Early Life
David Zalik was born in Israel and moved to the U.S. at a young age. Zalik showed an early aptitude for entrepreneurship, starting a computer assembly business called MicroTech while still in college at Auburn University. He attended Auburn University but did not complete a degree, choosing instead to focus on business ventures.
Rise to Success
Zalik founded GreenSky in 2006, a financial technology company providing consumer and business financing solutions. GreenSky's platform connects consumers, banks, and merchants, primarily for home improvement projects. Under Zalik's leadership, the company went public in 2018 with a multibillion-dollar valuation. In March 2024, Goldman Sachs completed the sale of GreenSky to a consortium led by Sixth Street and KKR, with Zalik remaining CEO.
Key Business Strategies
Zalik's business strategy involved creating a platform that connected consumers, banks, and merchants. GreenSky focused on providing financing for home improvement and healthcare services. A key aspect of GreenSky’s model was transferring much of the risk and work to other parties, while still profiting from the deals. The company also formed partnerships with deposit-rich bank partners to make the loans.
Philanthropy
David Zalik is actively involved in philanthropy through the Zalik Foundation.