Biography of Daniel Curran: A Journey of Tech and Innovation
Biography of Daniel Curran:
Daniel Curran is the brains behind CustEx.com, a
revolutionary democracy platform poised to replace TikTok and tackle global
civil unrest. With CustEx, ordinary people like you can influence the
1%—politicians, celebrities, governments, and vendors—to make positive changes.
Curran, a former rocket scientist turned entrepreneur, is on a mission to
empower individuals to shape the future.
Daniel Curran is a key member of FundersClub and one of
Silicon Valley's top angel investors. He's been involved in 176 startups,
including some of the biggest success stories. His role as Founder, Advisor,
and Executive has led to the creation of one Decacorn and over eight Unicorns,
delivering exceptional returns to investors.
Driving Innovation and Investment
Connecting with billionaire Family Offices, Midas List VC's,
and Forbes superangels, Curran shares deal flow, fostering innovation and
investment opportunities. His passions extend beyond business, focusing on
cutting-edge technologies like brain-computer interfaces, quantum
teleportation, and cryonics.
Educational Journey in Engineering and Innovation
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC):
At UIUC, he pursued a Master of Science in Engineering with
a focus on Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, specializing in Rocket Science.
The university's engineering program is highly regarded, consistently ranked
among the top four in the nation alongside MIT, Stanford, and UC Berkeley.
Notably, UIUC is where Marc Andreessen developed the Mosaic web browser, adding
a remarkable layer of history to its academic environment.
Penn State University:
Continuing his academic journey, he earned a Master of
Science in Engineering Mechanics with a concentration in Materials Science at
Penn State University. This program provided a deeper understanding of how
materials behave under different conditions, essential knowledge for
engineering applications across various industries.
University of Rhode Island (URI):
His undergraduate
studies at URI focused on Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics,
culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree. URI provided a solid foundation in
engineering principles and practical applications, preparing him for more
advanced studies and professional endeavors.
University of Southern California (USC):
At USC, he pursued a specialized certificate in
Environmental and Civil Engineering at the Master's level, awarded by the
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE). This program offered a
focused exploration of the intersection between engineering and environmental
sustainability, a critical area in today's world.
University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley):
During my time at UC Berkeley, he engaged with the business
community through the Haas School of Business Benefactor program. Additionally,
he was involved with the Benjamin Ide Wheeler Society, contributing to the
university's legacy of academic excellence and philanthropy.
Stanford University:
At Stanford, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey,
co-founding AlaStor Networks with guidance from an esteemed Electrical
Engineering professor. This experience provided invaluable insights into
technology innovation and business development, shaping his trajectory as a
leader in the field.
Through these educational experiences, he gained a diverse skill
set and a deep understanding of engineering principles, materials science,
environmental sustainability, and business innovation. Each institution
contributed uniquely to his academic and professional growth, laying the
foundation for him endeavors in engineering and entrepreneurship.
Career Highlights:
Dan's career trajectory has been marked by a series of
notable achievements and impactful contributions across various industries.
From his tenure as Vice President of Strategic Planning & Acting Chief Operating
Officer at Western Digital Corp. to his roles in pioneering startups such as
Allset and CustEx, Dan has consistently demonstrated his ability to drive
growth and innovation. His journey—from designing rockets and aircraft to
founding successful ventures—reflects his unwavering commitment to pushing
boundaries and making a lasting impact in the entrepreneurial landscape.
Educational Outreach (April 2005 - April 2007):
From April 2005 to April 2007, Dan dedicated his time and
expertise to educational outreach efforts as a Founder, Instructor, and
Moderator at UCLA's Tech Innovators' Forum. Through this forum, Dan empowered
aspiring entrepreneurs to embark on their entrepreneurial journeys by sharing
insights on starting high-tech companies with limited resources. Additionally,
Dan's involvement in programs such as UCLA's High School Smarts Program
underscores his commitment to inspiring the next generation of engineering and
technology leaders.
CustEx (December 2012 - Present):
Since December 2012, Dan has been the driving force behind
CustEx, assuming the roles of Founder and CEO. CustEx stands as a testament to
Dan's vision of creating a platform that amplifies the voices of consumers
worldwide. Through CustEx, Dan aims to democratize decision-making processes by
providing a space where users can express their opinions and preferences on
various topics, ranging from products to politics, through an intuitive video
interface. By championing the power of crowdsourcing and direct engagement, Dan
endeavors to ensure that the majority's voices are not only heard but valued in
shaping the future.
