#29 Dan Levitan

Co-founder of Maveron, Dan Levitan, discusses his extensive careers in both investment banking and venture capital. At age 40, Dan pivoted his career by uprooting his life in New York City, moving to Seattle, and starting Maveron with former Starbucks CEO, Howard Schultz. Through his venture capital firm, Dan is focused on helping build and monetize consumer brands. Some of the companies in his portfolio include Zulily, Potbelly, eBay, and Allbirds. In this episode, Dan shares his love for Duke University, what influenced his decision to quit his successful career and move across the country, and his appreciation for his four mentors. He talks about how his relationship with Howard Schultz came to be, the values they’ve set for Maveron, and how his relationship with each founder he works with is different. Dan’s words of wisdom on the importance of giving back and having fun in your career are important lessons everyone can learn from.