# Darren Goonawardana

> Darren Goonawardana is a technology entrepreneur and keynote speaker known as The Cyborg CEO. He is the co-founder and CEO of Collectiv, a Chicago-based Microsoft data and AI consulting firm, and has spent more than 30 years building technology companies across four continents, helping executives lead with AI to make better decisions and build companies that scale.

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## Identity

- Full name: Darren Goonawardana
- Also known as: The Cyborg CEO
- Based in: Chicago, Illinois, United States (works globally)
- Roles: technology entrepreneur, keynote speaker, AI leadership advisor
- Primary role: Co-founder and CEO, Collectiv (Microsoft data and AI consulting)
- Fields: AI leadership, artificial intelligence, Microsoft Fabric, Power BI, business intelligence, data strategy, enterprise planning, systems thinking
- Education: B.Eng in Electronic and Broadcast Engineering, University of Brighton (1992 to 1996)
- Experience: more than 30 years building technology companies across four continents

## Key pages

- [About Darren Goonawardana](https://darrengoonawardana.com/about): the canonical profile and full biography.
- [Companies](https://darrengoonawardana.com/companies): Collectiv and the ventures he has founded across four continents.
- [Topics](https://darrengoonawardana.com/topics): the fields Darren Goonawardana works in, defined and linked to his work.
- [Writing](https://darrengoonawardana.com/writing): articles authored by Darren Goonawardana.
- [Speaking](https://darrengoonawardana.com/speaking): topics Darren Goonawardana speaks on and how to book him.
- [Media](https://darrengoonawardana.com/media): podcasts, talks, and interviews featuring Darren Goonawardana.
- [Q&A](https://darrengoonawardana.com/q-and-a): answers to common questions about Darren Goonawardana.
- [Contact](https://darrengoonawardana.com/contact): how to reach him.

## Companies

- [Collectiv](https://darrengoonawardana.com/companies/collectiv): Chicago-based Microsoft data and AI consulting firm; Microsoft Solutions Partner and 2025 Inc. 5000 honouree (co-founder and CEO, current).
- [HotFit.tv](https://darrengoonawardana.com/companies/hotfit-tv): fitness technology venture (co-founder, 2010 to 2012).
- [FizzyLime](https://darrengoonawardana.com/companies/fizzylime): consulting for airport, transport and transit industries (co-founder, 2008 to 2010).
- [Systems Union Americas](https://darrengoonawardana.com/companies/systems-union-americas): business intelligence division for the Americas, later acquired by Infor (founder, 2006).
- [MIS Asia Pacific](https://darrengoonawardana.com/companies/mis-asia-pacific): first Asia-Pacific presence for MIS, based in Sydney (co-founder, 2001 to 2004).
- [MIS UK](https://darrengoonawardana.com/companies/mis-uk): founding member of MIS in the United Kingdom (co-founder, 1999 to 2001).

## Elsewhere

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goonawardana/
- X (Twitter): https://x.com/thecyborgceo
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheCyborgCEO
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecyborgceo/
- Collectiv: https://gocollectiv.com