About
As a dynamic leader with hands-on experience in investment banking, growth startups, and consulting, I am passionate about national security, artificial intelligence, and corporate finance.
With a B.A. in Political Science, a track record of delivering results through financial modeling, market analysis, innovative problem-solving, and years of leadership as captain of various hockey teams, I bring a unique perspective to tackling complex business challenges. I thrive in fast-paced settings and am eager to contribute my skills in finance, strategy, and operations to a forward-thinking organization.
Projects
Paladin Exotics
Created a dynamic financial model for Paladin Exotics, enabling the company to address the challenges of managing a capex driven, vehicle rental business. This model was instrumental in securing $200,000 in angel investment and obtaining SBA approval, showcasing its effectiveness in fleet management, operational scalability, and FP&A.
Tactical Technologies XYZ
Developed following my internship with Raymond James' Defense and Government Services Investment Baking team, the model provides a multifaceted valuation of a hypothetical C4ISR government contractor. The slide deck is intended for the hypothetical management team of Tactical Technologies. It encapsulates the valuation findings and provides strategic recommendations for the perspective client.
Nightspot
As a co-founder of Nightspot, a SaaS platform for nightlife establishments and nightlife consumers, I led the development of a pitch deck and financial model that secured seed investment from the John’s Hopkins Spark Accelerator.
Insurance LBO Case
Analyzed a leveraged buyout scenario for a hypothetical insurance company to assess the viability of a buyout by a private equity firm. Created sources & uses, modeled cash flows, andbacked out the interest expense to calculate IRR over a five-year period.
Acceleras.AI
Developed presentation materials for Acceleras.AI, a consulting firm specializing in generativeAI business transformations, to effectively communicate their capabilities and success stories.Leveraging guidance from management I created a deck that detailed the current state ofgenerative AI, identified key challenges for C-suite executives, and presented Acceleras's tailored solutions.
Rezeo
Provided strategic Go-To-Market solutions for Rezeo, an innovative platform revolutionizing entry-level recruitment through short-form video profiles and AI. Leveraging my experience in tackling two-sided marketplace challenges and insights from Geoffrey Moore's Crossing the Chasm, I recommended a growth strategy centered around college campuses to build early adopter momentum.
Lift Case Study
As an application for a Sequoia-backed startup, I developed a pricing strategy for their marketplace using Lyft’s ride-scheduling as an analogy. The case study focused on adjusting the company's take rate to improve driver match rates, reduce churn, and maximize marketplace efficiency over a 12-month period.
Experience
Education
The Pennsylvania State University • University Park
B.A. Political Science
Graduated May 2024
Completed coursework includes Quantitative Political Analysis, Risk Assessment, Business Statistics, and World Economics. Also participated in collegiate sports as a member of the Penn State Ice Lions, the university’s ACHA men’s hockey team.
Sep 2023 — Present
Rezeo Corp. & Paladin Exotics •
External Consultant
Engaged by the founder of Seneca Resources, later acquired by Caymus Equity, to develop strategic go-to-market solutions for Rezeo, a new SaaS venture. Successfully pitched Rezeo’s recruiting product to Penn State’s Career Services, securing follow-up meetings and early adopters. Provided qualitative recommendations to Rezeo’s leadership using growth models. Additionally, crafted pitch materials for Paladin Exotics and refined financial models for the luxury car rental industry, contributing to successful debt and equity fundraising efforts.
Jan 2022 — Aug 2023
Nightspot Technologies LLC •
Co-Founder
Recruited and managed a team of over 10 software engineers and sales professionals. Led the company's acceptance into the Johns Hopkins "Spark" incubator, engaging with angel investors and seed-stage venture capital firms. Oversaw the product development lifecycle from concept to launch, delivering a functional MVP. Achieved significant market traction by attracting a 3,000-user waitlist and onboarding approximately 50 enterprise clients, including bars and clubs, demonstrating strong market penetration and user acquisition strategies.
Jun 2021 — Aug 2021
Raymond James & Associates, Inc • Reston, VA
Investment Banking Summer Analyst
Developed independent DCF and LBO models for sell-side valuations and conducted market research and due diligence to support the M&A process. Edited management presentation slides for VP approval and completed a summer project evaluating a proposed acquisition target, culminating in a pitch to a simulated management team.
Jun 2020 — Aug 2020
Steampunk, Inc • Tysons, VA
Intern
Supported the marketing team throughout the company’s rebranding process. Additionally, drafted accounting policies for CFO review in preparation for the company’s initial audit.
Get In Touch
Get In Touch
Email: daniel.p.cole1@gmail.com
Phone: 703-973-5462