Daniel Colaianni is a technology entrepreneur and growth strategist with 10+ years connecting emerging technology with commercial strategy. His work spans 0-to-1 SaaS, applied AI R&D, international market expansion, user acquisition, and P&L management. He co-founded holito with two co-founders to test the limits of large language models in real customer-research and marketing workflows. The work culminated in a customer-interview SaaS platform, while the team also consults with brands expanding across the UK and EU. Previously, Daniel served as CEO of AIXR, leading digital transformation initiatives and scaling SaaS products to enterprise clients.

Recognized as a 2025 Young Leader (UK & Italy), Daniel was selected to advise Ministers at 10 Downing Street on AI policy and diplomatic tech relations. He chairs the British Standards Institute's IST/31 Committee, serves on the UK Government's Discover Creative Careers Steering Board, and provides strategic oversight for Saudi Aramco's Creative Solutions ecosystem initiative.

When a teacher said he couldn't run a business from a classroom, Daniel dropped out, flew to San Francisco with his savings, and came back with AMD as his first client. Broadcaster Channel 4's CEO mentored and backed Daniel's deal to deliver ecosystem marketing for AMD Studios' launch. This early success validated his business model and established his reputation in the technology sector.

As Executive Director of Product & Commercial Strategy, Daniel built the world's largest B2B community of VR & AR professionals through the XR Awards. For over a decade, this international event continues to be the premier recognition platform for extended reality innovation, hosted across multiple countries. Made history working directly with Microsoft and Accenture to deliver the first-ever holographic livestream into VR for over 1,200 concurrent users, hosted by TechCrunch.

As CEO of AIXR, Daniel led digital transformation initiatives and scaled SaaS products to enterprise clients. He secured and managed P&L ownership for tech innovation portfolios, directed vision and implementation for purpose-built facilities, and architected world-first acceleration programs including a strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco. Successfully transitioned operations to local partners while maintaining strategic oversight and scaling the organization organically.

Daniel started holito with two co-founders as an R&D-led startup built to test the limits of large language models in real customer-research and marketing workflows. That work culminated in holito's customer-interview SaaS platform, which turns AI-led voice conversations into transcripts, quotes, reports, and marketing content. Alongside the platform, the team works with brands as consultants to help them expand their footprint across the UK and EU.

Selected by British and Italian Embassies as a 2025 Young Leader for advancements in AI and Deep Tech. Daniel was invited to 10 Downing Street to consult with Science & Culture Ministers on the future of the UK digital economy and AI policy. This recognition acknowledges his leadership in bridging technical innovation with diplomatic tech relations, recognizing his contributions to the tech sector.

Daniel serves in multiple strategic advisory capacities: Chair of IST/31 at the British Standards Institute, leading national strategy and governance for immersive technology standards; Steering Board Member for UK Government's Discover Creative Careers, advising on the national talent pipeline; and Programme Board Member for Saudi Aramco/Ithra's Creative Solutions ecosystem initiative, providing strategic oversight for regional tech ecosystem development.

Daniel is a sought-after keynote speaker and thought leader. Recent engagements include Filmteractive ("A Billion People in a Box") and Augmented World Expo (AWE) USA. He's been featured on The Standards Show (ISO/BSI), Accenture Tech Trends, and The Business Take Away podcasts. Author of the viral industry article "Chief Metaverse Officer?!" and featured contributor for TechCrunch events. For speaking opportunities, strategic partnerships, or advisory roles, reach out directly.