US tech pioneer is finalist in Study UK Alumni Awards

Entrepreneurial Essex graduate Daniel Delgado Roybal has won a place in the final of the Business and Innovation category of the Study UK Alumni Awards in the United States.

The MSc Finance and Economics graduate is Manager of Local Operations at Uber and he has led on transformative projects within the company. This includes supporting the development of Uber Teen accounts, which allow teenagers to use the platform under adult supervision, and AI-enhanced screening systems to improve safety.

These safety and operational improvements have directly impacted the 1.8 billion trips supported by Uber each year in the United States – preventing over 900,000 potentially unsafe individuals from joining the platform and saving tens of millions in costs.

At Essex, Daniel says he gained a unique blend of strategic thinking, analytical rigour, and global collaboration. These skills laid the foundation for his transition from government roles in Mexico to founding his own fintech startup, and later, leading safety operations at Uber.

He said: “I am deeply honoured to represent the University of Essex as a finalist for the Study UK Alumni Awards in the US. Studying in the UK was a transformative experience, and it’s a privilege to showcase how the UK remains a part of me, providing the experiences and skills that continue to shape my career.”

Daniel chose to study in the UK because of its rich economic history and legacy of thought leaders like Adam Smith and John Maynard Keynes. Beyond academic rigour, his time at the University of Essex provided a dynamic international environment, fostering lifelong friendships and intellectual growth. From late-night study sessions to spirited conversations at the local pub, Daniel’s experiences taught him to embrace diverse perspectives and think critically about global challenges.

“The UK’s emphasis on research and analytical rigor prepared me to apply theory to practical challenges,” Daniel reflects. “It wasn’t just about academics—it was about learning how to engage with others, solve complex problems together, and inspire collaboration.”

After graduation, Daniel’s MSc dissertation on financial markets and central banks not only earned publication in the ITESM Revista Estudiantil de Economía but also opened doors to pivotal roles at Mexico’s Central Bank and Ministry of Economy. In these positions, Daniel influenced national economic growth by managing $80 million in industrial policy funds to support small and medium enterprises.

Daniel’s entrepreneurial drive came to life in 2018 when he founded a fintech startup in Cambridge, Massachusetts, as part of an accelerator program. Within its first year, the company reached an impressive annual run-rate of $500,000, showcasing his ability to turn innovative ideas into successful ventures.

Daniel is deeply committed to sharing the lessons of his UK education. He delivered a TEDx talk to high school students, inspiring them to take risks and adopt a global mindset in shaping their futures. He also remains an active mentor, encouraging young professionals to pursue bold ambitions and leverage their unique skills for meaningful impact.

Daniel’s journey from Essex to Uber demonstrates how the skills and values fostered by a UK education can drive success across industries and borders. His work continues to inspire others, exemplifying innovation, leadership, and the power of global collaboration.