The StarTUp at the Armory has hired Daniel Kawah as its next entrepreneur in residence.
In this role, Kawah will work with students, faculty and community founders to build and scale early-stage ventures.
“We are excited to welcome Daniel to the StarTUp community. His entrepreneurial experience and commitment to mentoring founders will be invaluable as we continue building a vibrant ecosystem that supports innovation, venture creation and collaboration across our campus and the broader region,” said Ardys Russakis, executive director of the StarTUp at the Armory.
Kawah will lead the StarTUp Accelerator, mentoring founders, supporting venture development and strengthening pathways for early-stage ventures in the region. He will also support student-focused entrepreneurship initiatives and faculty-led innovation and commercialization efforts.
“Daniel’s passion and perspective will strengthen our efforts to help students, alumni and regional entrepreneurs move innovative ideas from concept to market in new and more impactful ways,” said Russakis.
Kawah has spent his career supporting founders through accelerators, economic development initiatives and startup advisory work. Prior to joining Towson University, he worked with organizations such as US Ignite and Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator, where he helped founders build and grow companies in emerging technology sectors. He has also supported university-based entrepreneurship initiatives, including work connected to the University of Southern California’s innovation ecosystem.
As a serial entrepreneur, Kawah supports founders across the globe through his firm, CDS84, advising early-stage companies on strategy, growth and building sustainable businesses.
“I’m excited to join the StarTUp at Towson University and work alongside students, faculty, and founders across the region. I’ve always believed that strong ecosystems are built by connecting people, ideas, and resources at the right time. I’m looking forward to helping founders move from concept to customer and contributing to a community that supports real, sustainable venture growth,” said Daniel.
About the StarTUp at the Armory
The StarTUp at the Armory is Towson University’s award-winning hub for innovation and entrepreneurship — and Maryland’s largest entrepreneur support organization. Whether you’re a student, faculty member, local business owner or community member, the StarTUp offers the tools and space to bring your ideas to life.
Located in a modern downtown Towson space, the StarTUp offers free co-working, reservable conference rooms and hands-on programs to help people turn big ideas into real-world solutions. It’s where collaboration happens and big things begin.
