Dave Levin

Biography

Dave Levin is Co-Founder, Chairman, and Chief Operating Officer of Hala Systems, Inc. Founded in November 2015, Hala develops advanced technology solutions for civilian protection, accountability, and the prevention of violence before, during, and after conflict. Through the development and implementation of innovative technology, Hala aims to reduce harm, increase security, and stabilize communities. For instance, Hala created an early warning system for airstrikes against civilians in Syria that reaches 2.1 million civilians, has saved hundreds of lives, and has prevented thousands of injuries. Sentry Syria, as the system is called, was developed with and for the White Helmets and provides 7-10 minutes of advanced warning, which has been correlated with a mean reduction in casualties of 10-30%.

Prior to Hala, Dave founded Refugee Open Ware, which catalyzed over $30 million of social investment into humanitarian technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. Prior to that, Dave was a Sr. Advisor to the Founder of LeapFrog Investments, where he helped craft the strategy for their successful $400 million raise. He specialized in mobile banking and financial inclusion as a Fulbright Scholar in India, focused on building some of the first mobile payment products for the unbanked in 2009-10. Furthermore, Dave spent four years in the NY office of McKinsey; he left as an Engagement Manager in the Social Sector Office. He was also a strategist and speechwriter in the office of former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. Dave is an Unreasonable Fellow and Yale Global Justice Fellow. He holds an MBA from Wharton, an M.Phil. in Political Thought & Intellectual History from Cambridge University (where he published award-winning research on the philosophy of human rights and global justice), and a BS/BA in Economics and International Studies (summa cum laude) from the Huntsman Program of UPenn/Wharton.