David Drinan
Managing Partner

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Mr. Drinan is the Managing Partner of Blackthorn Strategic Advisors.  He has over thirty years experience investing, leading turnaround, restructuring and interim management engagements, and advising early-stage technology companies on their growth plans.

Mr. Drinan​ started his career in investment management focused on tech, telecom and consumer stocks and has experience investing in high-growth public and private equities.  He is currently building a portfolio of growth restaurant brands.

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With twenty + years in turnaround & restructuring, Mr. Drinan has served as Interim CFO, Interim COO and CRO for several companies.  In such roles, he takes an analytical & holistic approach to developing enterprise value creation plans and has the expertise to execute on operational improvements and revenue growth opportunities.  

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Mr. Drinan’s restaurant industry experience includes leading comprehensive cost reduction programs for restaurant chains, leading acquisition due diligence for private equity investors, investing, and raising growth equity for restaurants and restaurant technology companies. 

Mr. Drinan​’s restaurant technology experience includes advising several restaurant technology companies on business plan development, go-to-market strategy, strategic partnerships and securing growth capital.      

Mr. Drinan earned his Master of Business Administration at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Bachelor of Arts in Finance from The University of Illinois.  He is a volunteer with Robin Hood, fighting poverty in New York City.