Ignacio Viau

Empowering Children to Discover their Passions

Title: CEO & Co-Founder

Organization: HOKALI

Age: 38

Igacio Viau is an Argentine entrepreneur and trained lawyer with a deep passion for education, sports, and social innovation. He is the founder of HOKALI, a California-based company providing high-quality afterschool enrichment programs for elementary schools. Through HOKALI, he aims to empower children to discover their passions early and develop essential life skills outside the traditional classroom.

Ignacio’s journey in education began during his university years when he worked as a surf and kitesurf instructor. That experience strengthened his connection to the ocean and taught him the value of teaching through play, empathy, and human connection. What began as a summer job evolved into a lifelong mission: to create meaningful learning spaces beyond the classroom.

In 2022, HOKALI was selected by Y Combinator (Winter 2022 batch), one of the world’s most prestigious startup accelerators. This milestone allowed the company to scale its impact and build strong operational systems across multiple U.S. school districts. Today, he leads HOKALI with the goal of positioning it as a national leader in the afterschool enrichment sector. 

His approach blends strategic vision, educational sensitivity, and a deep commitment to equity. HOKALI’s programs integrate arts, technology, sports, and social-emotional learning, always focusing on student well-being and holistic development. Passionate and creative, he continues to build bridges between education, innovation, and community, transforming afterschool time into a powerful opportunity for growth, self-expression, and confidence for every child.