Dan spent four years studying at the University of Southampton graduating with a first class honours degree in History. He then embarked on a Masters in International Relations, completing his thesis on China's entry into the World Trade Organisation in Autumn 2001.

Since 1995 Dan has taught in Kenya, worked as a researcher and writer for the Footprint Malaysia Handbook and has completed some freelance writing for a small internet company. Upon leaving University, Dan developed his long-standing interest in financial markets and gained a valuable insight into the industry through a period of work experience in both equity sales, at Prudential Bache Securities, and fund management, at Smith and Williamson Group. 

After passing the Investment Management Certificate (IMC), he was given the Growth and Income Funds to look after in January 2004. He assumed management of the Montanaro UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust in April 2006.

Dan joined Montanaro in August 2001.