The Silicon Valley Podcast

In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we’re joined by Hussein Fazal, serial entrepreneur, investor, and the visionary behind Super.com (formerly SnapCommerce). With a track record that includes founding AdParlor (acquired by AdKnowledge), Hussein brings a wealth of insight into what it takes to build, pivot, and scale tech companies to massive success. Over the last eight years, Hussein has led Super.com through several strategic pivots—one of which transformed the company’s trajectory toward unicorn status. In this conversation, he shares how to balance data with instinct, why high-profile investors can be both a blessing and a challenge, and how building the right organizational structure has helped his teams stay aligned and motivated. 🔍 In This Episode, We Cover: Hussein’s entrepreneurial journey: From AdParlor to Super.com Lessons learned from early career experiences that shaped his leadership style The pivotal moment when he realized Super.com could become a unicorn The balance of gut feeling vs. data in company pivots The role of celebrity investors and how they’ve influenced the business Why Super.com chose not to build a member community—and what others can learn from that How early customer feedback shaped Super.com’s direction A framework for gathering and acting on customer insights Product expansion vs. market penetration—how to decide what to focus on Why every founder should consider a CEO coach—and how to choose one The creation and impact of “mission-aligned teams” at Super.com How to introduce alternative org structures and guide teams through change Resilience during existential challenges—and Hussein’s personal mindset Tips for founders looking to bring celebrities onto their cap table A leadership lesson learned the hard way—and how you can avoid it 🔗 Learn More About Hussein Fazal and Super.com: LinkedIn: Hussein Fazal Company: Super.com 💬 Quote from Hussein: “You can pivot 100 times, but if you don’t listen to your customers, you’ll miss the one pivot that could change everything.” ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. #startups #siliconvalley #technology #super.com #stephcurry

Guest: Matthew Le Merle, CEO & Managing Partner, Blockchain Coinvestors About the Guest: Matthew Le Merle is a leading figure in early-stage venture capital, having previously managed Keiretsu, the world's largest angel network. In 2014, he made a strategic pivot into the digital asset space, co-founding Blockchain Coinvestors. The firm is now dedicated to the vision that digital monies, commodities, and assets are inevitable, and all of the world's financial infrastructure must be upgraded. With investment strategies now in their 12th year, Blockchain Coinvestors has backed a combined portfolio of over 1,250 blockchain companies and projects, including more than 110 blockchain unicorns. In This Episode: Decoding the Future of Finance and Emerging Blockchain Unicorns Join us for a deep dive with Matthew Le Merle as he shares the strategic insights that drove his firm into blockchain investing over a decade ago. We explore the massive shift toward digital assets, the unique mechanics of the fund-of-funds model, and the critical role of tokenomics in the crypto ecosystem. Key Discussion Points: 🚀 The Inevitable Digital Shift 📈 Venture Investing in the Blockchain Space 💰 Understanding the Fund-of-Funds Model 🔗 Tokens, Tech, and the Future Learn more about Matthew and Blockchain Coinvestors at www.BlockchainCoinvestors.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial or legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Guest: Dan Fineberg, CTO and Co-founder, The Fusion Syndicate About the Guest: Dan Fineberg is a veteran technologist with over 40 years of experience working at the intersection of technology and marketing, including leadership roles at Intel Corp. and FEI Co. As CTO of The Fusion Syndicate, Dan now specializes in leveraging emerging technologies, particularly generative AI, to accelerate content productivity and drive measurable business results for customers. In This Episode: Beyond the Prompt — Building Strategic AI Workflows Many organizations are still viewing AI as a simple tool for generating text with a prompt. Dan Fineberg breaks down why that's the biggest misconception and shows us how to transition from basic experimentation to a reliable, scalable system that dramatically improves content production and delivers significant ROI. Key Discussion Points: Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial or legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Podcast Show Notes: Alex Dantas (Circuit Launch & Mechlabs) Guest: Alex Dantas, CEO of Circuit Launch and Mechlabs Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrfdantas/ About the Guest & Companies Alex Dantas is the CEO of two organizations that define the hardware and robotics ecosystem in the San Francisco Bay Area: Episode Highlights & Discussion Points Robotics Today & Public Perception Building & Funding a Robotics Startup Investor Strategy & The Future Connect with Alex Dantas & His Work 💖 Support Our Cause: Giving Hope to People in Need This episode supports "Giving Hope to People in Need," a charitable initiative led by The Silicon Valley Podcast. Your donation helps the following charities: Donation link Donate to "Giving Hope to People in Need", led by The Silicon Valley Podcast Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial or legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. #robotics #siliconvalley #startups #ai #machines

