The Silicon Valley Podcast

Ron Whittier Interview Introduction Intel Corporation was founded in 1968 by Robert Noyce and Gordon Moore, who left Fairchild Semiconductor to start their own company. In the early years from 1970 to 1978, Intel went through major inflection points that helped transform it from a startup to an industry leader. Ron Whittier, who joined Intel in 1970 as an engineering manager, played a key role in navigating many of these pivotal moments. This included instilling the pioneering "Intel Culture" driven by Andy Grove, expanding into new product lines like microprocessors, raising funds through Intel's first public offering in 1972, and then rapidly scaling up design and manufacturing capabilities. From 1978 to 2000, Intel experienced explosive growth riding the PC revolution and the emergence of the world-wide web. Ron helped the company successfully navigate through additional inflection points like improving manufacturing processes under Craig Barrett's leadership, the famous decision to exit the DRAM business to focus on microprocessors, developing major marketing campaigns like "Intel Inside", transitioning to being a sole microprocessor supplier, and forming new groups like the Intel Architecture Labs and Intel Capital. Through recognizing and deftly navigating these many inflection points, Ron and Intel's leadership team transformed the company into a global technology powerhouse. We talked about And much more…

Martin Tobias: Navigating the Landscape of Investment and Entrepreneurship In the ever-evolving world of investment and entrepreneurship, few voices resonate with the depth of experience and insight quite like that of Martin Tobias. With a career spanning decades and ventures across various industries, Martin brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the table. A Passion for the Formation Stage "I have always been excited in the formation stage of things," Martin shares. "The early stuff. Who is the customer? What is the product? And how do we sell it? That is the part I like." For Martin, the early stages of a venture present the most intriguing challenges and opportunities. It's where decisions are made, bets are placed, and the course of action is charted. Over the years, Martin has been at the helm of numerous ventures, raising over $500M in equity, project finance, and working capital. Investor, Mentor, Entrepreneur Beyond his role as a CEO and investor, Martin's entrepreneurial journey is peppered with diverse experiences. From owning bars and restaurants to venturing into renewable energy and technology investing, Martin's portfolio reflects his insatiable curiosity and drive to solve complex problems. He has personally invested in over 70 startups and led several through venture funds, all while engaging in charitable endeavors through the Martin Tobias Family Foundation. Exploring Industry Dynamics In our conversation with Martin, we delved into several key areas shaping the investment and entrepreneurship landscape: Connect with Martin Tobias To learn more about Martin's work and insights, you can connect with him on LinkedIn or visit Incisive VC, where he continues to make an indelible mark on the world of investment and entrepreneurship. Martin Tobias Explore Here In a world brimming with possibilities, Martin Tobias stands as a beacon of wisdom and inspiration, guiding entrepreneurs and investors alike on their journey towards success.

Michael J. Firestone, CFA https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeljfirestone/ Fire Capital Management, LLC is a boutique investment management company that helps people achieve their dreams. We empower our clients to re-imagine what is possible to accomplish with their investments, social impact goals, and family legacy. The firm offers private wealth management and multi-family office services to HNW individuals, families, and foundations. Fire Capital Management is strategically headquartered in the heart of innovation economy, San Francisco, CA. Sophie Tsang, MBA https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophietsang/ Sophie’s Civil Engineering background and marketing expertise contribute to her broad understanding and high efficiency in marketing real estate properties. She has been consistently a top performer since 2005, and personally ranks the highest 1% by volume of all Silicon Valley Realtors. Also a WSJ Real Trends 2022 America's Best Honoree. As a seasoned negotiator, Sophie’s no-nonsense marketing system and meticulous attention to details have been key success factors. She is known as the The Fixer, or Miracle Worker, frequently helps sellers sell their homes when other agents had failed or given up. She helps buyers get into homes when they previously struggled. 20+ years in Real Estate, Sophie has honed her skills on getting the best possible results for her clients. Her trusted network of vendors and use of cutting-edge technology ensure each step of each transaction is executed to achieve next level result! Sophie is a proud parent of 2 Eagle Scouts (in college). She has done guest speaking at Faith Radio, and written a column for World Journal Newspaper to share her Real Estate knowledge. Sophie is a Palo Alto Rotarian and a Paul Harris Fellow, also a Golden Gate Keeper (Golden Gate National Park Conservancy). Jeanie (Kim) Colclough https://www.linkedin.com/in/jcolcloughtravel/ In my professional role as a travel advisor, I specialize in creating soft adventure experiences for my clients. My favorite types of trips to book include: Cultural Immersion Vacations — These trips are designed to get travelers interacting with local people, experiencing cultural events and dining on authentic cuisine. Culinary Tours — Perfect for foodies and wine lovers, culinary tours allow travelers to experience the unique flavor of their destination. Active Vacations As I carve my own path within the travel industry, I have made this quote my motto: "Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind." These words of Seneca define the need for travel as part of our human experience. When we book a vacation to a new destination, whether it's a tropical island filled with the potential for relaxation or an ancient city built for learning and exploring, we know we will be changed by the experience. Travelers come home feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, while also yearning for more at the same time. Contact me today to book your next adventure! I look forward to helping you every step of the way. We discuss: What are the most common mistakes people on the panel see people make as soon as they have a large sum of money? Depending on the exit price, what are some options a seller must know to do the right things to create generational wealth or maintain the exit for a needed amount of time? After they exit their companies or sell a part of them, many people want to diversify their wealth; what are some ways that they choose to do this? What issues do they face if they are looking to invest in real estate? What about if they want to start investing in real estate projects? Are there any problems they might face? If an owner doesn’t properly plan before the sale, what can they do afterward to mitigate taxes? The most common thing owners say the first thing they will do after selling a business is to go on a trip. What are things they should consider? If there are economic changes, how would they...

