Dan Kunitz, a Special Advisor to xFoundry@UMD, brings a wealth of expertise to our team. He joined the University of Maryland in 2019 and now leads the NSF-funded Mid-Atlantic I-Corps Hub, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship programs. He is also in charge of the EDA-funded Maryland Innovation Extension, supporting underrepresented groups in Maryland. Furthermore, Dan instructs in NSF's National I-Corps program and has been involved in various UMD task forces, strengthening the regional innovation ecosystem.

Before his time at UMD, Dan was a prominent entrepreneur and founder in web, new media, and education sectors. Notable roles include Co-Founder and COO of Irides, LLC, overseeing acquisitions, and leadership at Politico, where he played a pivotal role in digital media. His expertise extends to media startups, education ventures like MBA Center, and global strategic advisory with Professional Prime. Dan, with a BA from Wesleyan University and an MBA in International Business from Ecole des Ponts, actively advises and mentors startups and holds a Partner position at NextGen Venture Partners. His extensive experience and dedication to entrepreneurship make him a valuable asset to xFoundry.

Dan holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MBA in International Business from Ecole des Ponts.