Marcus Dantus

Founder & Chairman @ Startup Mexico. Shark @ Shark Tank Mexico. Keynote Speaker.

Naucalpan de Juárez, México, Mexico

About

Innovative thinker with broad-based expertise in operations, business development and sales. Proven ability to quickly identify key business drivers and develop strategies to maximize opportunities. Startup creator and operator, has led several incubator and accelerator programs, angel investor, academic and public speaker. Built solid track record of success leading start-ups • Start up Experience – Pioneer in E-Commerce in Latin America, established first Internet Portal in Mexico, built growing telecommunications solution business and headed medical device incubator. Founded and headed Wayra Mexico (Telefonica's Startup Accelerator), founded and current head of Mexico's largest entrepreneurial initiative, Startup Mexico. Managing director and GP at Dux Capital. Angel Investor in over 30 companies. Advised and mentored over 100 startup founders. • Academia - Guest Profesor MBA @ IPADE. Startup Creation and financing Module Coordinator - Master of Internet Business @ ISDI. Keynote and invited speaker @ MIT, IPADE, ITAM, CENTRO, UAA, UVM, ITESM and many other venues. • Public Speaking - Over 200 keynotes and panelist appearances in past 5 years in events for corporations, academy and government on entrepreneurial, venture capital and innovation subjects. Regular judge in startup competitions in Mexico, Latam, Europe and the US. • Strategic Planning – Turned around under-performing organization by changing and implementing new business model and strategy. Effective in developing business, sales, financing and market strategies. Expert in the identification, analysis, and resolution of diverse operational issues as well as succeeding in adverse conditions and environments. • Team Building – Superior capabilities in selection, recruitment, training, development and retaining top performing talents. • Corporate Financing and Governance – Experience raising investment in Mexico and US. Experience building and managing advisory and corporate boards. Board Member and advisor in over 30 companies in Mexico and US. Angel Investor. Venture Capitalist. • Awarded Entrepreneur - Recipient of multiple international, industry, and organizational awards for superior leadership, performance, and contributions. Commendations included Intel Technology Prize and Endeavor´s Dedication awards.

Experience

  • Founder and Chairman at Startup Mexico
    Nov 2013 - Present · 12 yrs 8 mos

    Startup Mexico a leader in the innovation, growth and entrepreneurship segments in Latin America. We support entrepreneurs in the creation of new, high potential companies, we accelerate SMB´s growth, we help corporates in their innovation processes and cooperate with local governments in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems.

  • President at Latin American and the Caribbean Business Angel Network
    Oct 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Generating prosperity through education, entrepreneurship, innovation and investment

  • General Partner at Fondo Angeles
    Nov 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 8 mos

    Angel syndicate fund investing in retail and technology green field projects

  • Venture Partner at Impacta VC
    Oct 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 9 mos

    At Impacta VC we invest in Impact Startups, which with the help of Mentors and our Co-investors grow to raise their next round of capital. In the process, we enable our Limited Partners to multiply their investment and create positive impact around the world. All of this would not be possible without a Team and Partners who share our vision of a better world.

  • Board Member at ILAN - Israel Latin American Network
    Aug 2023 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 11 mos

    Rewards and encourages social impact projects with innovation, strengthening the link between Latin America and Israel