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Dan Schmerin

Co-Founder & President

METAVERSAL

Miami, FL, USA

Daniel Schmerin

Discovery, Inc.

Dan’s Biography

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Dan Schmerin is an operating executive, investor, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in finance, corporate strategy, and public policy. He is the Co-Founder & President of METAVERSAL, an innovative holding company that is investing in iconic NFT assets and essential businesses that enable the Metaverse and curating evocative NFT assets with the world’s most recognizable brands, IP owners, and creators through the development of compelling narratives and immersive experiences.

Prior to founding METAVERSAL, Dan was the Chief Executive Officer of UOVO, the leading fine art, fashion, and collectibles storage and logistics provider in the United States. Dan previously served as the Director of Investment Research at Fairholme Capital Management, a multi-billion dollar value-oriented investment firm.

In addition to his business career, Dan has served in senior roles at the White House, State Department, and United States Treasury supporting Cabinet officials and other executive branch leaders on economic policy and national security affairs. Notably, as Chief Operating... Dan Schmerin is an operating executive, investor, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in finance, corporate strategy, and public policy. He is the Co-Founder & President of METAVERSAL, an innovative holding company that is investing in iconic NFT assets and essential businesses that enable the Metaverse and curating evocative NFT assets with the world’s most recognizable brands, IP owners, and creators through the development of compelling narratives and immersive experiences.

Prior to founding METAVERSAL, Dan was the Chief Executive Officer of UOVO, the leading fine art, fashion, and collectibles storage and logistics provider in the United States. Dan previously served as the Director of Investment Research at Fairholme Capital Management, a multi-billion dollar value-oriented investment firm.

In addition to his business career, Dan has served in senior roles at the White House, State Department, and United States Treasury supporting Cabinet officials and other executive branch leaders on economic policy and national security affairs. Notably, as Chief Operating Officer of the Public-Private Investment Program at the Treasury, he helped spearhead an unprecedented $30 billion initiative developed in response to the financial crisis of 2007–2008. He also served as Policy Advisor and Deputy Executive Secretary in the Office of the Chief of Staff under Secretary Hank Paulson.

Before joining the Treasury, Dan served on the Homeland Security Council within the Executive Office of the President at the White House, and in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department.

Dan earned a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and an MA from Georgetown University. moreless

Dan’s Newsfeed

Miami Startup Fundraising Remains At Elevated Levels

Dan Schmerin's Metaversal was recognized for raising $50 million during Series A fundraising in January 2022.

Here’s What It’s Like to Go to an NFT Exhibit

This article for Boston Magazine, Daniel Schmerin speaks about the importance of Metaversal's mission to use NFTs to democratize art and make it available to a wider audience, as shown during the Pellas Gallery's NFT exhibit.

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Dan’s Background

METAVERSAL

Co-Founder & President

May 2021 - Present

Miami, FL, USA

METAVERSAL is a company investing in iconic NFT assets and essential businesses that enable the Metaverse. It curates evocative NFT-related projects in collaboration with the world’s most recognizable brands, IP owners, and creators through development of compelling native content and immersive experiences.

Windber National Partners

Managing Partner

Jan 2018 - Present

Miami, FL, USA

Windber National is a private holding company that makes direct investments in early-stage companies and alternative assets, with a focus on life sciences, technology, and real estate.

UOVO

Chief Executive Officer

Jan 2020 - Feb 2021

Miami, FL, USA

UOVO is the leading art storage and services provider in the United States. Its purpose-built facilities and concierge storage offerings have created a new standard of stewardship for art, design, fashion, and archival collections. UOVO serves thousands of clients including the world’s most recognizable artists, architects, entertainers, galleries, libraries, museums, and private collectors.

Fairholme Capital Management

Director of Investment Research

Mar 2011 - Mar 2018

Miami, FL, USA

Fairholme Capital Management is an award-winning investment firm that manages focused portfolios of equity and fixed-income securities. As Director of Investment Research, Dan assisted the Chief Investment Officer in executing the firm’s contrarian, value-oriented investment strategy and spearheaded their special situations transactions.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Chief Operating Officer, Public-Private Investment Program

Aug 2008 - Mar 2011

Washington, DC, USA

As COO of the Public-Private Investment Program, Dan was responsible for ensuring effective implementation of a $30 billion initiative designed to stabilize the market for real estate-related securities. He previously served as Policy Advisor in the Office of the Chief of Staff, where he provided guidance to senior Treasury officials on domestic and international economic initiatives.

The White House

Director for Preparedness Policy

Jun 2007 - Jul 2018

Washington, DC, USA

As Director for Preparedness Policy, Dan was responsible for intra-White House and interagency policy development and coordination on homeland security matters, including initiatives related to energy security, national incident management and critical infrastructure protection. He chaired a task force focused on combating terrorist use of explosives in the U.S. pursuant to President Directive-19.

