Kaplan takes shelter in tech investments

New partner to o'see, manage $300 mil fund

By MARC GRASER

HOLLYWOOD — David Kaplan has joined Shelter Ventures as a partner and manager of the company’s $300 million venture capital fund, which plans to make investments in emerging technology companies.

Most recently, Kaplan was a senior partner at Apollo Advisors, the asset management group co-founded by Art Bilger, former vice chairman of Akamai Technologies and former chief operating officer of New World Communications.

Bilger formed Shelter Ventures in March with Kevin Wall, former vice chairman of Internet tech shop iXL Enterprises.

In his new role, Kaplan will oversee investments in private technology dot-coms, creators of original Internet content and communications and wireless technologies based in Southern California. Funding will come from Shelter Capital Partners, the investment arm of Shelter Ventures.

Commitment to capital

Shelter Ventures said that it is committed to providing both human and financial capital to portfolio companies to assist in the acceleration of their business plans.

“We are excited and fortunate to have David join our Shelter Ventures family,” Wall said. “David’s vision and lengthy financial expertise ensure that Shelter Ventures will be on the cutting edge of this digital revolution.”

Before joining Shelter Ventures, Kaplan was a member of the investment banking department of Donaldson, Lufkin and Jenrette Securities Corp.