From selling mixtapes to friends in elementary school to running a high-school gaming server and funding a paintball field at 19. Took solace in entrepreneurship to escape feeling like an alien in early school years.
Launched a sustainable pizza cone startup for bakeries, raised six figures in investor funding, and strategically tackled global supply issues - all from a single Google search for 'crazy business ideas'.
After stepping away from my pizza cone business—a venture I’d truly poured myself into—I took some time to travel through Southeast Asia, which was a much-needed break. But an achiever like me can’t sit still for long! Back in Edinburgh, I hit up a start-up festival, always on the lookout for the next big thing. That’s where I connected with two driven guys who were knee-deep in a vegan pulled pork project.
Crafted custom learning resources and encouraged high-school and university students in Vietnam to pursue their ambitions by creating interactive lessons that promoted financial literacy and resilience.
Successfully negotiated with the CEO of CatchBox to provide free Wireless Microphone Systems to students in Vietnam, creating a reward system that became a major positive influence.
From sourcing and packaging to exports and creating brands - quickly identifying emerging trends and establishing innovative start-ups that address gaps in the market.
The global shift away from plastic straws was a huge win for the planet, and it was something we at RICESTRAWS were incredibly passionate about. My name is Dags, a UK citizen living in Vietnam, and I had seen firsthand the devastating impact of plastic waste on the beautiful coastlines here in Southeast Asia. That’s why I started RICESTRAWS – to do my part for the environment. My small team and I were then focused on providing a genuine alternative to plastic.
Navigating the challenging Scottish job market after returning from Vietnam, facing recruitment struggles and mental health challenges before finding the right opportunity.
Reflecting on a journey through 50+ jobs and the realization that my identity was always entrepreneurial. The Pizza Cone experience validated my abilities - I was the 'right guy' even if the product wasn't perfect.
Focusing on enhancing lives through financial literacy education and purpose-driven entrepreneurship, believing that personal growth and overcoming poverty are closely related through building community wealth.
Exploring the connection between financial literacy, personal growth, and defeating poverty through education.
Exploring identity and purpose as a global citizen - like a mustang running around the world, searching for belonging while discovering that home is something you carry within yourself.
We want more deep conversations. More connection to how our ancestors lived.
My mom, journalist Ieva Luika-Hofrāte, passed away in April. Coming to Latvia brought a culture shock, a press release that reached the national media, and StartSchool.
At StartSchool in Riga we built the first version of Vokela, a reading app that listens to children read aloud, in one weekend and won 3rd place at the hackathon.