Andrew Ryan

Andrew Ryan, also known as Andrew Ryan Rafols, is the Founder and CEO of Newchip Accelerator, a startup accelerator based in Austin, Texas. He has a diverse background that includes military service, entrepreneurship, and public sector involvement.

Early Life and Education

Andrew Ryan graduated high school at the age of 15 and founded his first startup at 17. He joined the U.S. Army shortly after turning 17, where he excelled as a missile defense engineer and assistant tactical director, receiving honors from Congress and the President for his service. After leaving the military in 2012, he pursued various entrepreneurial ventures and public service roles, including positions related to city government in Austin.23

Career at Newchip

Ryan founded Newchip Accelerator out of a passion for entrepreneurship, aiming to support early-stage startups. Since its inception, Newchip claims to have helped over 500 entrepreneurs raise more than $100 million.2 However, the organization has faced significant scrutiny and controversy. In May 2023, Newchip filed for bankruptcy amid allegations of mismanagement and employee dissatisfaction, leading to criticism of Ryan's leadership style.16 Reports have described his approach as militaristic and have included allegations of abusive behavior towards employees.14

Controversies

Ryan's tenure at Newchip has been marred by numerous allegations including claims of sexual harassment and financial mismanagement. Former employees have accused him of creating a toxic work environment characterized by high turnover rates and unprofessional hiring practices.456 Despite these controversies, Ryan has publicly accepted responsibility for the company's challenges while attributing some issues to external factors like an attempted coup by investors.15

Overall, Andrew Ryan's career reflects a complex interplay of entrepreneurial ambition and significant operational challenges within Newchip Accelerator.