Karen (Kovaleski) Traversi, SHRM-CP https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenmtraversi/ I work with CEOs that are going through transitions or disruptive stages due to M&A activity, growth, upscaling markets or are looking to create value, including start-ups. I am a revenue optimization expert that helps leadership make the right decision for solution & client development as well as integration & cross-functional alignment for efficient revenue growth. I have successfully helped companies ranging in size from start-up to >$100 million as well as those looking to monetize assets such as TMP/Monster.com, Ticketmaster, and Revolution Health Group. Call Me When You Have: • Rapid growth (or market adjustments) which create distraction, missing goal targets, etc. • Turnover with customers or teams, interrupting operations. • A need for integrating departments, increasing efficiencies, and reducing department friction ensuring sales, marketing and client delivery play nice in the sandbox. • A startup needing support in terms of growth and addressing the foundational aspects of a changing organization, including HR/benefits. I work with clients to uncover the core issues/opportunities, set strategy, and execute work as either project consultant, in an ongoing engagement or as a fractional role. Angelo DeSando https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelo-desando-0b19633b/ Commercial Insurance Specialist - Workers’ Comp Insurance Expert - Exclusive Programs DeSando Insurance Services was formed in 1978 by my father, Mark DeSando. I began my career at DeSando Insurance in 2006 assisting my father in varies aspects of the insurance business. I quickly discovered my passion for helping clients protect what matter most to them. In 2008 I transitioned our firm from a captive company to an independent insurance brokerage. I now manage DeSando Insurance Services full time where I have grown the business by offering the best possible solutions unmatched by any of my competitors. I take pride in the integrity and professionalism our firm offers to the marketplace. I greatly appreciate every referral as this has been the building blocks of our foundation. My product of expertise is in workers compensation. I can offer innovative exclusive products that will provide the best solutions for the staffing, construction, manufacturing, distribution, and other blue-collar industries. With this wealth of knowledge, it has helped me dominate and broaden our expertise appetite to include general liability, commercial property, commercial auto, bonding, professional liability and WRAP policies. I take pride in being family owned since our inception and I am grateful it has grown to a second-generation company. My goal is to continue to dominate with our expansion while never forgetting that every client and member of our company is part of the DeSando family. Please contact me if you share my same vision and would like to be apart of the family either as a client, employee, or business partner. We are always expanding! John Morada https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnvmorada/ As an S&O and M&A executive, I love what I do to grow existing corporations. And I am equally as passionate about growing the next generation of corporations. If you are a startup, I would love to hear what you are working on. Please check out my investing requirements at https://bayangels.com/requirements/ since I am a member of the Bay Angels investing group. If you are a VC looking to get into the Bay Angels deal flow then please send me an email to partnerships@bayangels.com. Or if you have a business that you think would be useful to Bay Angels, I would enjoy hearing from you. Let’s start a thread at partnerships@bayangels.com.

