Ricky van Veen is an American entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding the social media website CollegeHumor in 2000. He has since gone on to found or co-found several other successful startups, including Vimeo, Busted Tees, and Super Deluxe. Van Veen is also a prominent angel investor, having invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron.
Van Veen's success as an entrepreneur and investor has made him a respected figure in the tech industry. He is known for his ability to identify and invest in early-stage startups that have the potential to become major successes. Van Veen is also a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation, and he frequently speaks at conferences and events around the world.
In addition to his work as an entrepreneur and investor, Van Veen is also a passionate philanthropist. He is the co-founder of the Van Veen Foundation, which supports organizations working to improve education, healthcare, and the environment. Van Veen is also a major donor to the American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations that are fighting for social justice.
ricky van veen
Ricky van Veen is an American entrepreneur and investor best known for co-founding the social media website CollegeHumor in 2000. Since then, he has gone on to found or co-found several other successful startups, including Vimeo, Busted Tees, and Super Deluxe. Van Veen is also a prominent angel investor, having invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron.
- Entrepreneur: Van Veen has founded or co-founded several successful startups, including CollegeHumor, Vimeo, and Busted Tees.
- Investor: Van Veen is a prominent angel investor, having invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron.
- Philanthropist: Van Veen is the co-founder of the Van Veen Foundation, which supports organizations working to improve education, healthcare, and the environment.
- Speaker: Van Veen is a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world, where he shares his insights on entrepreneurship and innovation.
- Advisor: Van Veen is an advisor to several startups and venture capital firms.
- Board member: Van Veen is a board member of several non-profit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union.
These six key aspects highlight Ricky van Veen's diverse and successful career as an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, speaker, advisor, and board member. He is a respected figure in the tech industry and a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation.
1. Entrepreneur
Ricky van Veen is a serial entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded several successful startups, including CollegeHumor, Vimeo, and Busted Tees. His entrepreneurial journey began in 2000 when he co-founded CollegeHumor, a popular comedy website that quickly gained a large following. In 2004, he co-founded Vimeo, a video-sharing website that has become a popular alternative to YouTube. In 2005, he co-founded Busted Tees, a t-shirt company that sells humorous and pop culture-themed shirts.
- Visionary Leader
Van Veen has a proven track record of identifying market opportunities and developing innovative products and services. He was one of the first to recognize the potential of online comedy and video sharing, and his startups have helped to shape the way that people consume entertainment online.
- Team Builder
Van Veen is a skilled team builder who has been able to attract and retain talented employees. He has created a culture of innovation and collaboration at his startups, which has been a key factor in their success.
- Risk Taker
Van Veen is not afraid to take risks. He has invested his own money in his startups and has been willing to experiment with new ideas. His willingness to take risks has paid off, as his startups have become some of the most successful in the tech industry.
Van Veen's entrepreneurial success is a testament to his vision, leadership, and risk-taking ability. He is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
2. Investor
Ricky van Veen is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a prominent angel investor. He has invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron. His investment philosophy is focused on early-stage startups that have the potential to disrupt their industries. Van Veen is known for his ability to identify promising startups and help them grow into successful businesses.
- Early-stage investor
Van Veen is an early-stage investor, which means that he invests in startups that are still in their early stages of development. He is willing to take risks on startups that have the potential to be successful, even if they are not yet profitable. This approach has allowed him to invest in some of the most successful startups in the tech industry.
- Focus on disruption
Van Veen is particularly interested in investing in startups that have the potential to disrupt their industries. He believes that these startups have the greatest potential for growth and success. Some of his most successful investments have been in startups that have disrupted the transportation, retail, and healthcare industries.
- Value-added investor
Van Veen is not just a financial investor. He is also a value-added investor, which means that he provides more than just money to the startups he invests in. He provides mentorship, advice, and introductions to other investors and potential partners. This value-added approach has helped many of his startups to succeed.
