What Happened to David Oliver Sacks?
David Sacks is a prominent South African-American entrepreneur, investor, and political figure known for his roles at PayPal and as founder of Yammer. He currently serves as a General Partner at Craft Ventures, co-hosts the 'All In' podcast, and, as of March 2026, is the Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) under the Trump administration, having previously served as the White House AI and Crypto Czar.
Quick Answer
David Sacks, a veteran Silicon Valley entrepreneur and investor, is currently a General Partner at Craft Ventures and a co-host of the popular 'All In' podcast. As of March 2026, he transitioned from his role as the White House AI and Crypto Czar to become the Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) under the Trump administration. He remains an influential voice in technology, venture capital, and political discourse, advocating for minimal regulation in emerging tech sectors like AI and cryptocurrency.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Born in Cape Town, South Africa
David Oliver Sacks was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and later emigrated to the United States with his family at age five.
Joined Confinity (later PayPal)
Sacks joined Confinity, the predecessor to PayPal, becoming its inaugural product leader and later Chief Operating Officer (COO).
PayPal IPO
PayPal had its initial public offering, with Sacks playing a key role in its growth before its acquisition by eBay later that year for $1.5 billion.
Founded Yammer
Sacks founded Yammer, an enterprise social networking service that quickly gained traction for its 'bottom-up SaaS' approach.
Yammer Acquired by Microsoft
Microsoft acquired Yammer for $1.2 billion, marking one of the fastest unicorn exits in SaaS history.
Interim CEO of Zenefits
Sacks served as interim CEO of HR software company Zenefits for ten months, overseeing a period of operational and compliance restructuring.
Co-founded Craft Ventures
Sacks co-founded Craft Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund, which has since grown to manage billions in assets.
Co-hosts 'All In' podcast
Sacks began co-hosting the 'All In' podcast with Chamath Palihapitiya, Jason Calacanis, and David Friedberg, discussing tech, economy, and politics.
Craft Ventures AUM Reaches $3.3 Billion
Craft Ventures announced new funds, bringing its total assets under management to $3.3 billion, solidifying its position in venture capital.
Hosted Trump Fundraiser
Sacks hosted a campaign fundraiser for Donald Trump at his home, which reportedly raised around $12 million.
Named White House AI and Crypto Czar
President Donald Trump appointed Sacks as the White House AI and Crypto Czar, a new role focused on building a legal framework for the cryptocurrency industry.
Assumed Office as AI and Crypto Czar
Sacks officially assumed his role as Special Advisor for AI and Crypto in the Trump administration.
Stepped Down as AI and Crypto Czar
Sacks concluded his 130-day term as the White House AI and Crypto Czar, reaching the legal limit for special government employees.
Appointed Co-Chair of PCAST
Immediately after stepping down as Czar, Sacks transitioned to co-chair the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), expanding his advisory scope.
Comments on AI's Economic Impact
Sacks publicly stated on X that AI has become a core driver of U.S. economic growth, citing a Morgan Stanley report on surging AI capital expenditures.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
David Oliver Sacks has carved a multifaceted career spanning over two decades in the technology, investment, and political spheres. Born in Cape Town, South Africa, Sacks immigrated to the U.S. at a young age and later earned degrees from Stanford University and the University of Chicago Law School. His foundational impact on Silicon Valley began as the COO and product leader of PayPal from 1999 to 2002, where he was instrumental in building key teams and shaping the company's product and business model, becoming a member of the influential 'PayPal Mafia'.
Following PayPal's acquisition by eBay, Sacks continued his entrepreneurial journey, founding Geni.com in 2006 and then Yammer in 2008, an enterprise social networking service that Microsoft acquired for $1.2 billion in 2012. His experience also includes a ten-month stint as interim CEO of Zenefits in 2016, where he oversaw a period of restructuring. In late 2017, Sacks co-founded Craft Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm that has since grown to manage over $3.3 billion in assets by 2023, investing in numerous successful tech companies like Airbnb, SpaceX, and Palantir.
A significant turning point in Sacks' career came with his increased involvement in politics. A notable donor to Republican campaigns, he hosted fundraisers for figures like Ron DeSantis and Donald Trump, and was a speaker at the 2024 Republican National Convention. In December 2024, President Donald Trump appointed Sacks as the White House AI and Crypto Czar, a newly created role aimed at developing a legal framework for the cryptocurrency industry and safeguarding online free speech. During this tenure, Sacks divested over $200 million in digital asset-related holdings to comply with federal ethics standards.
However, his role as AI and Crypto Czar concluded in March 2026, as he reached the 130-day work limit for special government employees. Immediately following this, Sacks transitioned to a new, expanded role as Co-Chair of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), alongside Michael Kratsios. In this capacity, he advises the President on a broader range of technology topics, including AI, quantum computing, and advanced semiconductors, continuing to advocate for minimal regulation to foster innovation. As of May 2026, Sacks continues to be a vocal proponent of AI's economic benefits, stating that AI capital expenditures could contribute significantly to U.S. GDP growth.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if David Oliver Sacks made different choices?