What was labeled the “ultimate man cave” quickly turned into a charade, leaving numerous investors out of pocket by hundreds of thousands of dollars.
David Bren pitched a luxurious private enclave to potential backers, promising a swanky clubhouse and exclusive memberships costing $14,500 monthly, complete with access to ultra-luxury vehicles.
The venture was marketed under a masculine brand name: The Bunker.
Members were supposedly privy to an array of $50 million worth of high-end cars, including Ferraris, Bugattis, and Maseratis, at their disposal for leisurely drives.
According to attorney Joshua Ritter, who represents a client with connections to wealthy investors, “David was introduced to my client through mutual acquaintances in Los Angeles’ elite circles.
“They belonged to a community of wealthy individuals who enjoy a lavish lifestyle and are keen to invest in ventures. Being the son of Donald Bren gave him instant credibility.”
David Bren began collecting substantial sums from affluent investors between 2020 and 2022, leveraging his estrangement from real estate magnate Donald Bren, his father.
Yet, no sign of the anticipated club has ever appeared.
Lawsuits have surfaced accusing Bren of misusing funds, with only minor reimbursements made to investors. Tragically, one individual who invested significantly and convinced others to do so took his own life.
An anticipated investment in the W Series, an all-female racing league aimed at challenging Formula 1, also failed to materialize, which lacking funding led to the league’s liquidation post-2022 season.
A source familiar with Bren described him to The Post as “relaxed and approachable, dressing in a typical California casual style.”
However, the same source noted that he was more persuasive in high-stakes situations.
In vibrant social settings, Bren would flaunt his vision for The Bunker.
“He started marketing The Bunker as an exclusive club featuring expanded access to lavish cars and other amenities, targeting partnerships with F1,” Ritter explained.
Bren’s connections appeared genuine; he reportedly hosted a party in a suite during an F1 race.
Ritter’s client initially put forth $75,000 and was later tempted to become a founding member, encouraged to contribute more.
Being a founding member supposedly meant mingling with illustrious personalities; Bren claimed connections to notable figures such as oil heir August Getty, investor Mark Cuban, tech magnate Larry Ellison, and NBA star Kristaps Porzingis.
However, this may have been overhyped. Getty’s representatives denied any affiliation, while Cuban stated via email, “I have no idea who [Bren] is.”
Donald Bren, David’s father, also seems intent on severing ties. A source indicated, “There’s been no relationship at any point between the company or Mr. Bren and David.”
The two last crossed paths in court over child support in 2010, after David’s mother Jennifer filed a claim in 2003 to increase payments, leading to a resolution where Donald agreed to support his education up to the age of 25.
In one lawsuit, an investor alleged that Bren orchestrated a “charade to mislead investors…to fund his lifestyle.”
The deception was convincing enough that Bren persuaded at least one individual who had common friends to lend him six figures during financial crunches.
“We had mutual interests, and he asked me for a loan,” the source recounted. Although initially repaid, a larger sum later resulted in a default judgment when he failed to pay it back.
The lender recently received only a fraction of what was owed and joins many others who parted with large amounts after meeting Bren, often referred by trusted acquaintances.
What led them to take such risks? One investor explained, “He charmed me during our social meetings and presented The Bunker concept compellingly. He seemed bright and full of promise, never once mentioning his father’s influence.”
Another investor’s associate noted Bren managed to evoke sympathy, saying, “He presented himself as a victim of circumstances. His narrative tugged at the heart, making it easy to invest.”
Bren states on his LinkedIn profile that he studied at Boston University between 2010 and 2014, earning a degree in finance, business law, and economics.
His LinkedIn also promotes his roles as co-founder of a Los Angeles co-working space, managing partner of a private equity firm, and founder of Peels CBD (“the world’s first citrus-derived CBD”). Additionally, he touts himself as the founder and CEO of The Bunker since 2020.
Nanxi Liu, a tech entrepreneur, invested $100,000 after encouragement from her mentor, Tony Chen. “He was enthusiastic, highlighting it as ‘the SoHo House for car enthusiasts,’” said Liu, referring to the trendy private club.
However, after Liu’s investment, she learned Chen was facing financial turmoil himself due to his heavy involvement with The Bunker and other personal stressors.
Tragically, in September 2022, the pressures led Chen to take his own life.
Yet, some, including a source close to Bren, hope for the best, suggesting, “Given the caliber of individuals drawn to this endeavor, it had real potential if not tarnished by the pandemic. Bren’s failure lay in his communication breakdown and avoidance of accountability.”
Ritter recalls, “When it came to repaying loans or making interest payments, he always had a different excuse. The bank misplaced the transfer, the check was on the way, or he was preoccupied with COVID issues.”
Currently, social media sightings place Bren in Miami. He has yet to respond to any requests for comments related to the unfolding saga and has not faced any criminal accusations.
One thing appears clear: The Bunker may never come to pass.
Ritter reflected on his interactions with Bren, stating, “He arrived stylishly in a flashy purple sports car with a model by his side, exuding a façade of wealth and privilege.
Yet beneath that extravagance, he was renting a modest home, and the car likely wasn’t even his own. “I can say with certainty that much of what he portrayed may not have been real.”
