David Friedman

Galvanizer
DISC Type : Id

Chief Information Officer, Director & Interim CFO at Abstrax Tech, Inc

Highland Park, Illinois, United States

Overview

David Friedman is a corporate development executive with 30 years of experience in venture capital, M&A, and restructuring. As CIO at Abstrax Tech, he leads technology and data strategy in the cannabis research industry. He holds a BA from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and is described by colleagues as sincere and a stand-up guy.

His role as a mentor at Angels @ Illinois Ventures reveals a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs from his alma mater. He is also the co-founder of Fight for Chicago, an organization that helps young people succeed through discipline and a strong support network, stemming from his own background as a competitive wrestler.

David has been involved in the cannabis industry for over a decade, bringing extensive financial and investment expertise to the emerging sector.

Personality Overview

People-Oriented

Socially Adept

Trusting

They will bat for you if they come to believe in you.  They are charming and have the ability to align others behind their decisions. They are more likely to be open to unproven but exciting technologies.

Topics They Care About

AI in Cannabis
As CIO of Abstrax, he frequently discusses leveraging AI for terpene research, product development, and streamlining operations within the cannabis industry.
Venture Investing
His career includes founding and leading Panther Capital and investing in over 50 startups, with a focus on direct investment opportunities in alternative assets.
Supporting Entrepreneurs
Through his mentorship role at Angels @ Illinois Ventures, he actively advises and invests in businesses founded by University of Illinois students and alumni.

Media Appearances

David has no verified media appearances

Work History

3-2020
Chief Information Officer, Director & Interim CFO at Abstrax Tech, Inc
1-2014
Chief Executive Officer at Panther Capital
10-2025
Member at Angels @ Illinois Ventures
6-2021
Chief Financial Officer at Instant Alliance
5-2008
Investor/Limited Partner at OCA Ventures

Education

1984 - 1988
BA from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

More Information

Social Presence :

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Exp : 17 Location : Highland Park, Illinois, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Information Officer, Director & Interim CFO at Abstrax Tech, Inc
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Insights For Selling To David

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Take a friendly, informal yet confident approach while pitching
  • Talk about other customers and how they have derived value from your product
  • Appeal to their sense of self-worth and how they will impact their organization

DONT's

  • Do not look like someone who doesn’t know what they are talking about
  • Do not come across as negative or non-supportive, work with them as a partner
  • Don’t hesitate from asking questions, but take a friendly and warm approach

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with David is

  • Relationship and product conviction matter equally, followed by a sense of achievement.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from David

  • If they are not convinced, they will say no albeit in a friendly manner.


Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will David move?

  • They can make decisions quickly if they develop trust in you and conviction in the product.
  • Can David take some risk or not?

  • They can take risks if necessary.

You And David

Personality Compatibility


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