Sign In

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

Jul 22 · PCMag
Courtroom5 Seeks to Represent the Underrepresented - PCMag
Jun 9 · PCMag
Weshowup Is Changing the Relationship Between Performers and Their Audiences - PCMag

Related Questions

What is the main focus of Path Ahead Ventures at REI?
How did Dan Kihanya start his career in venture capital?
What are some notable startups Dan Kihanya has invested in?
How does Dan Kihanya's podcast, Founders Unfound, contribute to the startup ecosystem?
What are Dan Kihanya's key strategies for early-stage startups?
Dan Kihanya
Dan Kihanya, photo 1
Dan Kihanya, photo 2
Add to my network

Experience

Director of Path Ahead Ventures at REI (July 2021 - Present)
- Co-Founder and Host at Founders Unfound (March 2019 - Present) - Advisory Board Member at Find Ventures (May 2021 - Present) - Startup Advisory Board at WTIA (July 2020 - Present) - Mentor at Techstars (2013 - Present) - New Venture Advisor at Harlequin Hawk Company (September 2010 - Present), Investor, Co-Founder, Head of Marketing & Strategy at Wizely (June 2017 - September 2023)

Education

- MBA from University of California, Berkeley - Walter A. Haas School of Business, focus on Marketing and Entrepreneurship - BSE in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University - High School Degree from Boston Latin School

Location

Greater Seattle Area