Podcast Show Notes Guest: Doug Merritt – CEO of Aviatrix, former CEO of Splunk Host: Shawn Flynn- Managing Director os SVH Capital 🔹 Episode Summary In this episode, we sit down with Doug Merritt, one of the most respected leaders in enterprise technology. Doug discusses the emotional journey of stepping down from a CEO role, what pulled him back into leadership at Aviatrix, and how AI is reshaping companies, cloud security, and competitive strategy. We explore how organizations can stay secure and agile in a rapidly evolving tech landscape, and Doug shares leadership lessons drawn from his lifelong involvement in athletics. Whether you're a founder, executive, or technologist, this episode offers valuable insight into the intersection of AI, leadership, and organizational resilience. 🔹 Topics We Cover 🔹 Connect with Doug Merritt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-m-33169/ Learn more about Aviatrix: https://aviatrix.ai 🔹 Disclaimer Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial or legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Guest: Dr. Bijna Kotak Dasani, Founder of ArthAum Group Dr. Bijna Kotak Dasani is a global leader in venture capital, strategic partnerships, and capital formation. As the Founder of ArthAum Group, she has built a firm that helps funds and companies scale smarter—through tailored launch strategies, operational excellence, and global investor networks. In this episode, Dr. Bijna shares her journey from financial services leadership into founding ArthAum Group, and offers practical insights for fund managers, entrepreneurs, and investors navigating today’s fast-moving venture capital markets. We cover: Finally, Dr. Bijna explains what differentiates ArthAum Group from other firms, and how fund managers or companies can best connect with her team. About the Guest Dr. Bijna Kotak Dasani is the Founder of ArthAum Group, a firm specializing in fund market strategy, operating administration, and capital formation. With decades of experience across global financial institutions, she is recognized for her expertise in helping funds and companies build scalable structures, forge partnerships, and unlock growth through innovation. Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or legal advice. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. #venturecapital #fundoffunds #siliconvalley #tech #investing

Guest: Tim Koller, Partner at McKinsey & Company and Co-Author of Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies For over three decades, Valuation has been the definitive guide to corporate value creation. Called “the best practitioners’ guide to valuation” by the Financial Times and one of “the most influential contemporary books about the world economy” by The Economist, the book has sold over one million copies worldwide. Now in its 8th edition, Tim Koller and his co-authors bring fresh insights on AI, sustainability, digital transformation, and geopolitics—helping business leaders sharpen their decision-making and balance long-term value creation with the pressures of today’s markets. In this episode, Tim shares: Tim also reflects on 35 years of writing Valuation, explaining why timeless principles of growth, innovation, and long-term orientation matter more than ever in both stable and volatile times. About the Guest Tim Koller is a partner at McKinsey’s Denver office and founder of McKinsey’s Strategy and Corporate Finance Insights team. With more than 40 years of consulting experience, he has helped countless executives, boards, and investors navigate complex financial and strategic decisions. Resources & Links 📖 Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies (8th Edition) – Available May 20, 2025 from Wiley 🔗 Connect with Tim Koller via his PR contact: Rebecca Proulx, rebecca@fortierpr.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or legal advice. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Guest: Lori Rosenkopf – Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship, Wharton School Bio Lori Rosenkopf is the Vice Dean of Entrepreneurship and the Simon and Midge Palley Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As Wharton’s Faculty Director for Venture Lab, she supports student entrepreneurs across the university. She previously served as Vice Dean and Director of Wharton’s 2,500-student Undergraduate Division from 2013 to 2019, where she introduced a new curriculum, expanded career pathways, and created more opportunities for students. Her research and teaching draw from her background in systems engineering and social science, with a focus on networks and learning in knowledge industries. With deep connections to Wharton alumni and a sharp understanding of millennial and Gen Z aspirations, Lori brings a unique perspective on the future of entrepreneurship. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are Lori’s own and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial or legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

