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Dr David von Rosen

International Entrepreneur & Investor

Dubai, AE

David von Rosen

Isabelle von Ribbentrop

2929 Entertainment, LLC

David von Rosen’s Biography

Dr David von Rosen-von Hoewel is an international investor and serial entrepreneur, renowned for establishing highly successful global enterprises in fintech, gaming, fashion, and real estate.

Through his family office, VONROSEN, David strategically invests worldwide, prioritising sectors such as edtech, renewables, nutrition, defence, and mobility. His investments are characterised by a preference for early-stage, high-risk ventures in which he often takes a majority share. In 2023, his profitable majority investments generated over $1 billion.

In 2013, von Rosen founded Lottoland, a gaming and gambling enterprise serving over 18 million customers across 15 markets. Lottoland set a world record in 2018 for the largest-ever online payout of €90 million.

David recently launched 25 Degrees, a luxury real estate developer in Dubai focused on exclusive residential properties. He is also the founder of Favrr, the world’s first platform enabling the purchase of stakes in celebrities, which also promotes ocean conservation.

His passion for conservation extends to Lottoland, which... Dr David von Rosen-von Hoewel is an international investor and serial entrepreneur, renowned for establishing highly successful global enterprises in fintech, gaming, fashion, and real estate.

Through his family office, VONROSEN, David strategically invests worldwide, prioritising sectors such as edtech, renewables, nutrition, defence, and mobility. His investments are characterised by a preference for early-stage, high-risk ventures in which he often takes a majority share. In 2023, his profitable majority investments generated over $1 billion.

In 2013, von Rosen founded Lottoland, a gaming and gambling enterprise serving over 18 million customers across 15 markets. Lottoland set a world record in 2018 for the largest-ever online payout of €90 million.

David recently launched 25 Degrees, a luxury real estate developer in Dubai focused on exclusive residential properties. He is also the founder of Favrr, the world’s first platform enabling the purchase of stakes in celebrities, which also promotes ocean conservation.

His passion for conservation extends to Lottoland, which has planted over 2.7 million trees and is the sector's first carbon neutral company.

Von Rosen's entrepreneurial journey began with CareerConcept in 2002, a novel higher education funding business. His influential role was recognized in 2008 when he was named a 'Young Global Leader' by the World Economic Forum.

He ventured into the fashion industry in 2008 with the VONROSEN label, which produced the black turtleneck pullover worn by Steve Jobs as he unveiled the iCloud in 2011.

Educated in economics and business at the European Business School, David earned his PhD in Economics from the University of Economics in Prague. Fluent in English, German, French, and Spanish, he now resides in Dubai and Switzerland.

David von Rosen is a passionate adventurer and athlete. He also enjoys travel, collecting sports cars and modern art, and is training for his Private Pilot Licence. READ MORE VIEW LESS

David von Rosen’s Newsfeed

Bilan

300 richest people in Switzerland: David von Rosen

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Arabian Business

Property developer 25 Degrees sets new record with $17mn villa sale

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David von Rosen’s Background

Favrr

Founder

2023 - Present

Favrr is a Web3-powered platform that transforms fan communities, gaming, and philanthropy with a revolutionary 'fan-to-earn' model for supporting and engaging with favourite passions.

25 Degrees

Founder

2022 - Present

Dubai, AE

25 Degrees is a boutique property development company based in Dubai. The company works with leading architects, interior designers, and contractors to create luxurious properties that rival those found in major European cities. The name 25 Degrees refers to Dubai’s latitudinal location north of the equator.

Lottoland

Founder

2013 - Present

Gibraltar, GI

Lottoland is a prominent online lottery and betting platform that allows users to participate in international lotteries, casino games, and sports betting from around the world. It offers a convenient and secure way to play and win substantial prizes, including the highest ever online win of €90 million.

VONROSEN

Founder & CEO

2008 - 2012

Berlin, DE

VONROSEN was a Berlin-based fashion brand that sold its products online to a select clientele. Founded by David von Rosen in 2008, the label was known for its timeless, high-quality clothes with minimal branding. The late Steve Jobs, the former CEO of Apple, was one of the label's most high-profile customers and regularly wore VONROSEN's black turtleneck pullover.

CareerConcept AG

Founder & CEO

2002 - 2008

Munich, DE

CareerConcept is an innovative higher education funding business based in Germany. Established by David von Rosen in 2002, it helps students fund their university tuition with a percentage of their future earnings. The company has helped thousands of young people from Germany, Switzerland and Austria to pursue their academic goals and was the first company to use this method of funding.

