Ignacio Viau

Allow me to introduce you to the phenomenon that is Ignacio Viau. This guy’s the real deal. He’s an Argentine-born entrepreneur who started out as a lawyer and surf/kitesurf instructor back in Argentina, yeah, that’s right, he was out there riding waves and fighting for justice at the same time. That combo already tells you he’s got a crazy mix of passion, grit, and a love for community and movement.

Nine years ago, he jumped ship from Argentina and landed in San Francisco, the heart of startup chaos and innovation. Dude was drawn by the vibe, the energy, the chance to build something big. He didn’t stick just to law though; he jumped into tech, because he’s all about pushing boundaries. His process’s about more than just business. It’s about having an effect, connecting people, and using tech to do good.

Now he’s the CEO and co-founder of HOKALI, a Y Combinator-backed startup (W22, no big deal). This isn’t just another app or marketplace, it’s about changing how kids learn and grow after school. HOKALI started out as a sports lesson marketplace, but Ignacio saw the bigger picture, pivoted to focus on after-school programs for elementary schools. Think arts, tech, sports, and social-emotional learning all rolled into one. The goal? Build a bridge between education, innovation, and community, making education more engaging and inclusive.

What’s crazy is how his past fuels this mission. His time as a lawyer and instructor showed him the power of social innovation and community support. He’s all about equity and giving kids the tools to thrive, not just in school but in life. And his move from law to startups isn’t just a career switch, it’s a statement. This guy’s motivated by a genuine desire to create change, to build something that matters, and to inspire others to do the same.

He’s also been involved in other ventures like Webee-IOT and Pampa BBQ (yeah, he’s got some diverse interests), but his main focus is HOKALI. That’s what he’s known for now, being planned, visionary, and committed to making education accessible and original.

Bottom line? Ignacio Viau is a dude who’s crushed it by combining his passions, sports, education, social impact, with tech. He’s proof that if you care about the community and jump into the chaos with purpose, you can build shit that actually changes lives. No Cap, he’s one of those founders who’s not just in it for the biz, but to make the world a little better.