Ken Hayes
About Ken Hayes
Ken Hayes is an Executive Director with extensive experience in entrepreneurship and venture capital, currently working at Cleantech Open and Canyon Creek Capital. He has a background in international business, having worked in Europe for 13 years, and holds an MBA from INSEAD.
Work at Cleantech Open
Ken Hayes serves as the Executive Director of Cleantech Open, a position he has held since 2017. In this role, he has played a significant part in scaling efforts that impact hundreds of entrepreneurs and startups each year through the Cleantech Open accelerator program. His work focuses on helping entrepreneurs achieve financial success while contributing to environmental sustainability.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to his role at Cleantech Open, Ken Hayes is involved with several organizations. Since 2020, he has been a member of the Investment Committee for the Viterbi Venture Fund at USC Viterbi School of Engineering. He is also a Venture Partner and Co-Founder of Canyon Creek Capital, which has invested in over 40 companies. Furthermore, he serves on the Advisory Board for Innovation Centre Denmark in Silicon Valley and is a Board Director Emeritus for Pasadena Angels.
Education and Expertise
Ken Hayes holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Pomona College and an M.B.A. in Entrepreneurship from INSEAD. His educational background has equipped him with a solid foundation in economic principles and business management, which he applies in his various roles in venture capital and entrepreneurship support.
Professional Background
Ken Hayes has over three decades of experience in various leadership roles across multiple industries. He worked at Nordea as an Integration Services Manager and held positions at Dell Computer Corporation and Oversee.Net. His international experience spans 13 years in five different countries, enhancing his ability to collaborate with diverse teams.
Achievements in Venture Capital
As a co-founder of Canyon Creek Capital, Ken Hayes has contributed to the growth of early-stage venture capital, focusing on innovative startups. His involvement has led to investments in notable companies such as Relativity Space and Miso Robotics, demonstrating his commitment to fostering entrepreneurship in the technology sector.