David Grutman

David Grutman is a hospitality innovator, entrepreneur, and venture capitalist based in Miami, recognized for his influential role in shaping the city's nightlife and dining scenes. He is the founder of Groot Hospitality, which manages a portfolio of high-profile venues across Miami and Miami Beach, including "Gekkō," "Komodo," "Swan," "The Key Club," "Papi Steak," and "Strawberry Moon." The company's nightlife ventures, "LIV at Fontainebleau" and "Story," are renowned for their success and vibrancy. Grutman's strategic vision extends to international markets with planned expansions in Las Vegas, Doha, Qatar, and a new resort, "Somewhere Else," slated to open in The Bahamas in 2024.

In addition to his hospitality ventures, Grutman is the Co-Owner and Creative Director of Prince, an Atlanta-based athletics and lifestyle label. His responsibilities at Prince encompass a range of creative and managerial duties, from overseeing product collaborations to launching new products. His collaboration with celebrities like Pharrell Williams and Bad Bunny for restaurant ventures like "Swan and Bar Bevy" and "Gekkō" respectively, exemplifies his knack for merging lifestyle with entertainment, enhancing both brand and consumer experience.

Grutman also contributes to academia as a guest professor, teaching "The Dave Grutman Experience" at Florida International University. This course provides students with insights into creating a leading hospitality platform. Furthermore, he has guest lectured at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, the University of Miami, and Harvard Business School. His educational engagements and the insights shared in publications like GQ, Paper Magazine, and Vogue emphasize the importance of relationships and teamwork in the business world, a recurring theme in his professional narrative.