Tyler Marin, CPA https://www.linkedin.com/in/thinktyler/ Have you ever felt like your business is capable of more but just can't seem to break through to the next level? I'm Tyler, and I turn those "almost there" businesses into flourishing success stories. With more than two decades in finance and entrepreneurship, I specialize in propelling businesses with revenues between $1 million and $15 million to new heights. My Approach: One Clear Path Imagine a system so clear and effective that your business's financial uncertainties turn into milestones of success. That's One Clear Path for you. It's a six-step journey tailored to stabilize and amplify your cash flow. Our monthly color-coded scorecard (green for thriving, yellow for caution, and red for critical areas) simplifies complex financial data, ensuring we're always moving forward. How I Propel Your Business: * Transforming inconsistent cash flow into a consistent positive cash flow * Cultivating financial strategies for both short-term and long-term goals. * Elevating your profit margins beyond just 'good enough'. * Aligning your business's financial trajectory with your personal vision. * Streamlining financial processes for efficiency and innovation. * Strategic financial forecasting to prepare you for what's next. * Personalized, experience-backed advice to tackle your unique business challenges. My Credentials: * Founded a CPA firm to grew to 200 clients that led to a successful exit. * Grew a staffing firm from $5 million to a $25 million in revenue that led to a successful exit. * Served as a financial leader in a major non-profit organization. * Active associate board member at a Northern California Credit Union. * Advisory roles in multiple multi-million dollar companies. Jane Beule https://www.linkedin.com/in/janebeule/ Founder and CEO, Griffin Black, Inc. | NAPFA Registered Financial Advisor | CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ Professional Over the years I have worked on Wall Street and I have worked in tech, but it is my current job that I find most fulfilling. Griffin Black, the company I founded in 2001, is a Registered Investment Advisor. We bring together a love of finance and passion for leveraging technology to help individuals and families make the most of their money and live the kind of lives that they envision. Delivering great financial advice and service, however, requires more than good tools and technical expertise. It takes a real understanding of each individual client’s values, personality, and long-term goals. This human element is what distinguishes a great advisor from the pack, and what enables the creation of a personal financial strategy that has the potential to be implementable and fulfilling, as well as financially sound. Are you hesitant to talk to a human advisor because you think it will be too expensive? (Hint: it needn’t be.) Are you looking for financial support and advice that is truly you-centric? Are you overwhelmed and confused by all of the automated financial tools and investment choices that are being pitched to you these days? If so, we’d be happy to hear from you. Sheri Pan, CFP® https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheripan/ As the founder and CEO, Sheri brings her breadth of knowledge as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner to clients, so they can make informed decisions when planning their financial future. Also, her Master’s Degree in Taxation gives her a unique advantage to advice on tax planning. Her many years of experience and education offer her clients many benefits, as Sheri is able to tackle multifaceted tax situations and minimize liabilities. This enhanced expertise makes her an asset to those seeking in-depth tax advice during their careers, before and after retirement, and while they form estate plans. Prior to founding Pantheon Wealth Planning, Sheri Pan took a position at Morgan Stanley. Before long, she realized that while she enjoyed asset management, something was missing in her work....

Show notes for Amman Ahmed. Amman Ahmed is a seasoned entrepreneur with a diverse background in e-business, venture-backed startups, and brand building. With a keen eye for identifying market niches and driving business growth, Amman brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. Background The Story of "Petflix", a crazy idea born in Manchester and acquired in Hollywood for 8 figures. Founded by Amman Ahmed, who built 'The 'Netflix for Pets' - relaxing Music and TV created in house based on 8 years of research. RelaxMyDog and RelaxMyCat are the two brands now consumed by 50 million pets around the world. With an insanely wild idea, Amman would get laughed at by investors so his only option was to use his own money of £1000 to get this idea off the ground in a lean way. By creating his own researching, his own team of international producers and marketers. He scaled the business to a multiple million pound international business without investors. Until catching the eye of a major Rap/Hip-hop record label in Hollywood who went on to buy the business. RelaxMyDog and RelaxMyCat was a side hustle for years while he was the founder of another VC backed music discovery app that failed. He has experience both sides of the coin, VC backed founder and a bootstrapped founder. Questions and Topics covered Can you give us a brief overview of your career journey leading up to this point? What does it mean to be an "E-Business Specialist," and how did your experience in that role shape your entrepreneurial path? Let's talk about venture-backed versus non-venture-backed businesses. What are the advantages and disadvantages of each? When is the right time for a founder to consider pivoting a business versus closing it down entirely? What conversations did you have with investors when you knew it was time to step away from a business as a founder? How did you discover your niche with Roundwaves, and what aspects of that business did you find most rewarding? Building a business on a platform like YouTube can be challenging. What were your experiences and concerns during that journey? As a founder, what were the major value drivers of your business that you emphasized to investors? Can you shed some light on the role of a brand ambassador and how one can secure such a position? MusicForPets versus Roundwaves—what lessons did you carry over from one venture to the other? Reflecting on MusicForPets, what aspects of the business do you think could have been improved? How was the transition period for you when your company was acquired? What advice would you give to a founder transitioning from business ownership to employment in a larger company? Looking back at your journey, how would you describe yourself personally during each business endeavor? Lastly, what exciting projects or ventures do you have planned for the future? Connect with Amman https://www.linkedin.com/in/ammanahmed/ https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13000305/la-hip-hop-producer-pet-musician-record-deal.html

