David Altounian

Initiator
DISC Type : Di

Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Salve Regina University

Newport, Rhode Island, United States

Overview

David Altounian is a former technology CEO and founder with over 35 years of experience bridging tech, leadership, and higher education. Now an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Salve Regina University, he serves on the boards of RIHub and Challenger Center, focusing on strategy, governance, and transformation. He holds an MBA from Kellogg and a Ph. D.

He has a passion for fostering innovation ecosystems, having recently led a Rhode Island delegation to SXSW in Austin to build connections for local startups. His interest extends to community building, enjoying local experiences like Texas BBQ during his travels.

Unique fact: He holds patents for a method of creating data tags from physical items and for a device for wireless communication selection.

Personality Overview

Conviction Driven

Impact-Oriented

Friendly Challenger

They measure a product on its merit but can be influenced by strong testimonials.  They usually prefer to drive the conversation. They respond well to objective pitches but also attach some value to relationships.

Topics They Care About

Entrepreneurship Education
As an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and author of a book on marketing for startups, he is deeply invested in teaching and mentoring new entrepreneurs.
Startup Ecosystems
He is a board member at RIHub, dedicated to helping Rhode Island startups, and actively works to build bridges between innovation hubs like Austin and RI.
AI in Business
His current teaching focus includes artificial intelligence in business, and he holds AI-related certifications, signaling a strong interest in its practical application.

Media Appearances

RIHub Appoints Salve Regina University's David Altounian to Board of Directors. Featured in RIHub

See Now

Work History

1-2026
Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Salve Regina University
8-2025
Board Member at Challenger Center
4-2025
Senior Pracademic Fellow at InvolvedTalent
1-2023
Board Member at RIHub
2-2022 - 6-2025
Advisory Board Member at Wilbur O. and Ann Powers College of Business at Clemson University

Education

2012 - 2014
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) from Oklahoma State University
2005 - 2007
MBA from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 41 Location : Newport, Rhode Island, United States Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship at Salve Regina University
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Insights For Selling To David

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Keep your pitch focused on the impact but insert some anecdotes into it
  • Focus on the big picture and the strategic value of your product
  • Get them to a point where they are ready to bat for your product internally

DONT's

  • Don’t keep repeating the same information, it could make them impatient
  • Don’t be too verbose or overly friendly; a little bit, however, is fine
  • Avoid focusing only on the product or its ROI, keep building trust subtly

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with David is

  • Product value plays a big role, followed by relationship and a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from David

  • If they do not firmly believe in you, they will refuse without hesitation.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will David move?

  • They can take fast decisions if they develop conviction in the product and find you trustworthy.
  • Can David take some risk or not?

  • They have the capability of taking risky decisions if necessary.

You And David

Personality Compatibility


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