Bart Holaday read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Exeter as a Rhodes Scholar (1965), he was also awarded an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the University of North Dakota in 2006. He is also a graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. During his career he has been an Air force officer, federal civil servant, venture capitalist, and philanthropist.
With over two decades of experience in venture capitalism, he was an officer and board member of the National Venture Capital Association and co-chaired a task force that established the first portfolio valuation and performance measurement standards for private equity. His work in the field was driven by a vision to bolster the American economy through innovation, entrepreneurship, investment, and hard work.
As a philanthropist, he founded the Dakota Foundation, which focuses on funding entrepreneurial, non-profit organizations aimed at enhancing economic self-sufficiency by helping individuals help themselves.
Mr Holaday was made and Honorary Fellow in 2024.