How AI is Changing Deals & Global Development with Jeff Kafka and Brian Rogers Jeff Kafka Bay Area entrepreneur, cybersecurity startup founder, and medical device/supply chain import partner. Internationally renowned professional kiteboarder and big wave safety expert. Brian Rogers Design and business thinker, expert in AI/ML, IoT, big data, fintech, and platform development. Author of patents, guest lecturer, and industry leader in blockchain. Episode Summary In this episode, we dive deep into how technology, infrastructure, and strong personal networks converge to drive capital and growth in sectors from medical devices to public works. We speak with Jeff Kafka, the founder behind the famous Silicon Valley kite surfing pitch events, about the value of relationships in business growth, and with Brian Rogers, an expert in AI, IoT, and digital transformation, about the future of finance and government partnerships. We explore how their new venture, Storyboard Capital, focuses on opportunities in areas typically ignored by traditional tech investors. Key Discussion Points & Topics I. The Power of Relationships and Networking (Jeff Kafka) II. Technology, Government, and Global Development (Brian Rogers & Jeff Kafka) III. The Future of Finance and Investment Banking Learn More https://storyboardcapital.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkafka/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/brogers/https://grapheene.comhttp://www.strongwatertech.com Disclaimer The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Guest: Waseem Daher – Founder & Executive Chairman of Pilot LinkedIn: Waseem Daher Pilot: pilot.com | Founder Salary Report 2025 Bio Waseem Daher is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Pilot, a modern finance team offering bookkeeping, tax, and CFO services for startups, e-commerce businesses, and professional services firms. Backed by Sequoia Capital and Bezos Expeditions, Pilot has become the go-to back office solution for growing companies. An engineer by training and a serial entrepreneur, Waseem previously co-founded Ksplice (acquired by Oracle) and Zulip (acquired by Dropbox). He now combines his experience as a three-time founder with insights into startup finance, scaling, and leadership. Beyond Pilot, Waseem writes regularly about building startups on LinkedIn and in his newsletter, Startup Real Talk. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast are my own and are for informational purposes only. They do not constitute financial or legal advice, nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Guest: Shawn Villaron, Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives, Office Product Group at Microsoft | Former VP & GM of PowerPoint | Bay Area Site Leader | Executive Sponsor of HOLA Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Villaron, a 29-year veteran at Microsoft who has helped shape some of the company’s most widely used products and strategies. Now serving as Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives in the Office Product Group, Shawn partners with Microsoft’s most important customers to better understand their needs around AI, workplace modernization, and productivity—insights that directly shape the future of Microsoft Office. Previously, Shawn was Vice President & General Manager for PowerPoint, where he led teams across multiple platforms—Windows, Mac, Web, iPad, Android, and iOS—reimagining how billions of people create and deliver stories. He also serves as Engineering Site Leader for Microsoft Bay Area, working across commercial, consumer, hardware, and AI platforms, while championing diversity and inclusion as executive sponsor of HOLA (Hispanic & Latinx Organization of Leaders in Action). Shawn brings a rare perspective: spending nearly three decades at a single company, driving innovation from the inside, and now exploring how AI and agents are reshaping the way we work, create, and build businesses. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Key Questions We Discuss About Shawn Villaron Shawn Villaron is Vice President of Customer and Strategic Initiatives in the Microsoft Office Product Group, where he drives strategy by working closely with top customers to shape the future of AI and productivity. Previously, he served as Vice President & GM of PowerPoint, guiding the product across every platform and ensuring seamless experiences for millions of users. He also serves as Engineering Site Leader for Microsoft Bay Area and as executive sponsor of HOLA, advancing diversity and inclusion at Microsoft. Resources & Links Shawn Villaron | LinkedIn The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or legal advice. Please consult with a professional for guidance on your specific situation. The opinions shared are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Podcast Show Notes: Pankaj Patel – Redefining Networking and Security in the Age of AI Guest: Pankaj Patel, Founder and CEO of Nile | Former EVP and Chief Development Officer at Cisco | Partner at JC2 Ventures | Senior Advisor at March Capital Episode Overview In this episode, we sit down with Pankaj Patel, one of the most influential leaders in enterprise technology. As the former engineering head of Cisco’s $38 billion portfolio with a $6 billion R&D budget, and now the founder and CEO of Nile, Pankaj brings unparalleled insight into the future of networking, AI, and enterprise security. Pankaj shares lessons from building and leading global engineering organizations, the principles he applied to acquisitions and innovation at scale, and why he believes simplicity and security must define the next era of enterprise technology. We also explore how Nile is disrupting the status quo, delivering secure and simple networking as a service, and why Pankaj considers this company the fulfillment of an “unfulfilled mission” in his career. Whether you’re a technology executive, founder, or investor, this conversation offers invaluable perspective on how to navigate complexity, embrace AI, and prepare for the enterprise networks of the future. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Key Questions We Discuss About Pankaj Patel Pankaj Patel is the Founder and CEO of Nile, where he is reimagining the future of networking by delivering secure, simple, and customer-obsessed services. Previously, he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Cisco, overseeing the company’s $38 billion product portfolio. He is also a Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at JC2 Ventures, a Senior Advisor at March Capital, and serves on the boards of several leading technology startups. Connect with Pankaj Patel Pankaj Patel Disclaimer The views expressed in this podcast are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Please consult with a qualified professional regarding your specific situation. The views expressed are those of the guest and host and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. #ai #cybersecurity #nilesecure #siliconvalley #podcast