U.S. Department of State

Presidential Management Fellow, Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs

Jan 2005 - May 2007

Washington, DC, USA

During his tenure at the State Department, Dan assisted Secretary Condoleezza Rice and other senior officials in the development and application of U.S. sanctions regulations against rogue states as well as the implementation of foreign affairs policy related to combating the financing of terrorism.

The White House

Research Assistant, Office of the Vice President

Aug 2004 - Dec 2004

Washington, DC, USA

As a Research Assistant in the Office of the Vice President, Dan assisted senior White House officials with real-time analysis and detailed information on pressing economic and domestic policy issues.

United Kingdom Parliament

Research Assistant, Office of the Rt. Hon. Bruce George MP

Aug 2003 - Jul 2004

London, UK

As a Research Assistant to the Rt. Hon. Bruce George, a Member of the House of Commons and Chairman of the Defense Select Committee, Dan authored a widely praised report on Britain’s challenges in establishing an effective regime for anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism.

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Dan’s Gallery

Dan Schmerin speaking at the RBF Conference

Dan Schmerin at the RBF Conference

Dan Schmerin at the RBF Conference

Dan Schmerin speaking at the Harvard Blockchain Club

Dan Schmerin speaks at an NFT conference

Dan Schmerin at the Harvard Blockchain Club

Board Positions

Miami Children's Museum

Vice President | Board of Directors

Jun 2015 - Present

Miami, FL, USA

The Miami Children’s Museum is a non-profit educational institution dedicated to enriching the lives of all children by fostering a love of learning and enabling children to realize their highest potential. The museum offers interactive exhibits, programs, and learning materials related to arts, culture, community, and communication.

Council on Foreign Relations

Term Member

Jun 2014 - May 2019

Washington, DC, USA

The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) is an independent, nonpartisan membership organization, think tank, and publisher, composed of more than fifty full-time and adjunct fellows, who cover the major regions & significant issues shaping today's international agenda.

Media

NFT venture studio Metaversal raises $50M Series A

Quoted

Jan 2022

In this article for Refresh Miami, Dan Schmerin speaks on Metaversal's fundraising and his company's projected expansion for 2022.

CoinFund, Franklin Templeton Back Metaversal in $50M Funding Round

Featured

Jan 2022

Following a successful fundraising campaign, Metaversal states that it will use the $50 million to continue increasing its portfolio and "support companies working towards an open metaverse."

NFT Venture Firm Metaversal Raises $50M From CoinFund, DCG, Dapper and More

Featured

Jan 2022

Metaversal has successfully raised $50 million in funding alongside Foxhaven Asset Management and CoinFund to invest into valuable NFTs and projects.

NFT venture studio Metaversal raises $50m to invest in NFTs and metaverse

Featured

Jan 2022

In the start of the new year, Metaversal completed a $50 million fundraising campaign with the purpose of increasing the company's portfolio, encouraging metaverse growth and supporting its portfolio of venture studio projects.

NFT-focused Metaversal raises $50 million in Series A funding

Featured

Jan 2022

This article for The Block explains Metaversal's recent funding campaign to raise $50 million in Series A Funding for future ventures to expand its portfolio and invest into NFT-focused projects.

Goodwin Steers NFT Studio Metaversal In $50M Series A

Featured

Jan 2022

This article details Metaversal's recent funding campaign and the company's future intentions for the $50 million.

Former CFTC chair joins board of crypto investment firm

Mentioned

Jan 2022

This article mentions Metaversal's recent fundraising success in association with CoinFund.

ConstitutionDAO Raises $27M on Eve of Sotheby’s Auction. $PEOPLE Could Be the Reason

Featured

Nov 2021

This article by Coindesk discusses Metaversal's investments and bid into preserving one of the original copies of the US Constitution, as part of the company's larger goal to do good and hold the historical document for the people.

ConstitutionDAO Gets Millions in Backing in Mission to Buy Rare Copy of the Constitution

Featured

Nov 2021

Metaversal has invested into a bid by ConstitutionDAO to purchase a rare edition of the US Constitution, with the goal of preserving history and allow people to experience the artifact beyond a museum.

1 meta thing: I ate an NFT

Featured

Nov 2021

"Metaversal — a holding company that invests, produces and curates NFTs — held its launch party last night at Kimika, a Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant in Manhattan."

Are We in the Metaverse Yet?

Jul 2021

This article describes the 'metaverse' as a variety of virtual experiences, environments and assets that gained momentum during the online-everything shift of the pandemic. Matthew Ball, a VC and essayist, describes the metaverse as a "sort of successor state to the mobile internet” — a framework for an extremely connected life.

CoinFund set to launch new investment vehicle for NFTs

Featured

Jun 2021

This article by The Block introduces Metaversal as a new investment vehicle for NFTs and development studio for digital products, art and assets in the metaverse.

The Essentials of Art Collecting: Storage

Interview

Jan 2021

Heather Flow, founder of Flow Advisory, talks with UOVO CEO Dan Schmerin about the essentials of art storage and the range of services UOVO provides to it clients.

