Arts University Bournemouth (AUB) has announced the appointment of Poole-born serial entrepreneur Dan Ware as its new Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
Beginning his role on 1 September, Dan brings a wealth of commercial expertise, business acumen, and a deep commitment to regional development. Having built a business in BCP valued at £86 million and raised over £60 million across his career, Dan transitions into higher education with a mission to strengthen AUB’s entrepreneurial network, bridge academic creativity with commercialisation, and foster tangible connections across the local ecosystem.
The appointment directly reflects the ambitious goals of AUB’s Strategy 2030+, which places enterprise, innovation, and civic engagement at the core of the institution's future vision.
“Dan’s remarkable entrepreneurial background brings invaluable real-world dynamic experience to our academic community," says Lisa Mann, Vice-Chancellor and CEO of AUB.
“This initiative aligns directly with the Research and Enterprise pillar of our Strategy 2030+, which focuses on embedding enterprise throughout our ecosystem, advancing practice-based research, and empowering our creative community to lead innovation and drive economic and social impact.”
From Spark to campus: a grassroots commitment to BCP
Dan’s relationship with AUB evolved through his work as the founder of Spark, a grassroots initiative launched in September 2024 to champion civic pride, local economic resilience, and business retention within Bournemouth, Poole, and Christchurch (BCP).
Tired of negative narratives surrounding the region, Dan convened local business owners, council representatives, and community leaders to build a supportive ecosystem designed to keep talent, investment and jobs within BCP. Through monthly panel discussions which focussed on issues such as high streets, technology, safety, and retail, he worked to connect subject experts directly with the local community.
Seeking spaces to host these collaborative gatherings, Dan was welcomed to campus by AUB’s Violet McClean, leading to four hosted events and an informal mentoring role with students navigating new ventures, creative agencies, and emerging technologies.
Bridging creative vision and commercial readiness
As Entrepreneur-in-Residence, Dan will focus on embedding practical business skills including networking, pitch presentation, business planning and commercialisation, directly into the student and graduate experience.
“Young people at AUB are so unbelievably creative, and they bring this wonderful optimism to everything they make,” he says. “My role is about providing that experienced head ensuring that while their creative vision flourishes, they also have the practical guardrails and commercial awareness to protect themselves, their work, and their businesses.”
Dan’s focus will span both internal and external initiatives, including student and graduate empowerment, academic and staff engagement, and civic and regional partnerships.
Retaining local talent and creating lasting impact
For Poole-born Dan, expanding his focus in the region is deeply personal. After years of high-pressure corporate venture building, a shift in perspective led him to focus on local impact, mentorship, and civic contribution.
“Leaving our home region in a better state than we found it and investing in the next generation of talent is what truly provides fulfilment,” he reflects. “Spark taught me how much energy exists when you bring people together to support one another. Being invited to bring that spirit into AUB, working alongside Lisa and her strategic vision, is something I’m exceptionally proud of.”
Dan’s initial tenure will focus on laying the groundwork for stronger industry integration, setting up long-term mentorship frameworks, and opening AUB's doors wider to the regional business community.
