Dave Parker
Dave Parker is Managing Partner at DKParker, LLC, Secretary Board of Directors at Think Forward Foundation, Founder and Chair at Trajectory Network, Inc, Board Member and Startup Programs Chair at Washington Technology Industry Association, and President at Trajectory Startup Playbook. He founded Trajectory Network, Inc and Trajectory Startup Playbook, both of which are still running. His professional expertise includes entrepreneurship, venture capital, board leadership, and authoring business books.
What's next
Seattle Entrepreneurs Dave Parker and Kathy Cox Launch $1,900 Trajectory Playbook Education Platform for Startup Founders
Seattle tech veteran Dave Parker and educator Kathy Cox launched Trajectory Playbook, a $1,900 education platform to help startup founders bridge the gap from ideation to product-market fit through a 10-module AI-enhanced curriculum. The program combines Parker's 2021 methodology with community networking and expert feedback to accelerate entrepreneurial success.
Seattle Startup Leaders Oppose Washington's SB 6229, HB 2292 Expanding Capital Gains Tax on Small Business Stock
Seattle startup leaders, including Clearly AI CEO Emily Choi-Greene, oppose Washington State's proposed bills SB 6229 and HB 2292 that would expand the capital gains tax to include profits from qualified small business stock, threatening the viability of startups by taxing founders, early employees, and investors on significant gains. Critics warn this could drive founders and investors to build companies outside Washington, undermining the local tech ecosystem.
Washington Proposal SB 6229 Targets Capital Gains on Startup Stock, Sparking Seattle Tech Backlash Ahead of 2026 Tax Implementation
A new Washington state proposal, SB 6229, aims to tax capital gains from qualified small business stock sales despite existing federal exemptions, prompting concerns from Seattle startup leaders about its potential to discourage local company building. Public hearings are scheduled for January 27, 2026, and the tax would apply to gains on or after that date.
By Dave
Opposition to Washington State SB 6229: proposed 7% tax on startup exits if state decouples from Federal Section 1202
The article opposes Washington State Senate Bill 6229, which would decouple the state from Federal Section 1202 and impose a 7% tax on startup exits that are currently federally tax-free, arguing this harms Washington startup founders.
WTIA Founder Cohort 13 presentations delivered in Bellevue on January 21, 2026, featuring Dave Parker's "The Startup Trifecta" on revenue, pricing and fundraising
On January 21, 2026, presentations were delivered to WTIA Founder Cohort 13 in Bellevue, WA, including a summarized talk by Dave Parker titled "The Startup Trifecta: Mastering Revenue, Pricing, and Fundraising." The materials emphasize that startups more often fail due to business model and revenue issues than product-build problems.
Fundamentals for Startups – 10 Reasons Not to Take VC $$ presented to UW CoMotion Labs on Oct 3, 2025
A presentation titled "Fundamentals for Startups – 10 Reasons Not to Take VC $$," prepared for University of Washington CoMotion Labs on October 3, 2025, outlines arguments against accepting venture capital and acknowledges input from several Seattle-area VCs and others.
Organizations
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Trajectory Network Founder and Chair 2026–present · current
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Think Forward Foundation Secretary Board of Directors 2021–present · current
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Washington Technology Industry Association Board Member | Startup Programs Chair 2018–present · current
Education
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University of Washington BA, Speech Communications · 1982–1986
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IMD High Performance Boards Program, Board
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Washougal High School
