David Wickline
By Todd
Founder, Alchemy Resorts
Sponsor and Managing Partner
David Wickline is a seasoned Sponsor and entrepreneur with a 40-year track record of creating value for investors. He can identify undervalued opportunities and transform them into leading resorts. Wickline combines visionary thinking with a pragmatic approach to financial feasibility gained from his early years at renowned investment banks Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan.
His achievements include originating and sponsoring resort ventures across the United States and Asia, ranging from $50 million to over $500 million in project size. Wickline has successfully managed master planned development budgets exceeding $1 billion, and typically delivered returns of two to five times for equity investors. He skillfully navigated projects through severe economic downturns in Asia and the US with calm perseverance, creative project structuring and cost-effective budgets.
Wickline’s focus on pragmatic financial feasibility is grounded in a career begun in corporate investment banking at the venerable J.P. Morgan. He then joined Goldman Sachs as Vice President leading groundbreaking infrastructure financings valued at over $30 billion. His track record and trusted relationships with government officials and senior executives at major U.S. and Asian banks established him as a respected figure.
As the Founder and Managing Member of Alchemy Resorts, Wickline has proven skills in spotting overlooked opportunities, creative negotiations, capital raising, and leading teams with diverse disciplines. He lays the foundation of success by acquiring sites on favorable terms with creative financing. He then adds value by securing enhanced entitlements in record times. He assembles interdisciplinary teams to fit the project and turn his visionary concepts into successful resort development projects. His investment judgment is validated by the support of esteemed equity investors, including Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Bank of America, University endowment funds, Rockefeller Resources, and leading Asian firms.
He has a special focus on hot springs resort development. He spearheaded innovative projects that blend wellness and sustainable development such as Glen Ivy Springs Resort in Southern California and Aetna Springs Resort in Napa Valley. Decades ago, he recognized the importance of the now thriving hot springs market.
Wickline prioritizes conservation and sustainability in his projects. He is recognized for his innovative approaches to preserving habitats for endangered species and incorporating nature preservation and clean energy initiatives, which serve as models for commercially viable sustainable development.
He earned his MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business with an emphasis in Finance and International Business. He graduated Magna Cum Laude with a double major in Philosophy and Political Science from Augustana College in Illinois. Academic achievements include Phi Beta Kappa and membership in national leadership societies.
He advocates entrepreneurial philanthropy, serving on the board of Counterpart International—a distinguished international non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to building civil society and sustainable communities worldwide. During his tenure, he chaired the finance committee overseeing budgets exceeding $100 million.
Wickline embraces a spirit of adventure and exploration. He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, explored the Sahara on camel caravan, volunteered on archaeological digs in the Middle East, and hiked the Himalayas and remote regions of Tibet. His travels crossed Europe and Asia on the famed Trans Siberia Railway, lived in Japan and Micronesia and explored India, Bhutan and Tibet.
Wickline resides in the wine country of Sonoma and Napa Valley California. He is the founder of a Napa winery producing acclaimed wines, owned several large vineyards and entitled over 400 acres for planting. Wickline’s entrepreneurial ventures reflect his commitment to creating transformative experiences that harmonize with nature and promote well-being. He seeks balance in yogic meditation and living in nature.