Early Life and Education
David Adelman was born on March 11, 1972, into a Jewish family in Penn Valley, Pennsylvania. His upbringing was shaped by his family's history and traditions. From a young age, he displayed an entrepreneurial spirit, investing his Bar Mitzvah money in student housing. He graduated with a degree in Political Science from Ohio State University in 1994.
Rise to Success
Adelman's career took off as he took on the role of CEO of Campus Apartments at the young age of 26 and expanding the company nationwide. He later co-founded FS Investments, which has grown to manage billions of dollars in alternative investments. Adelman's strategic vision and leadership have been instrumental in the growth of Campus Apartments and FS Investments. He is also a partner in Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), which owns the Philadelphia 76ers.
Key Business Strategies
Adelman's business strategies include identifying opportunities, driving innovation, and fostering growth across diverse industries. This is evident in his involvement in companies like Wheels Up, cred.ai, and Darco Capital, his family office investment vehicle, which has made over 90 venture capital and growth capital investments across multiple sectors.
Philanthropy
Adelman and his wife, Hallee, are committed to philanthropy, supporting Jewish organizations and causes. He also serves as the chairman of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and is a board member of the Penn Medicine Board of Trustees. In January 2024, he offered a $25,000 reward for information about a vandal who spray-painted a swastika at the Horwitz-Wasserman Holocaust Memorial Plaza.