- Patient investor
Van Veen is a patient investor. He is willing to hold onto his investments for the long term, even if the startup does not become profitable immediately. This patience has allowed him to reap the rewards of some of his most successful investments, which have taken years to become profitable.
Van Veen's success as an angel investor is a testament to his investment philosophy and his ability to identify promising startups. He is a role model for aspiring investors and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
3. Philanthropist
In addition to his success as an entrepreneur and investor, Ricky van Veen is also a passionate philanthropist. He is the co-founder of the Van Veen Foundation, which supports organizations working to improve education, healthcare, and the environment. Van Veen is committed to using his wealth and influence to make a positive impact on the world.
- Education
The Van Veen Foundation supports organizations that are working to improve education for all children. The foundation believes that every child deserves access to a quality education, regardless of their background or circumstances.
- Healthcare
The Van Veen Foundation supports organizations that are working to improve healthcare for all people. The foundation believes that everyone deserves access to affordable, quality healthcare.
- Environment
The Van Veen Foundation supports organizations that are working to protect the environment. The foundation believes that we have a responsibility to protect the planet for future generations.
Van Veen's philanthropy is an extension of his values as an entrepreneur and investor. He believes that everyone has the potential to make a difference in the world, and he is committed to using his resources to help others. Van Veen is a role model for aspiring philanthropists and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
4. Speaker
In addition to his work as an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist, Ricky van Veen is also a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world. He shares his insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of technology.
- Entrepreneurship
Van Veen is a successful entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded several successful startups. He shares his insights on entrepreneurship, including how to start a business, how to raise funding, and how to grow a successful company.
- Innovation
Van Veen is a strong advocate for innovation. He believes that innovation is the key to solving the world's problems and creating a better future. He shares his insights on innovation, including how to foster a culture of innovation and how to bring new products and services to market.
- The future of technology
Van Veen is a close observer of the technology industry. He shares his insights on the future of technology, including the latest trends and developments in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and other emerging technologies.
Van Veen is a sought-after speaker because of his deep knowledge of entrepreneurship, innovation, and technology. He is a thought leader in the tech industry and his insights are highly valued by entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders around the world.
5. Advisor
In addition to his work as an entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, and speaker, Ricky van Veen is also an advisor to several startups and venture capital firms. He provides mentorship and guidance to early-stage companies, helping them to develop their businesses and achieve success.
- Startups
Van Veen advises several startups, including Verbling, a language learning platform, and Spacious, a coworking space provider. He provides these startups with guidance on product development, marketing, and fundraising.
- Venture capital firms
Van Veen is also an advisor to several venture capital firms, including First Round Capital and Betaworks. He provides these firms with insights on the latest trends in the tech industry and helps them to identify promising startups to invest in.
Van Veen's experience as an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist gives him a unique perspective that is valuable to startups and venture capital firms. He is able to provide guidance on a wide range of topics, from product development to fundraising to marketing. Van Veen is a trusted advisor and mentor to many of the most successful startups and venture capital firms in the tech industry.
6. Board member
Ricky van Veen is a board member of several non-profit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He is a strong supporter of civil rights and liberties, and he believes that everyone deserves equal protection under the law.
- ACLU
The ACLU is a non-profit organization that fights for the rights of all Americans, regardless of their race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin. Van Veen is a strong supporter of the ACLU's work, and he has donated both his time and money to the organization.
- Other non-profit organizations
In addition to the ACLU, Van Veen is also a board member of several other non-profit organizations, including the Robin Hood Foundation, the New York Public Library, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. He is a strong believer in the power of philanthropy, and he is committed to using his resources to make a positive impact on the world.
Van Veen's involvement with non-profit organizations is a reflection of his values as an entrepreneur and investor. He believes that everyone has a responsibility to give back to their community, and he is committed to using his wealth and influence to make a difference in the world.
