Ricardo Garcia Amaya
About Ricardo Garcia Amaya
Ricardo Garcia Amaya is a Founding Equity Partner at Acrew DC Fund and a prominent figure in the tech community, known for his roles as Founder and CEO of ILUMA and as a founding member of Orange DAO. He has a strong educational background with degrees from HEC Paris and NYU Stern, and has held various leadership positions, including campaign CTO for the first Latino mayor of Providence, Rhode Island.
Work at Acrew Capital
Ricardo Garcia Amaya serves as the Founding Equity Partner at Acrew Capital, specifically for the Acrew DC Fund, since 2021. His role involves overseeing investment strategies and fostering relationships within the venture capital ecosystem. Acrew Capital focuses on supporting diverse founders and innovative startups, aligning with Amaya's commitment to promoting inclusivity in technology.
Current Roles and Initiatives
Amaya is actively involved in multiple organizations. He is a Founding Governance Committee Member at Orange DAO, a role he has held since 2021. Additionally, he is the Founder of Top American Latinx Tech Leaders, established in 2014, and serves as the Founder and CEO of ILUMA since 2022. He also founded YC Alumni in 2019, contributing to the support of entrepreneurs within the Y Combinator network.
Education and Expertise
Amaya holds an MBA in Strategy from HEC Paris, where he studied abroad for 11 months in 2009. He also earned an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from NYU Stern School of Business between 2008 and 2010. His academic background is complemented by a BA in Politics from New York University, achieved from 1999 to 2002. This educational foundation supports his expertise in business strategy and innovation.
Background and Early Career
Amaya's career includes significant contributions to public service and technology. He worked as an Associate at the NYC Mayor’s Office under Michael Bloomberg, where he developed the technology blueprint for New York City. He also held leadership roles at New America Alliance, serving as Director of the NAA Angels and Chair of the Technology Committee. His early experiences laid the groundwork for his later ventures in tech and entrepreneurship.
Recognitions and Fellowships
Amaya has received recognition as a Silicon Valley Top Diverse Tech 40 Under 40. He is a Consortium Fellow, a Management Leaders for Tomorrow (MLT) Fellow, and a Council of Urban Professionals Fellow. Additionally, he is an Aspen Institute Tech Fellow and an NYU Stern Innovation Fellow, reflecting his commitment to leadership and innovation within the tech community.