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David von Rosen’s Gallery

David von Rosen stands on a balcony with the Dubai skyline in the background.

Dr David von Rosen poses in a ski-jacket on the slopes.

David von Rosen stands in front of an empty bookcase.

David von Rosen standings in front of a crowded bookcase and smiles.

David von Rosen is pictured on a bicycle as he cycles in the alps.

David von Rosen is pictured surfing.

Media

UAE creates federal authority for ‘commercial gaming’ as casino giants flock to Gulf Arab nation

Video

Sep 2023

Dubai, AE

David contributed to this Associated Press discussion on the subject of commercial gaming in the United Arab Emirates. He appears 1:45 minutes into the clip.

Interviews

David Von Rosen: 10 Rules For Business Success

Interviewee

Jul 2024

David von Rosen prioritises risk-taking, global investment, sector diversity, active involvement, people-first approaches, philanthropy, long-term focus, in-house operations, strong company culture, and exploring uncharted markets as his ten rules for business success.

Expert: Startups Should Avoid Outsourcing HR to AI

Interviewee

Jun 2024

David von Rosen argues that startups should manage HR in-house to maintain essential human interactions, emphasizing the limitations of AI in understanding company culture and interpersonal dynamics. He highlights the risks of outsourcing HR functions to AI, particularly in critical areas like talent acquisition and team integration.

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Thought Leadership

For entrepreneurs, extreme sports are a good way to improve their skills

Author

Dec 2024

David believes his passion for extreme sports has been the greatest driver of his entrepreneurial success. Sports like freeride skiing and wingsuit flying taught him to embrace risk, push boundaries, and thrive under pressure—skills crucial for business.

It’s time European investors capitalized on Dubai’s green investment opportunities

Author

Nov 2024

Dubai, AE

Investor David von Rosen explains why European investors should explore the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) opportunities in Dubai.

US investors can supercharge Dubai’s real estate market, but the city will need to lure them in

Author

Jun 2024

Dubai, AE

David von Rosen believes that Dubai’s real estate market could skyrocket with targeted US investment but proactive engagement, showcasing lifestyle perks and favourable tax policies, alongside cultural marketing and partnerships with US wealth advisors, is essential.

POV: Why outsourcing HR is always a mistake

Author

Jun 2024

David von Rosen believes that startups should invest in their own HR departments to maintain control over company culture and operations, arguing that outsourcing HR removes the personal touch and understanding necessary to build a cohesive team and effective workplace environment.

How do you hire the right people? Don't pay them too much

Author

Feb 2024

David von Rosen advises startups to hire modestly, focusing on loyal, team-oriented candidates over top-market salaries, and to manage recruitment internally to avoid unnecessary costs and complexity.

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Features

Lottery licence heralds UAE gaming industry growth

Quoted

Jul 2024

Dubai, AE

David von Rosen is quoted in this article regarding the UAE's first lottery license and a new gaming regulation framework could transform the nation into a major player in the global gaming industry, potentially generating $8.5 billion annually.

Super prime property developer launches on Palm Jumeirah to cater for influx of global elite

Featured

Feb 2024

Dubai, AE

David von Rosen launched 25 Degrees, a luxury property developer in Dubai, aiming to meet the rising demand from ultra-high-net-worth individuals for European-style, super prime homes. The first project, a beach villa on Palm Jumeirah, exemplifies the company's focus on high European standards and luxury. Von Rosen plans to expand this venture to sell 100 properties by 2030.

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Publications

I didn’t need a lawyer when I started my startup. You probably don’t either

Author

Dec 2023

In this Op-Ed piece for Sifted, David argues that most of a startup’s legal work can be done in-house.

The next fintech unicorn will be a firm that completes the transition to cashless societies

Author

Nov 2023

Writing as a guest author in Tech.EU, Dr David von Rosen-von Hoewel argues that the next fintech unicorn will be a company that facilitates small cash payments in the informal economy.

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Awards & Recognition

World Economic Forum

Young Global Leader

2008

Davos, CH

Business Interests

VONROSEN

Principal

VONROSEN is a private wealth management and investment firm and the family office of David von Rosen.

David von Rosen’s Education

Prague University of Economics and Business

Economics (PhD)

2007 - 2007

EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Recht

Economics & Business

2001 - 2001

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