New Role at Valor Capital
Dan Schulman, the former CEO of PayPal, has recently taken on a part-time role as a managing partner at Valor Capital Group, a US investment firm with a strategic focus on Latin America. This position aligns with Schulman’s ongoing interest in the fintech sector and demonstrates his commitment to leveraging his expertise to promote the growth of innovative startups in the region.
Extensive Industry Experience
Schulman brings a robust portfolio of experience to Valor Capital Group:
- PayPal Leadership: As CEO of PayPal, Schulman led the company through substantial growth phases, enhancing its global influence in digital payments. Schulman served as PayPal’s CEO for nine years, during which he increased its revenues from $8 billion to $30 billion, significantly boosted the market capitalization, and expanded its customer base to 435 million worldwide. His efforts also led to a substantial increase in PayPal’s annual free cash flow, from $1.4 billion to $5 billion.
- Previous Roles: In addition to his role at PayPal, Schulman has held influential positions across several major corporations, including as Group President at American Express and the founding CEO of Virgin Mobile, which was acquired by Sprint Nextel Corporation. He also has significant experience from his time as President and CEO of Priceline Group, Inc., and an 18-year tenure at AT&T.
Current Board Memberships
- Technology and Communications: Schulman serves on the boards of major corporations like Cisco Systems and Verizon Communications, positions he holds alongside his new role at Valor Capital.
- Financial Services: He is also set to join the board of Lazard starting February 2024, bringing his financial expertise to the forefront of global financial advisory and asset management.
His leadership has not only been recognized with numerous corporate accolades but also with significant honors for his social impact and commitment to economic empowerment. Among these, Schulman has received the Ripple of Hope Award from the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights organization, the Frederick Douglass Award from the New York Urban League, and knighthoods from Luxembourg and France for his contributions to the global community.
Valor Capital’s Strategic Focus
- Investment in Latin America: The firm is recognized for its strategic investments in high-growth Latin American companies, aiming to harness the region’s vast tech-savvy demographic.
- Bridging Global Markets: With Schulman’s extensive network and industry knowledge, Valor Capital plans to enhance its connectivity between Latin American markets and global technology ecosystems.
Role and Expectations
In his role at Valor Capital, Schulman will focus on strategic guidance, investment decisions, and mentoring startup founders. His vast experience in fintech will support the firm in identifying and nurturing potential tech leaders in Latin America. He is set to work closely with Scott Sobel, the firm’s current managing partner and co-founder, to drive strategic investments and support innovative startups throughout Latin America.
This strategic appointment marks a significant step for both Valor Capital and the broader Latin American fintech landscape, positioning the firm to further influence the region’s technological and economic development.
