David H Buckley

David H Buckley is a startup investor at Stage 1 Ventures. Mr. Buckley is an experienced operator and investor with a strong knowledge of the graphic arts industry, niche equipment manufacturing and distress / turnaround management. An entrepreneur with a strong balance sheet driven style, he is also a savvy private equity investor and well connected in both Europe and the US.Educated in the UK,Ireland and the USA, David has had over 25 years of experience around the world in both the private and public sectors of industry.David began his career in Dublin, Ireland with the Jefferson Smurfit Group plc – the world’s largest paper based packaging group. During his 12 year tenure, he worked in all segments of the industry ranging from corrugated containers and folding cartons to point of sale display. Beginning as a PA to a senior company executive, he worked his way up to become General Manager – Smurfit Display. During this time, David was also a co-founder and director of UK based; Qualtech Holdings Ltd, a privately held graphic arts company which supplied the industry with flexographic printing plates and specialty products. Qualtech was sold to USA based Pamarco Technologies, Inc. in 1995.In 1997, David moved to the US to join Pamarco where he became VP of Operations of Georgia based Diamond Holding Corporation - the lithographic offset arm of the group. Diamond manufactured rubber elastomers and printing rollers at seven strategically located plants across the country. In addition, it owned the rights to a two color printing press. While at Diamond, David became particularly interested in niche equipment manufacturing following his successful development of a press division.In 2000, David established Riverton Investments Ltd., and acquired Massachusetts based Data Technology, Inc. along with a small group of investors, which included the exclusive NYC boutique finance house; Allen & Company. Data Technology was an antiquated manufacturer of CAD/CAM cutting equipment for the packaging industry. Over the next three years, David aggressively reorganized the company; streamlining the overhead structure and re-engineering a complete new range of products – pioneering a digital cutting line for short run production. In addition, he also established several international strategic alliances to complete the product offering and rebrand the company. In 2007, David sold Data Technology to Connecticut based Gerber Scientific, Inc. (NYSE: GRB) after which he spent the next two years integrating his company within Gerber to become Gerber Innovations – its packaging division.At the end of 2008, David left Gerber to concentrate his attention on advisory work - focusing on distress / turnaround management, subsidiary development, and angel investment. His clients include; Applied Silicate Technologies Ltd., Mosstype Corporation and Eagle Solutions. In addition, David is an active investor and Senior Advisor to several other companies such as Bolwyn Corporation (The Port Tavern), Phider Corporation (Grumpy Doyle’s), Gernne Corporation (Waterside Tap & Grille), Prince Place LLC, the Newburyport Brewing Company and Seat Pets LLC.David is a graduate of Babson College, Wellesley, MA where he holds a degree in Management majoring in Entrepreneurial Studies. He is an active member of his community in Newburyport, MA and sits on the board of the River Valley Charter School Foundation and the Old South Church.David is also a founding member of the Irish Chamber of Commerce USA (ICCUSA) and a member of the K Club. He is married with three children.