO of Yammer, which was acquired by Microsoft for $1.2 billion, and co-founded the venture capital firm Craft Ventures. In early 2025, Sacks was appointed by President Donald Trump as the White House’s AI and Crypto Czar, a position overseeing federal strategy for artificial intelligence and digital assets. In this role, Sacks hosted the first official U.S. government press conference on cryptocurrency, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to innovation-friendly policy.

David Sacks was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and grew up in Tennessee before graduating from Stanford University and the University of Chicago Law School. Beyond his operational leadership in tech companies, Sacks has been an active angel investor in major startups including Airbnb, Facebook, and Uber. Known for his strategic thinking and outspoken views on technology regulation, Sacks has become a high-profile bridge between Silicon Valley innovation and Washington policymaking. His dual expertise in building technology platforms and shaping public policy makes Sacks a pivotal figure in defining the U.S. approach to blockchain and AI.