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FROM THE BEGINNING
Growing up
Born in Manhattan. Raised across California, Nevada, Connecticut, New Jersey, Hawaii and a few more states. Dyslexic, and almost always the new kid. Gets very good at walking into a room of strangers and figuring out what they care about.
High school
Picks up a camera. Starts filming startups and traveling across the country to shoot documentaries between classes. Takes college film classes on the side.
Draper
Senior year, goes full time producing media for Tim Draper. Then coaches founders on their pitch at Draper University. Watches it happen pitch after pitch: the best company doesn't always win the room. The best-understood one does.
New York
Moves to New York for Parsons while still working full time at Draper. Ends up lecturing graduate students on entrepreneurship and venture. Takes on investor relations work and sees the other side of the table: how money actually gets raised.
2026
Back in the Bay Area, building while continuing his studies. 25+ companies in YC's Summer 2026 batch launch with a Te Dua film. Founds Mana Road Capital to back a few of them.
Next
Same job as always. Make the first thing the world sees.
AT A GLANCE
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Founder of Te Dua and Mana Road Capital. Launch films, brand films and early-stage investing. Active since 2023.
COMMON QUESTIONS
01
WHO IS DANIEL FARRELL?
Daniel Farrell is the founder of Te Dua, the film studio behind 25+ YC launch films, and Mana Road Capital, an early-stage investment firm.
02
WHAT IS TE DUA?
Te Dua is a film studio for startups and venture firms, founded in 2023 and best known for its launch films. It was formerly known as Te Dua Media.
03
DOES DANIEL FARRELL INVEST?
Yes, through Mana Road Capital, an early-stage investment firm in Menlo Park that invests at pre-seed and seed. Founders can reach him at daniel@manaroadcapital.com.