Board Dynamics and Advisory Roles with Louise Broekman In this episode, we dive deep into the world of corporate governance and advisory boards with esteemed guest Louise Broekman. Louise brings a wealth of experience and insights gained from her extensive career in board advisory roles. Here's a breakdown of the intriguing topics covered in our conversation: Introduction to Louise Broekman's Career Understanding Board Dynamics Differentiating Observer, Consultant, and Advisor Roles Enhancing Board Member Skills and Continuous Improvement Compensation for Advisory Board Members Positive Impact of Advisory Boards on Company Performance Key Distinctions between Private and Public Company Boards Barriers to Joining Large Public Company Boards Creating Diversity Within Boards Success Stories and Impact of Strong Advisory Boards Evolution of Advisory Boards and Future Trends Challenges for Startups in Managing Advisory Boards Assessing Advisory Board Effectiveness and Governance Best Practices Practical Steps for Aspiring Board Members Learn More About Louise Broekman Louise Broekman | LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/louise-broekman/ https://www.advisoryboardcentre.com

Show notes Joe Siencinski 2nd interview https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesiecinski/ My passion is mentoring CEOs and Executive Teams who want to be in control of the growth and expansion of their business. My clients develop and grow in confidence, agility, awareness, and leadership essentials. One thing is for sure, they expand their influence, communicate more effectively, cultivate strong business and personal relationships, and develop a powerful team so the company can focus on exponential growth. WHAT I CAN DO FOR YOU: --------------------------------------------------------powerful tools, time-tested processes, and comprehensive resources, I guide my clients to a great business -- one that is achieving optimal success, as defined by them. MY APPROACH: Exponential growth is attainable. My role is to help you strip away the confusion of constantly changing economic, regulatory, personnel, supply chain, and cash flow issues that can cripple a business. I help you dive deep into the bones of the organization – the framework around which you can set the policies, procedures, systems, strategies, tactical plans, marketing initiatives, sales campaigns, hiring & firing processes, and much, much more. Just like building a house, we’ll start with laying the foundation upon which a sturdy, strong, long lasting, profitable, ethical, respected business can be built. We talk about The DISC personalities When to raise capital The power of communication and leadership in a business Setting personal goals before business goals AI and how it will impact business owner. And much more Connect with Joe ✅Email me at joe@brainsharecoach.com ✅Schedule a call https://my.timedriver.com/VNTR6 https://www.brainshare.online/pages/3-paths-page

