Dana Warren’s career in technology has been driven by a deep commitment to access and equal opportunity. Her journey began in education reform at PeerForward, where she focused on expanding college access for low-income students across the U.S. During her time at Columbia Business School, an internship at American Express evolved into an eye-opening experience about the role of financial technology in democratizing financial services. Under the leadership of Ken Chenault, she saw firsthand how payment technologies could drive financial inclusion, igniting her passion for fintech. At EliteX, we are proud to have Dana Warren as part of the edition: Top 05 Extraordinary Women in Tech, 2025.
Dana Warren | Venture Partner | Canaan
The pivotal moment in her transition to fintech came in 2015 when PayPal spun off from eBay. Dana played a key role in leading the distribution of PayPal’s Buy Now, Pay Later offering, which aligned with her dedication to financial inclusion. Collaborating with the Aspen Institute, she helped bridge the gap between private and public efforts to improve banking access for underbanked communities. This work tied back to her academic research at Princeton’s School of Public & International Affairs, reinforcing her commitment to leveraging technology for financial empowerment.
“If we want to transform industries and create more inclusive spaces in tech, we must embody that change ourselves.”
Her interest in software as a service (SaaS) platforms grew as she observed how companies like Shopify and WooCommerce democratized commerce for small businesses. This passion led her to Stripe, where she experienced rapid professional growth. At Stripe, she built strategic global partnerships with major industry players like Shopify, Salesforce, and Xero, while also developing scalable programs to support team growth and user engagement.
Now, as a Venture Partner at Canaan Partners, Dana applies her expertise to support visionary founders who are using technology to transform industries and expand access to essential services. She joined Canaan in late 2023 and focuses on fintech and AI investments, emphasizing technologies that redefine operational models and create new value. With Canaan’s 36-year legacy of backing groundbreaking founders and managing $6 billion in assets under management, she has the ideal platform to drive meaningful impact.
In her current role, Dana dedicates her time to working with founders on go-to-market strategies and investments in fintech and AI. She is particularly excited about innovations in stablecoins and their potential to revolutionize financial infrastructure. Alongside Brendan Dickinson, who leads Canaan’s fintech practice, she recently explored how stablecoins could become the next major channel for global money movement.
She is particularly interested in:
– Infrastructure advancements that enhance system capacity and control
– B2B, cross-border, and underserved population solutions
– Advanced fraud prevention and risk management tools
– Wealth creation and data insight services
Her experience in go-to-market strategies and high-performance team-building allows her to partner closely with founders who prioritize customer-centric solutions and sustainable growth. Additionally, her early advisory work with Anthropic has deepened her engagement with AI, ensuring that advancements in agentic commerce align with security and ethical considerations. On a personal level, Dana finds inspiration in her three daughters, who embrace AI as a tool for positive change. Their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning reinforce her optimism about the future and the role of technology in shaping a better world.
“Despite progress the tech industry still faces significant gender disparities with women representing only a quarter of technical roles and even few in technical investing”
Throughout her career, mentorship has played a crucial role in her success. When she transitioned into a leadership role at PayPal, Kathleen Pierce-Gilmore offered advice that stayed with her: “The best opportunities should feel a bit uncomfortable, and it’s my job to ensure you knock it out of the park like I know you will!” This blend of challenge and unwavering support shaped her approach to mentorship and leadership.
Despite progress, the tech industry still faces significant gender disparities, with women representing only a quarter of technical roles and even fewer in technical investing. Dana takes pride in Canaan’s efforts to address these disparities through tangible actions rather than just raising awareness. She credits her understanding of possibilities to the strong women in her life, including her mother, who had a distinguished 50-year career in tax law, and her sisters, who serve as both supporters and constructive critics. Additionally, she acknowledges the male allies in her life, including her father and her husband, Josh, who have been steadfast advocates for women’s advancement across sectors, including technology.
Dana’s professional mentors, such as JB Schramm, Bill Glenn, and Jeanne DeWitt Grosser, have gone beyond traditional mentorship. They have been her emergency contacts, truth-tellers, and unwavering supporters, helping her navigate key career decisions. Her advice to women in technology is simple yet powerful: build a trusted network. She encourages women to create a circle of support with peers who can help normalize challenges, provide encouragement, and celebrate victories—whether that means cheering each other on in quiet moments or enthusiastically celebrating professional milestones.
Throughout her career, Dana has gathered valuable professional insights from unexpected sources. Three principles that have resonated with her include:
- “Bring your whole self to work” – A former colleague at American Express emphasized the importance of authenticity. Being open about challenges and vulnerabilities fosters innovation and meaningful connections.
- “Do your work in public” – A lesson from a Stripe colleague underscored the benefits of transparency. Sharing work in progress invites collaboration, accelerates learning, and fosters shared growth.
- “Be the change you want to see” – A PeerForward colleague reminded her of this principle, originally from Gandhi, reinforcing her commitment to driving change in the industry.
Recently, Dana read The Beginning of Infinity, a thought-provoking book that explores curiosity, research, and persuasion. She also received 500 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think as a Chanukah gift, which she finds valuable for its concise yet profound insights—perfect for reading in brief moments of spare time.
In today’s uncertain times, Dana acknowledges the anxiety many people feel but finds motivation in focusing on areas where she can make a tangible impact. She is currently co-organizing a Women in Technology conference in Washington, D.C., set for the second quarter of 2025. This initiative aims to create spaces for celebrating progress while continuing to push for meaningful change in the industry.
Dana Warren’s journey in technology has been one of purpose, resilience, and commitment to inclusion. As she continues to invest in transformative technologies and support the next generation of founders, her leadership remains deeply rooted in her belief that technology should serve as a tool for expanding access and opportunity for all.
“The best opportunities should feel a bit uncomfortable, and it’s my job to ensure you knock it out of the park.”
To learn more about Canaan visit: https://www.canaan.com/