Are You an Art Dealer or Advisor Looking for Flexible Space? UOVO Has a Novel Solution for You

Feature

Dec 2020

New York, NY, USA

UOVO CEO Dan Schmerin discusses the company's new 'Galleries Reimagined' service, described as an “all-in-one solution for gallerists and art advisors who want to reduce their overhead.”

Daniel Schmerin – Director of Investment Research, Fairholme Capital

Interview

Jun 2017

New York, NY, USA

Dan Schmerin joins Cheddar News to discuss the main factors that are driving down homeowner rates.

Dan Schmerin: Wharton Public Policy Initiative

Feature

2016

Philadelphia, PA, USA

Dan was featured in this article by his alma mater, the University of Pennsylvania. The feature covered his extensive education, which also includes Georgetown and the London School of Economics, as well as his diverse career, from his early days in senior roles at the federal level to his time as Director of investment Research at Fairholme Capital Management.

AIG ruling was helpful, says major Fannie, Freddie investor

Interview

Jul 2015

New York, NY, USA

Dan Schmerin discusses all things Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac as the seventh anniversary of their federal conservatorship approaches and the firms are dealing with a deep sense of uncertainty.

Icahn Takes on Obama in Fight Over Fannie Mae

Quoted

Jun 2014

New York, NY, USA

Dan Schmerin, Director of Investment Research at Fairhome Capital Management, was quoted in this article that covered Carl Icahn's purchase of Fannie Mae common stock from the Fairholme Fund

Alum leaves mark on Treasury, Department of State

Feature

Oct 2012

Philadelphia, PA, USA

The Daily Pennsylvanian chronicles Dan Schmerin's transition from senior roles in the federal government to the financial sector, with a look back at his days at Penn. The article highlights his time at the State Department working for Condoleezza Rice and his work on important initiatives, including the Public-Private Investment Program, a plan within the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP).

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Publications

National Strategy for Homeland Security

Co-Author

Oct 2007

Washington, DC, USA

Dan Schmerin assisted in drafting the 2007 National Strategy for Homeland Security for the President of the United States.

Fortress London?

Author - RUSI/Jane’s Homeland Security & Resilience Monitor

May 2004

London, UK

Dan Schmerin addresses the deficiencies in the physical protection of UK government facilities.

Awards & Endorsements

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Commendation for Outstanding Performance | 2009 & 2010

Washington, DC, USA

The United States Department of the Treasury is the national treasury of the US government. Established in 1789, it oversees the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the US Mint.

U.S. Department of the Treasury

Special Act Award

Oct 2008

Washington, DC, USA

Dan Schmerin was honored with a Special Act Award for providing exceptional support to the Secretary of the Treasury.

U.S. Department of State

Superior Honor Award

Jul 2007

Washington, DC, USA

The Superior Honor Award is an award of the United States Department of State, presented in recognition of a special act, service or sustained extraordinary performance spanning a period of one year or longer.

U.S. Department of State

Benjamin Franklin Award

Dec 2006

Washington, DC, USA

Dan Schmerin was presented with the Benjamin Franklin Award in recognition of outstanding performance on two separate occasions. He assisted Secretary Condoleezza Rice in resolving a complex and high-profile civil aviation export licensing request for Iran, while also facilitating the export of 29 new aircraft and 4 used aircraft worth over $4 billion from major U.S. manufacturers to Libya.

U.S. Department of State

Meritorious Honor Award

Dec 2005

Washington, DC, USA

The Meritorious Honor Award is an award of the United States Department of State, presented in recognition of a special act, service or outstanding performance.

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Training & Management Courses

OPM Leadership Training Program

Shepherdstown, WV, USA

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Leadership Training Program provides a pathway to federal service and, through recruitment and training, enhances the missions and goals of numerous federal agencies.

International Negotiations Program

Arlington, VA, USA

The International Negotiations Program supports the Foreign Service Institute's (FSI) mission by offering diplomatic training and career-long learning opportunities that US government foreign affairs professionals need in order to succeed in the global arena and advance US foreign policy.

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Speaking Engagements

Rockaway Blockchain Fund - Investor Summit

Featured Speaker

Oct 2021

Dan Schmerin joins other industry experts in a panel titled "NFTs: Real Life Use Cases" to share his expertise in a discussion of NFTs.

Press Releases

Metaversal Launches New NFT Curation Company

Oct 2021

Metaversal, an innovative holding company that co-produces, curates, and invests in iconic NFT projects and the key technology that unlocks the metaverse, is thrilled to announce its official launch today. Metaversal is the first company to combine a venture studio and investment firm focused on NFTs.

Ashford Hospitality Trust Nominates Seven Highly-Qualified, Independent Candidates For Election To The Board Of FelCor Lodging Trust

Feb 2017

New York, NY, USA

Dan Schmerin was one of seven highly-qualified, independent directors nominated for election to FelCor's Board of Directors at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The nominees were chosen for their relevant expertise, investment acumen, and management experience.

Dan’s Education

Georgetown University

Master of Arts with Distinction

2004 - 2006

London School of Economics

Master of Science with Highest Honors

2003 - 2004

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