David Kim brings more than two decades of experience providing advice to founders and early stage companies in securing venture capital financing to support high growth, scalable business models.

David advises fund sponsors, family offices and companies in venture capital and other private equity transactions across numerous industries, including fintech, insurance, animal health, transportation and distribution, automotive, medical device, hospitality and manufacturing. He works with companies at all stages – from pre-seed and formation through later stages and pre-IPO. David also often serves in a corporate counsel role for private companies, guiding senior leadership and boards through strategic legal and business decisions.

A former owner and operator of several specialty retail stores and commercial real estate investments, David leverages his business background and experience to deliver practical, insightful advice to companies in the U.S. and abroad. Clients value David’s ability to provide clarity and actionable steps in the management of complex deals and unfamiliar regulatory landscapes. Clients describe working with David as collaborative, practical and results driven.

Areas of Focus

Experience

  • Served as counsel in the $425 million sale of a venture-backed, leading online wholesale marketplace for automobile dealers to a public company.
  • Served as counsel in the $186.2 million sale of a venture-backed, leading Kansas-based broadband internet service provider to a syndicate of middle-market private equity firms.
  • Served as counsel to the venture capital investment arm of a multinational conglomerate in its investment into portfolio companies across various investment themes.
  • Served as counsel to a notable family office in its venture capital investments.
  • Served as counsel to a major wholesale sign and screen print supply company in several of its strategic acquisitions in pursuit of new markets and greater market share.
  • Served as counsel to a private equity sponsor in its platform and add-on acquisitions of commercial roofing contractors specializing in re-roofing and maintenance and repair services.

  • Served as local counsel to affiliates of a global consumer products company in a $285 million tender offer and indenture amendment.
  • Served as counsel to a private equity sponsor in its disposition of a platform for the distribution of agricultural and propane parts and equipment.
  • Served as counsel to a major beer and premium beverage distributor in the acquisition of a competitor to expand regional market share.
  • Served as counsel in the sale of a healthcare billing and collection software company.
  • Served as counsel to a leading provider of restaurant operations software in its sale to a Boston-based private equity firm.
  • Served as counsel to a closely held company in the sale to a publicly held waste management services company.
  • Served as counsel to one of the largest nonprofit medical research enterprises in the world on governance and restructuring matters.
  • Served as counsel to numerous startups and early-stage companies in private offerings of equity and debt securities, enabling growth at various stages and across multiple industries.

Credentials

Education

  • University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Law (J.D.)
  • Harvard University (M.A., East Asian Studies)
  • Cornell University (B.A., Economics)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • Missouri
  • Kansas

Recognitions

  • Selected among The Best Lawyers in America®, 2025
  • Missouri & Kansas Super Lawyers, 2014-2020
    • "Rising Star," 2010-2013

Professional Activities

  • American Bar Association, Business Law Section
  • Asian American Bar Association of Kansas City, Founding Member
  • Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Kansas City, Board Member
  • Cornell Alumni Admissions Ambassador Network
  • Cornell Club of Mid-America
  • Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, Centurions Leadership Program, Class of 2020
  • Harvard Club of Kansas City
  • Kansas City Metropolitan Bar Association (KCMBA)
  • National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA)

Community Involvement

  • ALS Association, Mid-America Chapter, Volunteer
  • Alzheimer's Association, Heart of America Chapter, Volunteer