David Cykiert serves as outside general counsel to emerging companies across myriad industries, with a particular focus on the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, offering tailored guidance on all matters venture, with particular focus on helping companies and investors structure and execute venture investment and liquidity transactions − from seed to growth to exit. He helps round out early-stage teams, and supplements nearly complete teams with candid and catered advice on growth.

Accessibility, experience, knowledge, creativity and problem-solving form the core recipe for his client-centric approach. David pulls from his experience as an entrepreneur and founder and recognizes that an intimate knowledge of client’s companies is essential to his effective representation, and his process is structured to encourage open and regular communication, facilitating counsel tailored to today, but cognizant of and accounting for Founders’ plans for tomorrow.

In addition to his venture practice, David serves as outside general counsel to venture clients, and others, advising them on a multitude of corporate law matters, including:

  • Early-stage organization and capitalization
  • Intellectual property portfolio development and protection
  • Team building and vendor management
  • Regulatory compliance

Education

  • Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law (J.D., 2009)
    • Syracuse University (B.A., 2005)

      Bar Admission

      • New York

      Court Admissions

      • U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York

      Recognition

      • 2025 USA M&A Middle Market Atlas Awards, USA Consumer Deal of the Year: Seaweed Bath acquires Andalou Naturals and Mineral Fusion from BWX USA
      • Named one of Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America in Corporate Law, 2024-2026
      • Selected for inclusion in Super Lawyers as a Rising Star, 2017
      Publications
      All Publications
      Shelf Space: ‘Til Debt Do Us Part: Why CPG Startup Founders Should Reconsider Early-Stage Debt Financing
      “Debt” can be a very scary word for founders in the consumer-packaged goods (CPG) space. But should it be? Research shows that startups that use debt financing have seen valuation uplifts of nearly 50% compared to equity-only peers — so why aren’t more early-stage CPG founders exploring debt as a funding option? Many consumer brand founders worry that taking on debt will scare away venture capital investors, weaken margins or create restrictive terms. All are reasonable fears; but on their own, they shouldn’t be enough to dissuade founders from looking at debt as an alternative early-stage capital solution. This case study unpacks the top three founder concerns about debt, and why the right structure might be a signal of strength, not weakness. Should
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      Shelf Space: What’s Not to Like About Likes? How CPG Founders Can Build Smarter Social Media Strategies That Actually Work
      We know that consumers want to know brands beyond the shelves. In fact, nearly 70% of shoppers in a recent survey said they prefer to buy from brands with an online community. So yes, a digital marketing strategy is clearly part of the modern CPG playbook. But when do you launch that strategy — and how do you know if it’s actually working? Social media may be a generation old, but its rapid ascension as a first-day priority for new founders is stunning. We’re paying attention to what founders are posting and love the courage — and even audacity — to use the brand as an excuse to present your personality on social media. Unboxing videos. Behind-the-scenes clips. Unfiltered, day-in-the-life reels.
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