Ken Hayes: A Visionary Leader in Cleantech and Venture Capital
Ken Hayes is a distinguished technology executive, investor, and business builder who has made significant contributions to the cleantech sector and the broader startup ecosystem. Known for his expertise in strategic business development, corporate finance, and digital marketing strategy, Hayes has carved a unique path as an entrepreneur, investor, and advisor. His work with Cleantech Open, Canyon Creek Capital, and various prestigious institutions reflects a commitment to supporting innovative companies that address pressing environmental and technological challenges. This article explores Ken Hayes’s career, educational background, and his influential roles in several key organisations, highlighting his impact on cleantech, venture capital, and entrepreneurship.
Early Life and Education
Ken Hayes’s journey into the world of business and technology began with a solid educational foundation. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Pomona College, where he also spent a semester abroad in Lund, Sweden, fostering an early appreciation for international perspectives.
Furthering his education, Hayes completed a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Entrepreneurship at INSEAD, France. Graduating with distinction, he honed his skills in leadership, strategic thinking, and cross-cultural collaboration, which would become invaluable throughout his career. The international exposure at INSEAD, combined with his early professional years working across five European countries, equipped Hayes with a global outlook and a talent for working with diverse teams.
Entrepreneurial Roots and Career Beginnings
Before stepping into venture capital and executive leadership, Ken Hayes was an entrepreneur himself. He built and successfully exited several companies in Europe and the United States, particularly in sectors such as e-learning, digital media, and internet advertising.
One of his notable ventures was founding IMS Learning A/S, an innovative e-learning agency based in Copenhagen. Under his leadership, the company thrived even during the challenging dot-com bust and was later acquired by a larger corporation, marking a successful exit. This experience solidified Hayes’s expertise in building scalable businesses and managing growth in dynamic markets.
Leadership at Cleantech Open
Since 2017, Ken Hayes has been at the helm of Cleantech Open as its Executive Director. Cleantech Open is the oldest and largest business accelerator dedicated to clean technology and sustainability-focused startups. Under his leadership, the organisation has expanded its reach and impact, helping hundreds of entrepreneurs each year develop their businesses, secure funding, and scale their innovations.
Hayes oversees the national operations of Cleantech Open, managing full profit and loss responsibilities and steering major fundraising efforts, partnerships, and curriculum development. His leadership was particularly notable during the global shift to virtual operations in 2020, where he guided the accelerator through a seamless transition to online programming, enabling startups to continue thriving despite challenging circumstances.
With over 1,000 volunteers and more than 600 investors and ecosystem partners engaged, Ken Hayes’s role at Cleantech Open demonstrates his ability to unite a broad network of stakeholders to support environmental innovation and economic development. The accelerator supports over 120 startups annually across six regions in the United States and internationally.
Canyon Creek Capital: Venture Capital with Impact
Ken Hayes co-founded Canyon Creek Capital’s Fund II in 2014, a venture capital fund focused on early-stage investments in Southern California and other parts of California. The fund targets technology companies in sectors such as digital media, robotics, space technology, SaaS, and advertising technology.
With over 40 investments to date, Canyon Creek Capital has backed promising startups including Relativity Space, Miso Robotics, and Wear FIGS. Hayes was instrumental in raising about one-third of the fund’s capital, sourcing deals, conducting due diligence, and actively mentoring portfolio companies.
His work at Canyon Creek reflects a hands-on approach to venture investing, combining financial acumen with operational expertise to help startups achieve growth and success. Hayes frequently steps in to provide senior management support to invested companies, showcasing his commitment to fostering business value beyond capital investment.
Contribution to USC Viterbi School of Engineering
In addition to his executive and venture roles, Ken Hayes serves on the Investment Committee of the USC Viterbi Venture Fund. This donor-funded initiative invests in Southern California startups affiliated with the University of Southern California community, supporting pre-seed and seed-stage ventures led by faculty, staff, alumni, or students.
As a pro bono committee member, Hayes reviews investment opportunities, performs due diligence, and helps guide funding decisions. His involvement with USC Viterbi illustrates his dedication to nurturing innovation in academic environments and bridging the gap between research and commercialisation.
Role with Innovation Centre Denmark
Ken Hayes’s international expertise is also evident in his advisory role with the Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) in Silicon Valley. Since 2023, he has served on the advisory board, contributing strategic guidance on fostering business opportunities and collaborations between the United States and Denmark.
This position leverages Hayes’s experience in both European and American markets, supporting innovators in navigating cross-border challenges and expanding their global reach. His insights help drive bilateral partnerships and innovation ecosystems critical for technology transfer and entrepreneurship.
Pasadena Angels: Supporting Local Innovation
A longstanding member of the Pasadena Angels since 2004, Ken Hayes has been deeply involved in supporting the Los Angeles-area startup ecosystem. The Pasadena Angels is a group of over 100 accredited investors who finance technology startups primarily in IT, software, and internet sectors.
Hayes has served as a Board Director Emeritus, focusing on sourcing new investments, mentoring entrepreneurs through screening processes, and conducting rigorous due diligence. His leadership helped enhance the group’s operations, data management platforms, and deal flow, contributing to a robust investment environment for early-stage companies.
A Multi-Faceted Career with a Personal Mission
Ken Hayes’s career trajectory reflects a blend of entrepreneurship, investment, and executive leadership, all anchored by a personal mission to create a positive impact. His passion lies in helping entrepreneurs build businesses that not only succeed financially but also contribute to sustainability and a better world.
By leading accelerators, investing in transformative technologies, and advising startups, Hayes embodies a holistic approach to business development that integrates strategic thinking with social and environmental responsibility.
Outside of his professional life, Hayes is an avid road and gravel cyclist, a hobby that keeps him fit and offers a refreshing balance to his demanding career.
Conclusion
Ken Hayes stands out as a visionary leader who combines deep business expertise with a genuine commitment to fostering innovation for a sustainable future. From his early entrepreneurial ventures in Europe to his current roles leading Cleantech Open, Canyon Creek Capital, and various advisory boards, Hayes has consistently championed growth, collaboration, and impact.
His work in venture capital and business acceleration has helped hundreds of startups navigate the complex paths of financing, scaling, and market entry. Moreover, his international experience and dedication to cleantech and climate-tech position him as a pivotal figure in driving the clean economy forward.
Ken Hayes’s story is one of perseverance, leadership, and purposeful impact — a true exemplar for entrepreneurs and investors alike.
