Derek Distenfield is a mission-driven executive, battle-tested entrepreneur, and former Army Captain whose career has consistently revolved around creating scalable impact—across startups, private equity, and global venture capital. Currently the Managing Director of DDB Capital Fund LLC, Derek leads the firm’s real estate investment strategy with a clear focus: transformative development that creates lasting value across the Southeastern U.S. With a background in both public and private sectors, Derek brings a unique ability to navigate high-growth opportunities while aligning capital, operations, and talent to outperform expectations.

Prior to launching DDB Capital, Derek held key leadership roles at FG Ventures and Fundamental Global Inc. (NASDAQ: FGF), where he shaped investment strategies and streamlined portfolio operations. As Chief of Staff and later Managing Director, he contributed to FG’s overarching mission of backing founders from ideation to IPO. At the same time, he served as President of Digital Ignition, where his leadership led to a successful business exit while driving bottom-line gains for the parent company.

Derek’s entrepreneurial drive took center stage when he co-founded GSD Venture Studios, where he served as Chief Operating Officer and partner from 2019 to 2022. There, he built a globally distributed system to fund and scale startups with operational depth—traveling the world to find and support resilient founding teams. GSD’s cross-border accelerator was one of the first of its kind, breaking down international barriers for early-stage innovation. This hands-on, equity-aligned model allowed Derek to take senior roles within portfolio companies, ensuring scalable and sustainable growth from the inside out.

Before GSD, Derek served as CEO of Cult Following Inc., an innovative brand-building agency that approached startup traction like a movement—with viral storytelling and fan-based marketing. His nine-month tenure concluded in a successful exit to a major influencer marketing firm. At 360 Payments, he served as Chief Operating Officer, where he led a dramatic turnaround—delivering 240% net income growth in a single year, scaling API-driven solutions, and overhauling customer engagement and profitability metrics.

Earlier in his career, Derek was a cornerstone of Bunker Labs’ national expansion. As Director of Growth & Community Engagement, he launched and scaled a veteran entrepreneurship movement, opening incubators across 16 cities and securing multi-million dollar partnerships with J.P. Morgan Chase, Comcast, MetLife, and others. He helped transform the organization from a grassroots effort into a nationally recognized nonprofit supporting hundreds of veteran-led startups, earning high-level recognition that included partnerships with the White House and Pentagon innovation arms.

A Bronze Star recipient and former U.S. Army Captain, Derek’s eight years of service included three combat deployments across Iraq and Afghanistan. As an Information Technology Officer in the Signal Corps, he developed tactical innovations combining GPS, UAVs, and comms—earning publication in military journals and promotion through the ranks. He achieved his college degree while on active duty, and later completed his MBA at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He also holds a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Derek has been recognized as a “Top 10 Most Influential People of 2020,” “Top 10 Inspiring Business Leaders Making a Difference in 2022,” and a “40 Under 40 Innovator,” with additional honors such as the Veteran of Influence Award and keynote speaking invitations at the International Conference on Business Incubation. He has served on several advisory panels including Patriot Bootcamp (presented by Techstars), and the University of Florida’s Veteran Entrepreneur Program.

Whether building communities, mentoring startups, or spearheading multimillion-dollar real estate developments, Derek Distenfield thrives at the intersection of purpose and performance. He is passionate about systems that work, businesses that matter, and people who lead from the front.

Character
Derek Distenfield is a principled leader shaped by his military service and entrepreneurial journey, consistently demonstrating integrity, resilience, and a commitment to service in both high-pressure combat zones and high-stakes business environments. His Bronze Star, national nonprofit leadership, and track record of mission-driven execution reflect a deep sense of responsibility and purpose.

Knowledge
With an MBA from UNC Chapel Hill, a B.S. in Professional Aeronautics, and experience across venture capital, real estate, fintech, and global startups, Derek brings a rare combination of technical, operational, and financial expertise. He has led at every level—from ground operations to boardrooms—translating knowledge into tangible outcomes for early-stage ventures and established enterprises alike.

Strategic
Derek approaches every opportunity with a systems mindset, driving scale through operational innovation, aligned capital strategy, and global reach. From co-founding a cross-border venture accelerator to transforming a payment company’s profitability, his strategic foresight has repeatedly unlocked exponential growth and positioned organizations for long-term success.

Communication
A compelling storyteller and coalition builder, Derek connects with stakeholders across industries, cultures, and communities to align vision and action. Whether securing multi-million-dollar partnerships, mentoring startup founders, or speaking at international conferences, he leverages communication as a powerful force for leadership, growth, and impact.