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Dan Kihanya
Director of Path Ahead Ventures at REI with extensive experience in advisory and startup mentoring roles
Dan Kihanya is a prominent figure in the startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem, currently serving as the Director of Path Ahead Ventures at REI.2 His professional background and expertise span various areas:
Professional Experience
Dan is an accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with extensive experience in early-stage startups. His specialties include:
- Early-stage startup strategies
- Fundraising
- Lean startup processes
- Product-market fit
- Customer growth1
Entrepreneurial Ventures
Throughout his career, Dan has been involved in several notable ventures:
- Co-founder and Managing Director of Impact Hub Bellevue
- Co-founder of MyPoints.com1
Podcast Host
Dan hosts the "Founders Unfound" podcast, which explores the stories of exceptional founders of African descent.16 This platform allows him to spotlight diverse entrepreneurs and contribute to the broader conversation about representation in the startup world.
Current Role
As the Director of Path Ahead Ventures at REI, Dan is actively involved in supporting and nurturing emerging entrepreneurs. He has been participating in various events and initiatives:
- Engaging with the Embark 2024 founders program3
- Representing REI at Black Tech Week4
- Supporting and mentoring the next generation of business leaders5
Advocacy and Impact
Dan is passionate about changing venture capital to recognize the potential of Black entrepreneurs. He's involved in discussions about moving capital into Black-owned banks and community-based financial institutions.1
Through his work, podcast, and various initiatives, Dan Kihanya continues to make significant contributions to the startup ecosystem, particularly in supporting and highlighting underrepresented founders.
Highlights
I cannot believe...25 years ago, yesterday... August 20th, 1999 was the day that MyPoints went public. https://lnkd.in/gynYHzib
My life began a new and different trajectory that day. I was actually on some extended time off in Kenya (planned well before our IPO date got set). There was no internet access or cell phones there at the time. So I actually didn't see what price we landed at for a couple of days (thank you Financial Times 😄). I do remember hearing from the bankers how tenancious and compelling Steve was in the run up to IPO day. He's still one of the most postively persuasive people I've ever met.
In many ways, it still feels like it was yesterday. But then I reflect on how many interesting seasons I've had since. Tremendously fortunate and blessed to have had that amazing experience.
Thank you Steve Markowitz layton han Noah Doyle and Mark S. Smith for the great ride!
Happy Left-Hander's Day! You're welcome for all the wonderfulness we've brought to the world. I know we are quirky, but don't you like having us around to think differently?😎