Investing and Advisory Roles (May 2016 - May 2022):
From May 2016 to May 2022, Dan has been actively engaged in
the startup ecosystem, serving as an Angel Investor and Advisor. Through his
participation in panels evaluating Silicon Valley startups, Dan provides
invaluable feedback and guidance to entrepreneurs, drawing on his extensive
experience in technology startups and internet services. Dan's role as a
trusted advisor reflects his commitment to nurturing innovation and driving the
success of emerging ventures.
Allset (March 2016 - Present):
Since March 2016, Dan has contributed his insights and
expertise to Allset as a Business, Strategy, and Fundraising Advisor, alongside
his role as an Investor. Allset epitomizes Dan's passion for innovation in the
dining industry, offering a seamless platform for busy restaurant-goers to book
tables and pre-order meals, effectively eliminating the hassle of waiting in
line. Dan's involvement underscores his belief in the transformative potential
of Allset's approach and his dedication to supporting ventures that redefine
consumer experiences.
Nickelytics (January 2019 - Present):
Since January 2019, Dan has been actively involved with
Nickelytics, assuming dual roles as a Business, Strategy, and Fundraising
Advisor, as well as an Investor. Nickelytics represents Dan's commitment to
transforming out-of-home advertising by simplifying the process of accessing
diverse advertising assets through a self-service platform. By leveraging his
expertise in business strategy and fundraising, Dan plays a pivotal role in
guiding Nickelytics towards its goal of revolutionizing outdoor marketing and
empowering advertisers of all scales.
Biography of Daniel Curran: A Journey of Tech and Innovation / Jouney of Daniel Curran: Life, ,Education, Investment
A Tech Maverick Redefining Democracy
Empowering Individuals with CustEx
CustEx is gearing up to launch a website and app, aiming to
assist the Biden Administration in understanding voter demands. Positioned as
the hub for advertisements and co-creation, CustEx seeks to drive corporate
innovation, support movements like Black Lives Matter, and prevent civil
unrest.
Curran's track record speaks volumes. With 14 startups under
his belt and investments in over 176 ventures, he's created over 1,000 jobs and
delivered $170 million in exits to investors. Startups endorsed by Curran
attract top venture capitalists, often becoming oversubscribed in record time.
Tech Visionary: Curran's Legacy
As an angel investor, Curran boasts billion-dollar exits in
under a year, including the likes of Cruise and Dollar Shave Club. His
influence in the tech world is undeniable, with a history of successful
ventures like USLab, which went public in 1998, and CustEx, founded in 2012.
Mastering the Art of Scaling Companies
Curran's expertise in scaling companies is unparalleled. His
ability to assess a company's position swiftly and take customer-centric
actions has led to remarkable sales growth. Notably, as VP and acting COO at
Western Digital, he spearheaded sales ramp from $2 million to $100 million in
just eight months.
With multiple master's degrees from top engineering schools
and a wealth of experience in the tech industry, Curran continues to push
boundaries, driving positive change and innovation at every turn.
In the past, Curran served as Vice President and interim
Chief Operating Officer at Western Digital's Connex division. This experience
provided him with valuable insights into the workings of a major tech company,
which he now applies to his own ventures.
Curran's Winning Track Record
Curran has a knack for picking winners. Some of his notable
exits include Cruise, Dollar Shave Club, and Ticketbis. He's also been
instrumental in the success of companies like Branch Metrics. His ability to
identify and nurture promising startups sets him apart in the investment world.
Curran's Investment Criteria
Curran is open to taking on executive roles or advising
startups that meet certain criteria. He looks for companies with strong sales,
preferably exceeding $20,000 in monthly recurring revenue. Additionally, he
values startups that demonstrate traction, have a competitive edge, and show
potential for high growth.
Curran's Passion for Social Entrepreneurship
Social entrepreneurship is close to Curran's heart. He's
drawn to startups that aim to make a positive impact on the world and are
committed to giving back. This aligns with his own mission to contribute to a
better future through technology and innovation.
Daniel Curran: A Guide for Startups & Empowering USA
Startups
Daniel Curran's Investment Focus
Investing in startups can be risky, but Daniel Curran is
here to help. He's open to advising, funding, or leading American startups
making over $500,000 in annual revenue. With over 50 founder deals landing in
his inbox every week, Curran is highly sought after in the startup world.
Curran's Criteria for Startup Funding
Curran looks for startups with strong potential to become
billion-dollar successes within 7-10 years. He prefers original consumer
internet startups or those with little competition, like CustEx. However, he's
cautious about investing in higher-risk areas like hardware, fintech,
education, government, or healthcare/biotech. To secure funding, startups need
to demonstrate solid growth rates, revenue, and a proven demand for their
product.
