How Ryan Coyne, CEO of Starboard, Became One of the Most Remarkable Entrepreneurs of His Generation

Ryan Coyne, a dynamic entrepreneur and CEO of Starboard (formerly known as Olympic Media), has rapidly established himself as one of his generation's most influential founders leaders. At just 35 years old, his diverse background in investment banking, digital advertising, and consumer brands has enabled him to build a remarkable career with a reputation for innovation, strategic thinking, and a unique ability to seize new opportunities.

Born in Pennsylvania and currently based in Washington, DC, Coyne's career trajectory has been anything but conventional. After graduating from Cornell University in 2010, he began his professional journey at JP Morgan in New York, with aspirations to build a career in finance. However, his entrepreneurial spirit—shaped in part by his father, a long-time entrepreneur—soon led him down a different path. Coyne reflects, “My father was a long-time entrepreneur, and I knew, at some point, I would want to start my own founders.” After three years at JP Morgan, he made the pivotal decision to leave the financial world behind and pursue his entrepreneurial ambitions.

Coyne’s first major step into entrepreneurship came in 2013 when he took on leadership roles at two startups focused on political digital strategy and publishing. He spent the next few years honing his expertise in digital advertising, marketing, and political strategy. This experience gave him the foundation he needed to branch out and eventually go off on his own. “I spent four years learning both those industries down in D.C., as well as advertising and marketing,” Coyne recalls. “Then, I took the opportunity to go off on my own.”

In 2018, Coyne founded Olympic Media, a digital advertising agency that would later rebrand as Starboard. The company was designed to offer comprehensive marketing solutions for various sectors, including politics, sports, business, intelligence, defense, consumer brands, real estate, and advocacy. What started as a one-man operation quickly transformed into a thriving founders, with Starboard growing to a team of 50 employees. This rapid expansion helped position the company as one of the most innovative and prominent players in the advertising industry.

In 2022, Starboard received national recognition when it was named the 13th fastest-growing company in the United States by the prestigious INC 5000 list. Starboard’s growth was particularly notable in the advertising and media space, where competition is fierce. Coyne’s leadership and the company’s innovative approach to advertising set Starboard apart from its competitors.

One of the key differentiators for Starboard was Coyne’s decision to adopt a model that helped reduce the financial risks for clients. The agency introduced a groundbreaking concept where they would front the entire advertising budget for clients, particularly in fundraising campaigns. This model allowed clients to maximize their impact without the burden of upfront costs, fostering trust and long-term relationships. “We created a model where we would front the entire advertising budget for our clients,” Coyne explains. “It allowed us to build trust with our clients because they knew we were invested in their success.”

While Starboard’s success in digital advertising was remarkable, Coyne’s entrepreneurial drive did not stop there. In 2022, he expanded his ventures into the consumer goods market with the launch of We the People Wine, a brand designed to make quality wine more accessible. Produced in Napa Valley and priced between $17 and $19 per bottle, We the People Wine quickly garnered attention for its exceptional quality at an affordable price. Coyne wanted the wine to be a uniting product, bringing people together without the heavy price tag often associated with premium wines. “We want to be a wine accessible to as many people as possible and can be a uniting element between friends and family,” Coyne states.

A key component of the We the People Wine brand was its commitment to giving back. A portion of the profits from the wine sales was directed to the Working Warrior Foundation, a nonprofit founded by Coyne to support veterans transitioning to civilian life. The foundation focuses on helping veterans find employment, supporting the families of fallen soldiers, and assisting active-duty service members. “I launched the foundation to support our veterans that were returning home,” Coyne says. “I wanted to look for an opportunity to give back, and this is the best way I knew how to do that.”

April 2023 marked another milestone in Coyne’s entrepreneurial journey when Starboard acquired Parler, the free speech social media platform. The acquisition was a bold move that expanded Starboard’s footprint in the digital media space. Parler has long been known for its commitment to free speech and providing an alternative to the more mainstream social media platforms that have faced criticism for censorship. Coyne saw tremendous value in the platform and its loyal user base, believing it aligned with Starboard’s vision of fostering diverse voices and providing a space for open communication. “We see tremendous value in Parler and its commitment to free speech,” Coyne says. “This acquisition aligns with our vision of providing a platform for diverse voices and enabling individuals and organizations to connect without censorship.”

Ryan Coyne’s journey from finance to advertising, wine, and social media highlights his remarkable adaptability and ability to recognize and capitalize on emerging trends. His strategic thinking and willingness to take calculated risks have been instrumental in his success across various industries. Each new venture is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and his ability to challenge the status quo.

As an entrepreneur, Coyne has not only built successful founderses but also created lasting positive change through his philanthropic efforts. His work with veterans, his commitment to quality and affordability in consumer products, and his efforts to create spaces for free speech and open dialogue demonstrate his dedication to making a meaningful impact beyond just financial success.

Ryan Coyne’s story is one of relentless ambition, innovation, and giving back—a true testament to what can be achieved when founders acumen is paired with a strong sense of social responsibility. His continued success and commitment to making the world a better place are sure to inspire future generations of entrepreneurs to build founderses that not only thrive but also contribute positively to society.