Join us for an insightful conversation with Taylor Brandt, a Partner at Headline, where we dive into the world of venture capital and B2B software. Taylor specializes in vertical SaaS, B2B marketplaces, and commerce infrastructure as a Partner in Headline’s In this episode, we explore Taylor's unique perspective, shaped by her background in marketing and analytics engineering: We cover key topics for founders and aspiring VCs, including: Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Connect with Taylor Brandt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-brandt-89415250/ https://headline.com/ #VentureCapital #FounderAdvice #TechInvesting #SaaSTech #StartupFunding #VC

Mercedes Bent, formerly a Partner at Lightspeed, and a leading investor in fintech, AI, and consumer companies. Guest Bio: Mercedes Bent is a seasoned investor with a background that spans venture capital, startups, and institutional finance. As a former Partner at Lightspeed, she spent over five years leading investments in companies like Stori, Mexico's first tech unicorn co-founded by a woman. Before her time in VC, she served as a General Manager, scaling a startup from $2M to $100M in revenue, and worked at Goldman Sachs managing $1.75B in assets. Mercedes holds degrees from Harvard and Stanford. Episode Summary: Join us for a deep dive with Mercedes Bent, a top investor with a unique perspective on technology, finance, and building a successful career. We'll discuss her journey from managing institutional assets at Goldman to becoming a partner at a major venture fund. Mercedes will share her insights on how to identify market trends, evaluate founders, and the critical role of timing in a fund’s performance. Key Discussion Points: Connect with the Guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mercedesbent/ Disclaimer: The views expressed are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Opinions are my own and do not reflect those of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC. Consult a professional for your specific situation.

Bio: Ross is a founder, engineer, and early-stage technology investor who focuses on helping significant ideas scale up. He believes in working with "amazing people who build products indistinguishable from magic." His unique strength lies in connecting people. Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Ross Fubini to discuss his journey from building companies to investing in them. Ross shares how he developed the thesis for XYZ, a fund that invests in founders tackling big problems across sectors like public policy, fintech, and climate. We'll explore what it means to make "seismic shifts in society" and what sets founders who "make doing the work their unfair advantage" apart from the rest. Key Discussion Points: From Builder to Investor: What inspired Ross to transition from engineering to venture capital. The XYZ Thesis: A deep dive into the fund's investment strategy and how it differs from other early-stage firms. The "2nd Derivative of Investments": Ross explains this unique investment concept and how he applies it to his decision-making. Public Sector Impact: How the public sector ecosystem influences private sector investment decisions. LP Reporting: Ross shares insights on how to structure effective quarterly reports and what Limited Partners truly value. The Deal Review Process: A look at the critical factors Ross evaluates when deciding to invest in a founder. Founder Mindset: The non-negotiable behaviors and traits Ross looks for in an early-stage founder. Investing in Volatility: A discussion on how funds can pivot and refine their strategies in a challenging macro environment. Learn More About Ross and XYZ: Ross Fubini's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fubini/ XYZ Venture Capital Website: http://www.xyz.vc

Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Ben Van Roo, CEO and Co-Founder of Legion Intelligence and a seasoned leader whose career spans building cutting-edge AI solutions for both the public and private sectors. From working with the Department of Defense at RAND to leading data science at Chegg, serving as EVP of National Security at Primer AI, and now driving innovation at Yurts, Ben brings a rare perspective on AI, leadership, and scaling technology for mission-critical environments. We dive into his journey of building strong company cultures, navigating brand transformations, and understanding the differences between public and private sector AI adoption. Ben also shares valuable lessons on choosing the right investors, balancing family life with startup leadership, and why timing can be as important as talent in the entrepreneurial journey. If you’re a founder, operator, or AI enthusiast—especially one interested in government tech, venture capital relationships, or building trust in enterprise AI—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Key Topics Discussed: Resources & Links: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanroo/ LEGION | Secure AI for Mission-Critical Teams The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation." “The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.”

