Tepper School Alumnus David Namkung Shares Insights on Entrepreneurship, Career Growth, and Giving Back

From launching companies to mastering the strategy behind professional blackjack, David Namkung (BS ‘92) has always looked for innovative ways to apply his skills. A graduate of the Tepper School’s undergraduate program, Namkung has had a career that spans technology consulting, trading, entrepreneurship, and private equity.

His entrepreneurial spirit first emerged during his time at the Tepper School. As a student, he and his roommate launched a Valentine’s Day flower delivery service for families wanting to surprise their children on campus.

“We sourced flowers wholesale, took orders from parents, and worked with a student group to handle the deliveries,” Namkung said. “It was a simple idea that turned into a successful, one-day business and raised money for a campus organization.”

That early experience helped spark his interest in building ventures that create value.

After starting his professional career at Accenture, Namkung transitioned briefly into trading on the floor of the American Stock Exchange. In 2004, he founded Clarity Partners, a technology consulting firm that has grown into one of the largest minority-owned firms in Chicago.

In 2016, Namkung also co-founded Kinzie Capital Partners, where he leads technology strategy and resourcing for Kinzie’s portfolio companies, as well as overseeing its internal technology initiatives and supporting various operational matters.

Outside of his professional life, Namkung also spent several years as a professional blackjack player and co-founded what became the one of the largest professional blackjack teams in the world.

“Business is similar to blackjack,” he shared. “They have rules. They have outcomes that you want. There are inputs, there is practice, and there is execution.”

As he reflects on his career and time at Carnegie Mellon, Namkung credits the Tepper School and the University for giving him a strong technical foundation and the confidence to pursue bold ideas.

“The rigor, the education, and the brand reputation all helped build my confidence,” he said. “And confidence matters. Whether you're making a business decision or giving a presentation, how you carry yourself often shapes the outcome.”

Namkung remains connected to the university through scholarships, student events, and alumni outreach. He has hosted new student welcome receptions in Chicago and frequently encourages young professionals to reach higher. Namkung’s advice for current Tepper School students is to view early career years as an investment.

“The reward is not going to come in your twenties,” he said. “That’s the time to learn, grow, and build. If you put in the work, the reward period will come, and it can be tremendous.”