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Robert Thelen

Founder @ Rownd (YC W22) - Helping companies grow with authentication

Professional Background

Robert Thelen is a visionary entrepreneur, leader, and futurist with a rich and diverse background that showcases his dedication to innovation and positive change. He is especially passionate about product management and is currently the CEO and co-founder of Rownd, a pioneering software-as-a-service (SaaS) startup focused on data privacy. With a mission to fundamentally change how personal data is collected, stored, and managed, Robert brings a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership skills to the forefront of data privacy technology.

Having served in the United States Air Force for over seven years, Robert has honed his leadership abilities in high-pressure environments. He has led units of up to 277 personnel, overseeing the operations of Aircraft Maintenance to ensure thousands of sorties are successfully flown each year. This experience not only refined his organizational and strategic skills but also instilled a strong commitment to teamwork and loyalty that he continues to embody in his entrepreneurial endeavors. His military background includes significant international exposure, where he mentored and trained Afghan army units in some of the most challenging conditions.

Post-military, Robert transitioned to business education at the prestigious Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. With an MBA focused on business administration and management, Robert also capitalized on his entrepreneurial spirit by co-founding FliQ. This startup aimed to revolutionize connectivity and communication, showcasing Robert's relentless drive to bring innovative ideas to market. His role as an intern at Google allowed him to further deepen his expertise in business transformations in technology, contributing significantly to Google's work transformation and planning team.

Notably, as a graduate speaker for the Tuck Class of 2016, Robert communicated his vision of leadership and entrepreneurial commitment to a larger audience, further solidifying his reputation as a thought leader and innovator.

Education and Achievements

Robert’s educational trajectory reflects his commitment to personal and professional growth. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College, where he developed critical business acumen and strategic management skills. Additionally, he earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration with a perfect 4.0 GPA from the University of Oklahoma, demonstrating his expertise in public policy and organizational leadership. His undergraduate education includes a BBA in Management and Human Resources from the Wisconsin School of Business, equipping him with the foundational knowledge necessary for a successful career in business.

Robert's entrepreneurial journey includes significant milestones such as his role as Co-Founder and CEO at Eclipse for a Cause, where he combined his passion for business with social responsibility. He has also made notable contributions at IBM as a Senior Product Manager within the API Connect/Gateways division, where his leadership played a crucial role in the development and execution of technology solutions that enhanced user experiences across various platforms.

Achievements

Throughout his career, Robert has made lasting impacts in various sectors. His work in the military, particularly in mentoring and training Afghan army units, has been particularly impactful, showcasing his ability to influence and transform lives through leadership and education. Furthermore, his initiatives in creating a newspaper during his college years and founding a non-profit organization during his deployment in Afghanistan illustrate a lifelong commitment to service, community, and innovative thinking.

Robert has also served as an adjunct professor at Durham Technical Community College, sharing his expertise with aspiring professionals and shaping the next generation of leaders. His breadth of experience across diverse roles—from combat advisor at NATO in Afghanistan to program manager and chief execution officer in the Air Force—demonstrates a versatile skill set that empowers him to navigate complex challenges efficiently.

As he continues to expand the influence of Rownd in the field of data privacy, Robert Thelen remains a dedicated advocate for change, powerful leadership, and innovative solutions that foster greater community involvement and corporate responsibility.

Highlights

Aug 23 · linkedin

Today was an extra-special day. It started pretty ordinarily; another United States Air Force app team was installing Rownd into their app. The fact it only took 15 minutes to install Rownd into their app was cool but not all that uncommon. What made it special as we were wrapping up, one of the Airmen said, "Thank you for supporting the warfighter."

Sometimes, when you are in the grind, it is easy to forget the real impact a great product can have on real people doing hard things. Proud to be a part of this team.

Aug 14 · linkedin

🚀 Big news for government apps! Rownd now supports Login.gov and has it running in Gov Cloud. But why should government agencies care? Let me break it down:

1️⃣ Opinionated Authentication: At Rownd, we believe in doing things right. Our authentication system is built on best practices, saving agencies from reinventing the wheel and potentially introducing security vulnerabilities. 2️⃣ Easy to Audit: In the government sector, transparency is key. Rownd's system is designed with clear, understandable processes that make audits a breeze. No more headaches during security reviews! 3️⃣ Simple Setup: We know government IT teams are often stretched thin. That's why we've made Rownd incredibly easy to set up. Get your authentication running in minutes, not weeks. 4️⃣ Rapid Iteration: Government needs evolve, and so should your auth. Rownd allows for quick changes and updates, helping you stay agile and responsive to new requirements. 5️⃣ Login .gov Integration in Seconds: We've streamlined the Login .gov integration process.

What used to take months can now be done in seconds. Yes, you read that right - seconds! Having worked in both the military and the tech sector, I understand the unique challenges government apps face. That's why we've built Rownd to address these specific needs. Ready to revolutionize your government app's authentication? Let's chat!

#GovTech #Cybersecurity #Authentication #LoginGov #RowndAuth

Related Questions

How did Robert Thelen's military experience shape his leadership style in the private sector?
In what ways is Robert Thelen looking to expand the influence of his startup, Rownd, on the tech industry?
What insights did Robert Thelen gain from his time studying at the Tuck School of Business that have influenced his entrepreneurial endeavors?
How does Robert Thelen measure the impact of his work in data privacy and how does he plan to scale that influence further?
What motivated Robert Thelen to transition from a military career to entrepreneurship, particularly in the tech sector?
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Location

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area