Danny O’Halloran Named New Entrepreneur-In-Residence for ISU Startup Factory
Des Moines, IA – The ISU Startup Factory is excited to announce Danny O’Halloran, a Des Moines native, as the new Entrepreneur-In-Residence. In his new role, Danny will serve as a key member of the teaching team, facilitating industry connections and providing valuable mentorship to cohort members as they navigate the entrepreneurial landscape.
Danny’s entrepreneurial journey began at 13 with a videography business, followed by ventures in streetwear and, most notably, the founding of MetaFuel, a company that automated fuel tax compliance for trucking companies. Under his leadership, MetaFuel secured funding from Techstars, angel investors, and the State of Iowa. After dissolving MetaFuel, Danny launched a consulting business, advising corporations, nonprofits, and startups on strategy, pitch development, and early market entry.
Danny’s hands-on experience allows him to offer practical advice on navigating early-stage challenges, building strong teams, and competing in crowded markets. “One thing I often share with founders is that timing tends to be one of the biggest elements that you will never be able to control. You had your idea when you had your idea, and sometimes the market’s just not ready for it,” said Danny. “I think there is so much to be learned from something that was a failure because you did things correctly. If one market isn’t a fit, you can move on and still gain valuable insights. There’s a lot you can learn from not getting that big exit.” He hopes to pass these lessons to new founders, helping build their confidence.
Looking forward to his new role, Danny expressed his enthusiasm for helping Startup Factory companies find their ‘aha’ moments. “Figuring out the pieces that have been blocking their progress or unlocking a new way of looking at their problem is exciting to me,” he said. “When it comes to cohort 16, you’ve got a wide array of people and technologies, and I think there’s potential for each of these founders to figure out the next step to moving their business forward, and I’m excited to be a part of that.”
Peter Hong, Director of the ISU Startup Factory, added, “Danny adds a fresh perspective to the experienced Startup Factory teaching team. He rounds out the team with his interest and experience using web based tools to organize all the different pieces of input that entrepreneurs must deal with especially in determining product market fit.”
The ISU Startup Factory is a premier startup incubator program designed for technology-based, scalable ventures led by ISU scientific faculty and community members across Iowa. Over an 18-week period, cohort members participate in intensive workshops focused on enhancing communication skills, developing business acumen, and understanding their customers. The program equips entrepreneurs to pursue non-dilutive funding for their technology and commercialization plans.