Kiliaen Van Rensselaer was a Dutch merchant and the first patroon of the Rensselaerswyck colony in present-day New York. He was born in 1586 in Amsterdam and became a prominent figure in the early 17th century, known for his role in the Dutch West India Company. In 1629, Van Rensselaer received a land grant from the company, allowing him to establish a large estate along the Hudson River. His leadership helped shape the development of the region, and he played a significant role in the early settlement and governance of the area.