Ep 217 Silicon Valley and The Middle East with Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards Guests: Fouad Alnazawi and Stephanie Richards Topic: Exploring the unique challenges and opportunities for startups in Silicon Valley and Saudi Arabia, and how collaboration between these two regions can drive innovation and growth. Intro: Career Journeys and Regional Insights: Venture Capital Landscape and Investment Strategies : Growth Trajectory and Global Collaboration: International Collaboration and Initiatives: Regulatory Considerations and Areas of Collaboration: Challenges and Success Stories: Connecting with the Guests and Conclusion: Additional Questions: Foaud Alnazawi Bio https://www.linkedin.com/in/fouad-alnazawi-a1175712/ Foaud is the Managing Director of Lamarka Consulting Services Lamarka is a consultancy firm that provides range of services; we have been helping visionary leaders to unleash growth and development by Crafting Winning Strategies and Implementing them. Lamarka is a group that has 2 companies; Lamarka Consulting Services and Lamarka 700. We offer range of services for our clients to improve their businesses and take it to the next level. Our purpose is to inspire companies and individuals to achieve their highest potential. Our core values are: Stephanie Richards https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieerichards/ Stephanie has 20 years of experience at the intersection of national economic development and innovation ecosystems. She focuses on the strategy, policy, intelligent capital and international connectivity needed to accelerate young innovation and startup environments. With a background in economics, strategy consulting, entrepreneurship and venture capital, and following nearly a decade as a Middle East and North Africa (MENA) emerging markets and economic development specialist at Monitor Group (subsequently Monitor Deloitte), Stephanie founded her own firm in 2013. She advises and partners with mission-aligned venture capital funds, ecosystem builders, academic institutions and government entities to ensure that pioneering IP, innovation and technologies find a path to international markets and global impact. Stephanie has a particular passion for mentoring researcher-entrepreneurs, building innovator-founder communities, and supporting innovation commercialization and ecosystemic transitions from shallower tech to deeper tech. She serves as an advisory board member, mentor and investor for numerous startups and early-stage companies, and is a business supervisor, guest speaker and regular mentor for entrepreneurial talent at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School. Having been based in MENA since 2005, Stephanie now divides her time between the GCC, the UK (London and Cambridge) and North America (primarily Silicon Valley), actively working to improve collaboration between the diverse set of innovation communities on all three continents.

Building Your Tribe, Unleashing the Power of a Startup Wolfpack with Michael Devellano Topic: Navigating the entrepreneurial journey, fostering strong communities, and leveraging the power of collaboration. Intro: Building Your Wolfpack: Cracking the Success Formula: Understanding Keiretsu: YC Meets Wu-Tang Clan: Power of Public Building: Behind the Board Ape Club: Optimizing Your Wolfpack: Beware the Dark Triad: Embracing Wrong Decisions: Connect with Michael: (9) Michael Devellano | LinkedIn

Show notes for Adam Coffey Bio: CEO, Board Member, Best-Selling Author, and Acclaimed International Speaker, Adam Coffey is a visionary leader who drives transformative growth and fosters high-performance cultures. With 21+ years of experience as CEO, Adam led three national private equity-backed service companies for 9 private equity sponsors. During this time period he completed 58 acquisitions, his track record includes notable outcomes measured in the billions, averaging 5x MOIC at exit. Adam is a respected mentor to MBA candidates and a sought-after speaker at UCLA. He brings diverse expertise from commercial and industrial service businesses, alongside being a licensed general contractor, pilot, former GE executive, and US Army veteran. As an author, Adam's books "The Private Equity Playbook" (2019), "The Exit Strategy Playbook" (2021) and Empire Builder (2023) all became #1 Amazon Best Sellers. Recognized as one of the "Most Influential Leaders" by the Orange County Business Journal, he founded the CEO Advisory Guru in 2021, providing consulting services to private equity firms, their portfolio companies and to founders. Adam's impactful seminars have generated millions in revenue, solidifying his position as one of the world's top speakers. He resides in Westlake, TX, with his family. Outline of episode Intro : Understanding Private Equity: The Private Equity Pyramid: Growth Stages and Revenue Milestones: Building a Great Culture: Unit Economics and Financial Fundamentals: Product-Based Business Essentials: Transparency and Communication: Culture and Revenue: The Intertwined Path: Pricing Power and Growth Levers: The Power of Rolling Over Equity: Connect with Adam https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamecoffey/ https://adamecoffey.com/ https://www.amazon.com/Empire-Builder-Billion-Adam-Coffey/dp/B0CJT8KMT6/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1696460248&sr=1-2

Paul Epstein, leadership expert, organizational culture guru, and Founder of Purpose Labs. With nearly fifteen years of experience in professional sports management and business coaching, Paul shares his transformative journey and insights with our audience. Career Journey: Navigating Corporate Challenges: Engaging with Professional Athletes: Transition from Sports to Purpose Labs: Exploring the Book "Playing Offense": Decision-Making and Confidence Building: CEO Traits and Future Goals: Connecting with Paul: Additional Insights (if time permits): Tune in to gain valuable insights on leadership, decision-making, and building unshakable confidence with Paul Epstein. Connect with Paul: LinkedIn

