Fenwick’s Boston office continues to grow, and with the addition of corporate partner David Horne, the firm is deepening its roots throughout the region’s innovation economy.
David brings more than a decade of experience guiding founders, emerging companies, and investors through complex transactions and strategic milestones, from company formation and financings to M&A and public offerings. Known for his practical, relationship‑driven approach, his experience negotiating across the table from top‑tier investors, acquirers, and strategic partners helps companies seize opportunities and scale with confidence.
We sat down with David to talk about his practice, what makes Boston such a powerful place to build companies, and why he chose Fenwick for this next chapter.
You’ve worked with companies in a wide range of sectors. What types of clients do you focus on most?
I primarily advise venture-backed startups and growth-stage companies. Some are led by first-time founders, others by repeat entrepreneurs. Most are building in sectors like AI, automation, defensetech, software, and healthtech. I also represent venture capital and growth equity funds on their investments and fund work. My focus is on helping clients navigate inflection points like formation, financing, scaling, and exit, with a clear and steady hand and creative problem solving where needed.
What made Fenwick the right fit for you at this stage in your practice?
Fenwick has always been a firm I respected. Their work in technology and life sciences is top tier, but it’s more than that. The firm has a true startup culture: collaborative, responsive, fast-moving. The team knows what it takes to support ambitious founders at all stages and sophisticated investors, and they’ve built a national platform that reflects that. When the opportunity came to help grow the Boston office, I saw it as a chance to be part of something special.
What does it mean to help expand Fenwick’s presence in Boston, especially on the corporate side?
It is an exciting opportunity to build something that reflects the diversity of Boston’s startup community. While the city is rightly known for life sciences, it is also home to some of the most innovative companies in software, AI, defense tech, robotics, and advanced engineering. Our presence here demonstrates that Fenwick is here to support the full innovation ecosystem. My practice complements the existing team by expanding Fenwick’s corporate capabilities on the ground. The goal is to meet clients where they are, across sectors and across stages.
How does your background help you support companies at every stage?
I’ve advised companies through every phase, from incorporation to strategic exits. That includes M&A to financial purchasers, M&A to strategic buyers, tender offers, late- and early-stage financings, and everything in between. I have also worked closely with investors and acquirers, which helps me understand how deals get done from both sides. That experience allows me to spot patterns and give clients the kind of guidance that saves time, reduces risk, and helps them focus on execution.
What makes Boston a special place to build companies right now?
The density of ideas and talent here is unlike anywhere else. Founders are spinning out of universities and labs with technologies that are often years ahead of the market. What sets Boston apart is not just the science but the mission behind it. People here are trying to solve problems that matter. There is a level of seriousness, collaboration, and long-term thinking that makes it an ideal place to build something meaningful.
Finish this sentence: “The reason I built my practice in Boston is…”
Because it’s where breakthrough ideas and serious execution come together. Everything you need is here: the science, the talent, the investors, the ambition. And there’s no better place to support founders who are building for the long term.