Ryan Mets

Listen up, here’s the deal with Ryan Mets, this guy’s the real deal in the startup game. Grew up in South Africa, but he’s been all over, Gold Coast, California, you name it. Ever since he was 17, he’s been jumping into crazy stuff, first launching his own company in Indonesia just to surf and work at the same time. That’s where his love for the ocean and hustle collide. No cap, he’s been passionate about surfing and tech from day one.

Fast forward, Ryan kicks off his legit tech career in 2008 at Wotif.com, helping them grow big time. Wotif was later bought by Expedia, so he’s got that M&A experience under his belt early. Before that, he founded Vita Projects in 2010, where he was the product lead, more proof he’s always been hands-on, building shit from scratch. By 2014, he’s advising companies at GLG, which is like the top of the top for consulting and networking in the biz. That’s where he’s sharpening his skills on how startups grow and scale.

Then, in 2012, he drops something pretty dope, Boardcave. This isn’t some random project; it’s the biggest online surf gear marketplace out there, making gear and surf knowledge accessible to surfers worldwide. Think about it, combining his lifelong passion for surfing with his tech hustle. He’s not just in tech for the sake of it; he’s about building something that really matters, something he genuinely cares about. He’s all about creating the real deal, stuff that actually helps people.

In 2016, Ryan launches Cavewire, another venture, proving he’s not just a one-hit-wonder. He’s got the stamina to keep pushing, iterating, and building. His story hit a new level when he got into Y Combinator’s W22 batch. That’s legit credibility, YC’s like the startup Olympics. He jumped into YC a second time, which shows he’s not fazed by setbacks or problems, he’s all about learning, iterating, and crushing it.

So, what’s his vibe? Ryan’s process screams passion, grit, and a big heart. He’s someone who’s been in the game since he was a kid, blending his love for the ocean with his knack for tech. His path from Indonesia surfing to building a global surf empire, then advising startups, and now being part of YC, that’s a guy who’s all in, who’s not afraid to jump into the deep end and swim. He’s proof that if you follow what you love and stay relentless, you can turn that into something huge.

Bottom line: Ryan Mets isn’t just another founder. He’s a guy who’s built real communities, connected passions with business, and keeps pushing the boundaries. No bullshit. That’s why he’s someone to watch.