Danny Tan

Danny Tan is a Singaporean entrepreneur, best known as the Co-Founder and CEO of HipVan, an online furniture and home living e-commerce platform established in 2013. Under his leadership, HipVan has grown significantly, focusing on providing affordable, well-designed home furnishings and accessories. The company operates on a hybrid model, both designing its own products and allowing other retailers to sell through its platform, which has positioned it competitively in the Southeast Asian market.23

Professional Background

Before founding HipVan, Tan had a diverse career in the tech and e-commerce sectors. He was the Founder and CEO of Found, a mobile location-based social network, from 2009 to 2012. His experience also includes roles at Viki Inc., where he was the Director of Product, and at Rocket Internet, where he contributed to the launch of several e-commerce ventures like Zalora and Lazada in Southeast Asia.134

Education

Danny Tan holds a degree in Development Economics and Technology Entrepreneurship from the National University of Singapore, and he also participated in the Penn Program in Engineering Entrepreneurship at the University of Pennsylvania.16

Vision and Impact

Tan's vision for HipVan is ambitious; he aims for the company to compete with global giants like IKEA within the next few years. He emphasizes the importance of a strong team and a data-driven approach to business, which he believes are crucial for navigating the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape.24 His entrepreneurial journey reflects a commitment to learning from past failures, particularly from his experience with Found, which he describes as a pivotal moment that strengthened his resolve in business.45

Danny Tan continues to lead HipVan with a focus on innovation and customer experience, striving to enhance the online shopping journey for consumers in Southeast Asia and beyond.23