Curran's Successful Track Record
Curran has a track record of identifying winners. He
invested in Cruise when it was valued at $87 million and exited with a 11.5x
return when it reached $1 billion in just six months. Similarly, he backed
Dollar Shave Club and saw a 4.6x return when it reached a $1 billion valuation
within a year. These successes demonstrate Curran's keen eye for promising
startups.
Navigating the Investment Landscape
While Curran is open to high-potential opportunities, he
avoids overpriced or speculative deals. He draws on his extensive experience as
a founder and executive in 14 startups, as well as his investments in over 114
startups in the past 1.5 years, to minimize risk for both himself and the
startups he supports.
Understanding the Risks of Startup Investment
Investing in startups is risky, and Curran is upfront about
it. While he aims for returns of 100x or more, he acknowledges that most
startups fail, and it can take over 10 years to see a return on investment.
However, for those willing to take the risk, the potential rewards can be
life-changing. Curran encourages investors to understand his level of
commitment to each deal, so they can make informed decisions.
Daniel Curran: Pioneering Tech Investment
Daniel Curran: Tech Visionary Leading the Way
Daniel Curran has a long history of success in the tech
world. He's led companies to go public on the NASDAQ, like ULAB, and held
high-level positions at major players like Western Digital Corp (WDC). At WDC,
he helped steer the company away from bankruptcy and saw its stock soar to $114
per share.
Spotting Trends and Making Moves
Curran has a knack for spotting big trends in technology
before others do. This talent has not only helped companies he's been involved
with to thrive but also gives him an edge in connecting with other influential
figures in Silicon Valley and Fortune 500 companies. His network opens doors
for distribution deals and startup acquisitions.
Efficiency and ROI: Curran's Investment Philosophy
Both as an executive in well-funded firms and as a
bootstrapping entrepreneur, Curran knows how to get the most out of every dollar
invested. He's especially interested in supporting entrepreneurs who can
achieve significant growth with minimal resources. This focus on efficiency and
ROI guides his investment decisions.
A Win-Win Partnership
Investing alongside Curran offers a unique opportunity. Investors
have the freedom to choose which deals to participate in while enjoying
preferred access to promising startups and favorable terms negotiated by Curran
himself. It's a partnership built on mutual benefit and shared success.
Driving Startup Growth through CustEx
Curran is actively involved in promoting the growth of
startups through CustEx, his own business platform. By leveraging his extensive
network, he helps startups gain traction and accelerate their growth. This
hands-on approach sets him apart as an investor who truly cares about the
success of the companies he supports.
Equal Access for All: Curran's Inclusive Approach
With a minimum investment requirement of just $1,000, Curran
ensures that everyone has a chance to get involved. This reflects his belief in
equal opportunities for all and his commitment to democratizing access to
startup investment. Whether you're new to investing or a seasoned pro, Curran
welcomes you to join him on his journey of driving innovation and making an
impact in the tech industry.
Some companies where Daniel Curran invested
- OneSignal - Business/Productivity Software
- Coinmine – Hardware
- LUK - Media and Information Services (B2B)
- Fresh Bowl - Commercial Products
- Good Money - Financial Software
- Room - Office Services
- CARD.com - Financial Software
- Rebellyous Food - Food Products
- Evabot - Application Software
- GC+ - Services (B2C Non-Financial)
- Move Loot - online marketplace for the buying and selling of secondhand furniture
- Obox- business solution provider
- Huckle – connects athletes with companies
- Vetpronto – largest house call veterinary service
- Dollor Shave Club - delivers razors and other personal grooming products
- Cruise - self-driving car company
- Branch - mobile software company
Timeline of Daniel Curran Life
1990s - Early 2000s:
Educational Pursuits - Daniel Curran lays the groundwork for
his future endeavors through academic achievements, including degrees from top
engineering schools.
Early 2000s - Mid-2010s:
Entrepreneurial
Ventures - Curran ventures into entrepreneurship, co-founding AlaStor Networks
and holding executive roles at Western Digital Corp, gaining valuable
experience in technology innovation and business development.
2012 - Present:
CustEx Foundation - Curran founds CustEx, a democracy
platform empowering individuals to influence positive changes, marking a
significant milestone in his entrepreneurial journey.
2016 - Present:
Investment and Advisory Roles - Curran actively engages in
the startup ecosystem as an angel investor and advisor, contributing to the
success of numerous companies across various sectors.
2005 - 2007:
Educational Outreach
- Curran dedicates time to educational outreach efforts, inspiring aspiring
entrepreneurs through programs like UCLA's Tech Innovators' Forum and the High
School Smarts Program.
