Andrew Ryan

Andrew Ryan: A Multifaceted Journey in Technology, Leadership, & Film -Early Years: Resilience and Entrepreneurial Spirit Andrew Ryan's journey began under challenging circumstances. Raised in a low-income family with an abusive father and an absent mother, Andrew's childhood was a lesson in resilience and rising above his circumstances. This adversity fueled his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. At 8, inspired by a book on gemology, Andrew started sourcing gemstones and selling them from a local quarry, demonstrating early his knack for finding unique market opportunities. In middle school, Andrew's entrepreneurial skills took a new turn as he began selling energy drinks by the case in front of the school in the mornings, showcasing his understanding of market dynamics. These early ventures, while short-lived, were foundational, teaching him vital lessons in supply and demand and resilience. After an honorable discharge from the Army in 2012, Andrew dedicated himself to advocacy and public service, focusing on veterans' needs and local governance. His efforts in securing over $100M+ funding for veteran programs and in his role as a Redistricting Commissioner for the City of Austin highlighted his commitment to ethical leadership and community development. -Technological Innovation From Tragedy The tragic murder of Haruka Weiser at the UT Campus spurred Andrew to co-develop the Campus Watch app, a testament to his ability to use technology for social good. This venture demonstrated his skill in addressing societal needs through innovative solutions. Shortly after, Andrew's entrepreneurial journey continued with the creation of the Newchip investment app, a platform that revolutionized finance technology that later expanded into an accelerator, supporting entrepreneurs globally during covid's economic challenges, and the recession that followed after. Andrew's career faced a significant challenge with the downfall of Silicon Valley Bank and the shock-wave that it's collapse sent across the tech industry in 2023, shuttering Newchip. He navigated this period with integrity and resilience, emerging exonerated from legal battles and reinforcing his commitment to ethical business practices. -Film Industry Involvement In addition to his entrepreneurial and advocacy endeavors, Andrew ventured into the film industry following in the footsteps of his uncle Johnny Rafols. His first role, a minor one, in the 2023 film "Match Me if You Can," marked his entry into acting. Beyond acting, Andrew is an active investor in film projects and film companies, leveraging his business acumen to support and shape the film industry. A lifelong reader, his focus in entertainment is on bringing classic sci-fi and fantasy to film and television. Andrew Ryan's life story is a rich tapestry of overcoming adversity, entrepreneurial success, technological innovation, and ethical leadership. His foray into the film industry, both in front of the camera and as an investor, adds another dimension to his multifaceted career. His journey is a testament to the power of resilience, ethical leadership, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in every endeavor.