Professional Overview
Donovan Janus is the founder and former CEO of 17hats, a small business management software platform launched in October 2014. He led the company through its formative years and growth until stepping down as CEO in 2023. He currently holds the position of Founder and President at 17hats. Under his leadership, 17hats developed into a premier platform dedicated to automating and streamlining operations for solopreneurs and small business owners. Notably, Donovan's vision was inspired by a 2011 New York Times article titled “Maybe It's Time For Plan C”, which prompted him to create a solution tailored to the challenges faced by small businesses.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Founder & President, 17hats (2014 - Present)
- Chief Executive Officer, 17hats (2014 - 2023)
- Brand ambassador and thought leader representing 17hats in business growth and entrepreneurship forums, including podcast interviews such as the official Hats Off Podcast hosted by 17hats CEO Amanda Rae.
- Active in educational webinars and business development initiatives, exemplified by participation in sessions like Monetizing Your Passion! which break down building scalable software from entrepreneurial ambitions.
Education
- Attended the Amsterdam School of Business (specific degree not listed)
- Based on available data, Donovan has significant business expertise corresponding to his founding and executive roles, though explicit academic credentials beyond Amsterdam School of Business are not specified in the sourced data.
Location and Professional Network
- Located in Redondo Beach, California
- Maintains over 500 connections on LinkedIn, indicating a broad professional network within entrepreneurial and small business communities.
Company Context: 17hats
- Founded in 2014, 17hats targets solopreneurs including photographers, consultants, and freelance professionals.
- The platform focuses on automating administrative tasks such as project management, invoicing, and client relationship management to enhance productivity for small business owners.
- The company’s leadership as of April 2025 includes Donovan Janus as Founder & CEO, alongside Co-founder and COO Amanda Rae Johnson.
- 17hats' growth has been positioned around the evolving needs of solo entrepreneurs, emphasizing automation and ease of use.
Public Engagement and Thought Leadership
- Donovan Janus has consistently engaged in public speaking and educational content delivery relating to small business growth, leadership, and entrepreneurship strategy.
- His insights on navigating disruptions such as the societal changes of 2020 and evolving business models for solopreneurs have been highlighted in 17hats' corporate blog and podcasts.
- The Hats Off Podcast features Janus as the inaugural guest, emphasizing his foundational role and vision for the company.
- He is also noted for personal interests connecting to business, including sim racing and affordable motorsport experiences, reflecting an entrepreneurial spirit and diversified network reach beyond software.
Personal Attributes Relevant for Business Context
- Described as a world traveler, pilot, and motorcyclist, demonstrating a dynamic and well-rounded character that may translate into innovative leadership.
- Comes from a lineage of business owners and began entrepreneurial endeavors at a young age with a childhood paper route, indicating long-standing business acumen.
This detailed profile of Donovan Janus provides key insights into his leadership trajectory, vision for small business innovation, and active engagement with entrepreneurial communities, highlighting his foundational role in the growth and strategic direction of 17hats.