Guest: George Panagiotakopoulos, Innovation Ecosystem Development -Advisor, Berkeley SkyDeck Episode Summary: Join us as we sit down with George Panagiotakopoulos, who works with UC Berkeley who has a unique vantage point from his work in Europe, Asia, and beyond, George shares his insights on building global innovation ecosystems and the nuances of cross-border collaboration. We'll explore how Berkeley is expanding its accelerator model internationally, the differences in venture capital ecosystems and risk tolerances worldwide, and the common misconceptions that investors and founders face when navigating new markets. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of startups, venture capital, and global innovation. Key Discussion Points: Learn More: George Panagiotakopoulos | LinkedInhttp://skydeck.berkeley.edu/ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed are the people of this show and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Guest: Dr. Tom Coughlin, President, Coughlin Associates, IEEE Past President (2025) Website: https://tomcoughlin.com FMS Conference: https://futurememorystorage.com/ Episode Summary: Join us for an enlightening conversation with Dr. Tom Coughlin, a seasoned digital storage analyst and consultant with over 40 years in the industry. Tom, the President of Coughlin Associates and former IEEE President, shares unparalleled insights into the foundational technologies shaping our digital world. We delve into the crucial role of memory in AI's development, the surprising realities of storage demand, and the fascinating world of breakthrough memory technologies. Discover why memory often gets overlooked in AI discussions, critical considerations for data privacy, and the global impact of the IEEE. Tom also previews the upcoming Future of Memory and Storage (FMS) conference and offers invaluable career advice for tech entrepreneurs. Key Discussion Points: Learn More About Dr. Tom Coughlin and FMS: https://futurememorystorage.com/ https://tomcoughlin.com Disclaimer: The information provided in these show notes is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or technical advice. Views expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast host or its affiliates..do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.. Listeners should conduct their own research and consult with qualified professionals before making any decisions.

“Buying a Business the Right Way — Lessons from the Front Lines” Guest: Jed Morris — Acquisition Entrepreneur, Operator, and Advisor Connect with Jed on LinkedIn In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Jed Morris, a seasoned acquisition entrepreneur with firsthand experience navigating the highs and lows of buying and operating businesses. Jed shares candid lessons from his own journey — including what went wrong, what he’d do differently, and the hard-won wisdom you won’t find in most search fund playbooks or weekend bootcamps. Whether you’re from a tech background looking to buy your first brick-and-mortar company or an aspiring searcher wanting to avoid costly missteps, Jed brings invaluable insights you won’t want to miss. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: 📬 Connect with Jed Morris: To learn more, collaborate, or seek guidance in the acquisition space, reach out to Jed via LinkedIn. 🎧 Hosted by: Shawn Flynn — Managing Director at SVH Capital and Host of The Silicon Valley Podcast Learn more at www.SVHCapital.com 📌 Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of SVH Capital, Finalis Securities LLC, or any affiliates.

🎧 Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Arto Bendiken, a self-taught polymath, technologist, and entrepreneur whose journey spans building custom software in Finland at 13, contributing to defense communications for the U.S. Navy, scaling blockchain infrastructure at Aurora Labs, and now launching Haltia.AI in Dubai. We dive deep into the evolution of Web3, the intersection of AI and crypto, real-world blockchain applications, tokenomics, smart contract risks, and how the global landscape—from Silicon Valley to Dubai—is shifting. This episode is a masterclass for anyone curious about the future of decentralization, personal AI, and global entrepreneurship. 🧠 Key Topics Covered: 🔥 Highlight Questions: 🌍 About the Guest: Arto Bendiken is a serial entrepreneur and CTO with 30+ years of experience across software, AI, and crypto. He has built tech solutions for major banks, defense agencies, and public companies, and has helped scale Web3 infrastructure to millions of users globally. He is currently the Founder of Haltia.AI, where he is building trustworthy personal AI systems and launching the ASIMOV Protocol, a global knowledge market. Connect with Arto on LinkedIn 📚 Resources & Mentions: Disclaimer:"The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.”