Show notes for Jon Staenberg https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/ The Search Fund Model with Jon Smith Introduction and Career Background Jon shares insights into his career journey leading up to his current role. Understanding Search Funds Definition and historical context of search funds in the business landscape. Risks and Challenges A discussion on potential risks and challenges associated with the search fund model. Evolution of Search Funds Insight into how search funds are evolving and what excites Jon about their future. Track Record Overview An overview of the track record and success stories associated with search funds. Participants in the Search Fund Model Exploring who typically opts for the search fund route, including the backgrounds of investors and operators. Identification and Evaluation The process of identifying and evaluating potential target companies for acquisition. Exit Strategies and Timelines Addressing whether search funds have specific exit timelines and the parameters involved. Due Diligence Insights into how search funds approach due diligence and factors considered in the evaluation of potential acquisitions. Access to Deals How search fund operators gain access to premium deals and compete with larger institutions. Why Choose a Search Fund as a Buyer? Common reasons why sellers may opt for a search fund as the buyer for their company. Seller Due Diligence The due diligence process sellers typically undertake when considering a search fund acquisition. Value Creation and Growth Plans Strategies employed by search funds to create value and drive growth in acquired businesses. Investor Involvement Post-Acquisition The level of investor involvement and oversight in the operations of the acquired company. Management Fee Structure and Incentives Explaining the fund's management fee structure and performance incentives for the search fund team. Investor Communications How communication is managed with investors and the frequency of updates on the search fund's progress. Closing Remarks and Contact Information Jon invites listeners to connect and learn more about him and his work. To learn more about Jon and his insights, Connec with Jon https://www.agatehound.fund/ https://twitter.com/AgateHoundFund https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonstaenberg/ jon@staenberg.com Jon’s bio Founder / Managing Partner Jon Staenberg Jon Staenberg has been an active venture capitalist for over 30 years, serving as a General Partner in three Funds managing over $250 million. He is also a venture partner in three Venture Funds. As an angel investor, Jon has made over 250 investments. Currently, he is focused on building Agate Hound Fund, a fund for Search Funds. This asset class is relatively unknown but has shown exceptional performance over the past 40 years. Additionally, he spends his spare time working on his vineyard in Argentina, www.handofgodwines.com. In these intriguing times, Jon has a captivating story to share about what lies ahead and why search funds are the new venture capital.

Shownotes for Emily Ward Join us for an insightful conversation with Emily Ward, Founder and CEO of AlcaCruz, as we explore her remarkable journey from VP and Chief Technology Counsel at eBay to the helm of her own tech startup. Key Questions and Topics: Career Overview: Emily shares a summary of her distinguished career leading up to her current role. Global Market Expansion: Lessons learned from eBay's expansion into China and global markets. Strategies for fast-growing startups planning to enter new markets. Intellectual Property for Startups: The importance of intellectual property for startups. Insights on filing patents from a legal and technology perspective. Mergers and Acquisitions: Emily's experiences on eBay's M&A teams and the importance of a strong legal team. Stories and lessons from assessing and acquiring companies like GSI, Bill Me Later, and Braintree. Diversity on Boards: Emily's thoughts on diversity on company boards. Considerations for founders when creating a board. Leadership Wisdom: Wisdom on leadership from Emily's extensive speaking engagements in the tech community. Transition to Tech Entrepreneurship: Emily's decision to start a tech company instead of a law practice. Insights on women CEOs in the tech startup space. AlcaCruz Overview: Emily provides an overview of AlcaCruz and the problems it aims to solve. Tech Readiness for Problem Solving: The intersection of technology and problem-solving for AlcaCruz's mission. Career Transition Advice: How Emily's corporate experience prepared her for entrepreneurship. Advice for individuals transitioning from well-funded companies to starting their own ventures. Resources for Women Founders: Insights into resources available for women founders. Personal experiences regarding advantages and disadvantages in Emily's career. Connect with Emily: Learn more about AlcaCruz and connect with Emily. Closing: Don't miss this enriching conversation with Emily Ward, where we delve into the nuances of tech leadership, entrepreneurship, and the journey from corporate giants to startup dreams. Stay tuned for more insights and inspiration! Connect with Emily https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilysward/ com com emilyward@gmail.com Full Bio: CompetesTV uses our award winning MultiView tech for video competitions. Creators use their videos to showcase their talents and share contests to grow viewership and revenue streams. www.competes.tv. Launching soon! AlcaCruz created MultiView video streaming technology that live streams multiple camera views or multiple games (sports, esports, concerts, channel programming, etc.) into one interactive screen. Available in IOS & Android as CruzTV. Emily is CEO of CompetesTV & AlcaCruz. Previously, Emily was Vice President & Worldwide Chief Technology Counsel at PayPal and eBay for many years. Legal tech leader for PayPal’s and eBay’s technologies, products and companies. Legal tech lead on eBay’s M&A teams that assessed and bought GSI ($2.4B), Bill Me Later ($1.2B), Braintree ($800M), and many other companies, as well as divested Skype. Split the IP portfolios for eBay and PayPal during PayPal’s spin-off from eBay. Testified on patent reform before Congressional committee. Successfully resolved bet-the-company lawsuits, including Merc Exchange v. eBay (previous unanimous US Supreme Court decision for eBay). She has won numerous awards, including being recognized as one of the Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley (SV Business Journal), one of the Top Women Leaders in Technology Law, one of the World’s Leading IP Strategists, Legal Impact Winner, Multicultural Leadership Award, Legal Momentum Women of Achievement honoree and the Direct Women Board Institute program. She enjoys spending time with family, friends and church, and she and her family are avid dog lovers and currently have 4 rescue dogs at home. They also support the Hope Technology School (a full...