FAQs about Ricky van Veen
Ricky van Veen is an American entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, speaker, advisor, and board member. He is best known for co-founding the social media website CollegeHumor in 2000. Since then, he has gone on to found or co-found several other successful startups, including Vimeo, Busted Tees, and Super Deluxe. Van Veen is also a prominent angel investor, having invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron.
Question 1: What is Ricky van Veen's background?
Answer: Ricky van Veen is an American entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, speaker, advisor, and board member. He is best known for co-founding the social media website CollegeHumor in 2000.
Question 2: What are some of Ricky van Veen's most notable accomplishments?
Answer: Ricky van Veen is a serial entrepreneur who has founded or co-founded several successful startups, including CollegeHumor, Vimeo, and Busted Tees. He is also a prominent angel investor, having invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron.
Question 3: What is Ricky van Veen's investment philosophy?
Answer: Ricky van Veen is an early-stage investor who focuses on investing in startups that have the potential to disrupt their industries. He is particularly interested in startups that are using technology to solve real-world problems.
Question 4: What are some of Ricky van Veen's philanthropic interests?
Answer: Ricky van Veen is a passionate philanthropist who supports organizations working to improve education, healthcare, and the environment. He is the co-founder of the Van Veen Foundation, which supports organizations that are working to make a positive impact on the world.
Question 5: What is Ricky van Veen's role as a speaker and advisor?
Answer: Ricky van Veen is a frequent speaker at conferences and events around the world, where he shares his insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and the future of technology. He is also an advisor to several startups and venture capital firms, where he provides guidance on product development, marketing, and fundraising.
Question 6: What are some of Ricky van Veen's other interests and activities?
Answer: Ricky van Veen is a board member of several non-profit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). He is also a passionate advocate for entrepreneurship and innovation, and he frequently writes and speaks about these topics.
Ricky van Veen is a successful entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, speaker, advisor, and board member. He is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and a reminder that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.
For more information on Ricky van Veen, please visit his website: rickyvanveen.com
Tips from Ricky van Veen
Ricky van Veen is a successful entrepreneur, investor, philanthropist, speaker, advisor, and board member. He is best known for co-founding the social media website CollegeHumor in 2000. Since then, he has gone on to found or co-found several other successful startups, including Vimeo, Busted Tees, and Super Deluxe. Van Veen is also a prominent angel investor, having invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron.
Here are some tips from Ricky van Veen on how to be successful in business and life:
Tip 1: Be passionate about what you do.
If you're not passionate about your work, it will be difficult to stay motivated and achieve success. Find something that you love to do and that you're good at, and then pursue it with all your heart.
Tip 2: Be willing to take risks.
Starting a business or investing in a new venture is always risky, but it's also essential for success. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone and take calculated risks. The biggest rewards often come from the biggest risks.
Tip 3: Be persistent.
Success doesn't happen overnight. It takes hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Don't give up on your dreams, even when things get tough. Keep working hard and eventually you will achieve your goals.
Tip 4: Be adaptable.
The business world is constantly changing, so it's important to be adaptable. Be willing to change your plans and strategies as needed. The more adaptable you are, the more likely you are to succeed.
Tip 5: Be a lifelong learner.
The best entrepreneurs and investors are always learning. They're always reading, attending conferences, and networking with other successful people. The more you learn, the better equipped you'll be to make good decisions and achieve success.
Tip 6: Be a good person.
It's important to be ethical and honest in business and in life. Treat others with respect, and always do the right thing. The better person you are, the more successful you will be.
Ricky van Veen
Ricky van Veen is a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, philanthropist, speaker, advisor, and board member. He is best known for co-founding the social media website CollegeHumor in 2000. Since then, he has gone on to found or co-found several other successful startups, including Vimeo, Busted Tees, and Super Deluxe. Van Veen is also a prominent angel investor, having invested in over 100 startups, including Uber, Warby Parker, and Blue Apron.
Van Veen's success is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and passion for entrepreneurship. He is a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and investors, and his story is an inspiration to anyone who wants to achieve success in business and life.