Dan
Gigante
Developer, entrepreneur, and community builder. I make things on the internet, run marketing agencies, and have been involved in 15 Startup Weekend events, and now run Startup Wednesday events.
Photo by Luke Copping
Building things that matter since 1998.
I'm a developer and entrepreneur with extensive experience building digital products and growing businesses. Together with my wife, I run a marketing company that helps brands connect with their audience.
My journey includes founding You and Who, a social enterprise that combined apparel with community impact, and co-founding 19 Ideas, a marketing agency.
With a background in development and a passion for social good, I bring a unique perspective to both technical implementation and business strategy.
I served in the United States Air Force as a Computer Programmer before transitioning to the private sector, where I've been building and scaling companies ever since.
Building companies that make an impact.
19 Ideas
Full-service marketing agency combining strategic thinking with creative execution to help brands connect with their audiences.
The 19 Ideas team
Went
Marketing company focused on helping businesses develop effective digital strategies and brand experiences. Co-founded with my wife Katie.
Dan & Katie
Previous Experience
AI-Assisted Engineering
At 19 Ideas, we're constantly experimenting with new tools and technologies. The Workshop is our playground for these creations - from concept to launch, we develop projects that solve real problems.
Vibe coding is not the same as AI-Assisted engineering. We're exploring the intersection of creativity and technology through hands-on experimentation and rapid prototyping.
Visit The Workshop15 events. 9 in Buffalo. 2 wins.
Startup Weekend has been a significant part of my entrepreneurial journey. I've been involved as an organizer, mentor, and participant, witnessing firsthand how these intensive 54-hour events can transform ideas into viable businesses.
O So Good Company
At WNY48 (April 2026), I pitched O So Good Company - a city-specific cereal brand where every box sold includes a donation to the local food bank. Our first product is Buffal-O's, with donations going to FeedMore WNY. We came in 2nd place!
Visit osogoodco.comBuffalo Events
WNY48 (Startup Weekend)
2nd PlacePitched and worked on O So Good Company, a city-specific cereal brand where every box sold includes a donation to the local food bank. Our first product is Buffal-O's, with donations going to FeedMore WNY.
Learn moreBuffalo Startup Weekend #9
Served as a mentor for the event.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #8
WinnerPitched TILT ('this is like that'), which received the most votes and won the event.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #7
Served as an advisor to the organizers. Pitched Tocho.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #6
Served as a main organizer for the event.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #5
Served as a main organizer for the event.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #4
WinnerServed as a main organizer. Pitched 'threesquare meals' and won the event.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #3
Served as a main organizer. Pitched 'Headcount'.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #2
2nd PlaceServed as a main organizer. Joined a team called 'LookTag' which placed 2nd.
Buffalo Startup Weekend #1
Served as a main organizer for the first Buffalo Startup Weekend. Pitched 'Tallygator'.
Other Events
43North Road Show
- Seattle, WA (2015) - Mentored at two events on the same weekend
- Los Angeles, CA (2014) - Mentored as part of 43North Road Show
- Columbus, OH (2014) - Mentored as part of 43North Road Show
Where It All Began
Ithaca, NY (2012) - My first Startup Weekend experience. Pitched an idea that didn't move forward. Almost joined team Rosie, which is still around today.
Sharing ideas that matter.
It's Not Win or Lose, It's Win or Learn
A talk delivered at TEDxYouth@Buffalo about embracing failure as a learning opportunity and how this mindset can lead to greater success and innovation.
Watch the TalkTechnical meets creative.
Development
Marketing
Entrepreneurship
Design
Random shots.
Running with the Bulls
Participated in the famous San Fermín festival.
Ultimate Sabres Fan
Attended every single Buffalo Sabres home game during the season, including all playoff games.
NHL Arena Quest
Have seen a game in all NHL arenas.
A quest spanning over two decades to visit every NHL arena. Just completeed by visiting Utah's new team in April 2026.