David Firshein
Partner
Dr. David J. Maloney is a veteran technology executive, chemist, inventor, and globally recognized semiconductor industry authority with more than four decades of experience spanning advanced materials, semiconductor process chemistry, industrial manufacturing, product commercialization, intellectual property strategy, and executive leadership. Throughout his career, he has held senior scientific, operational, and executive positions across major global enterprises, high growth technology ventures, and strategic consulting engagements, helping lead innovations and commercialization programs responsible for generating hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue across the semiconductor and advanced electronics sectors.
Dr. Maloney began his scientific career in electrochemical and inorganic chemistry, conducting early research on proprietary anodic coatings designed to reduce overpotential in the electrolytic synthesis of hypochlorite and related industrial chemicals used in pulp and paper manufacturing. Following work in quality control within the explosives industry, he pursued advanced graduate research in synthetic inorganic chemistry at Texas A&M University under legendary chemist F. Albert Cotton, one of the most influential inorganic chemists in modern scientific history. Dr. Maloney became the one hundredth PhD graduate of Cotton’s distinguished academic lineage, focusing his doctoral work on dinuclear metal compounds exhibiting metal to metal bond orders ranging from one through four.
He subsequently completed postdoctoral research at The University of Texas at Arlington under Professor Frederick MacDonnell, specializing in the synthesis and structural characterization of stereochemically controlled metallodendrimers and advanced organometallic systems. His academic work established a foundation that would later influence his approach to high performance industrial chemistry, advanced process engineering, and commercialization driven R&D leadership.
Dr. Maloney then transitioned into the semiconductor industry with EKC Technology, later acquired by DuPont Electronic Materials, where he rapidly advanced through a succession of increasingly senior scientific and executive leadership roles. Over nearly two decades, he served as Senior Scientist, Product Manager, Applications Engineering Manager for North America, U.S. R&D Manager, Global R&D Director, Global Marketing Manager, and ultimately senior executive leadership overseeing technology commercialization, product strategy, intellectual property management, and global research operations.
Dr. Maloney also led the development of advanced formulated chemistries used in semiconductor cleaning, wafer processing, and surface preparation applications, generating more than $20 million in cumulative revenue. His work has focused heavily on innovation strategy, product development, technology commercialization, intellectual property management, competitive positioning, and cross functional leadership across highly technical and rapidly evolving industries.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Maloney has authored more than 45 peer reviewed publications, patents, and trade articles involving chemistry, materials science, semiconductor technologies, and advanced industrial applications. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from McGill University, a PhD in Chemistry from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from the University of California, Berkeley Haas School of Business.