Shownotes for Andrew Butt Founder & CEO at Enable, creating the Rebate Management software category. Used by manufacturers, distributors and retailers globally to increase earnings. Since 2020 we've grown 15X and raised $275m from top tier investors. My mission is to enable trusted trading relationships that serve customers better together. My vision is to empower thriving partner ecosystems of manufacturers, distributors and retailers where people can find the best products, services and value. Enable is a B2B SaaS platform for companies across 50+ sectors to analyze, negotiate and execute complex trading agreements to drive profitable growth. Served on the Board of Directors of several other companies and not-for-profits. I have started and grown multiple businesses into profit and positive cash flow, including exit to PE. * Founded 4 businesses, and demonstrated traction and growth in every case * Grown revenues every quarter without exception - now a permanent team of 500 * Served on main board of directors for 3 years for Helicopter Club of Great Britain * Served on main board of directors for 3 years for a $300m business * Co-founded and sold business to private equity Episode Highlights: Introduction to Andrew's Career: Andrew provides an overview of his career journey, highlighting key milestones and experiences that shaped his entrepreneurial path. Startup Ecosystem: UK vs. Silicon Valley: Andrew shares insights into the similarities and differences between the startup ecosystems in the UK and Silicon Valley since he now resides in San Francisco. Expansion Routes and Advice for Silicon Valley Companies: Discussing Andrew's experience with expanding companies from the UK to Europe or the US, and valuable advice for Silicon Valley companies eyeing entry into the European market. Evaluating Ideas for Building a Company: Andrew delves into his approach to evaluating ideas for building a company, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs. Evolution of SaaS Over Time: Reflecting on the evolution of SaaS since Andrew's first venture in 2004, exploring the changes and challenges faced by founders in the SaaS space. Raising Capital and Working with Top Tier VCs: Andrew shares his experiences with fundraising, from the early struggles to landing a significant investment, and discusses what it's like to collaborate with top-tier venture capitalists. Key Metrics for Company Tracking: Exploring the metrics Andrew tracks for his company, revealing how he identified and prioritized these metrics for success. Rebate Management Software: Andrew provides insights into rebate management software, shedding light on its significance in the business landscape. Organic Growth vs. Acquisition: Discussing the decision-making process behind growing a company organically versus through acquisitions, with a focus on the acquisition of Profectus Group’s RDM Platform. Managing Culture Integration Post-Acquisition: Andrew shares tips on managing the integration of different company cultures after an acquisition, drawing from his experiences. Employee Liquidity and Staying Private Longer: Addressing the trend of companies staying private longer and conversations around employee liquidity, providing perspectives on these industry shifts. Continuous Learning and Board Membership: Andrew discusses his commitment to continuous learning, serving on boards, and the best practices for being an effective board member. Entrepreneurial Journey and Valuable Lessons: Andrew reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, sharing the most valuable business lesson he has learned over the years. Looking Ahead and Final Thoughts: Andrew discusses topics not covered in the episode, his future plans, and invites listeners to connect for more insights. Connect with Andrew https://www.linkedin.com/in/awbutt/

Show notes for Adam Nash - Adam and the Daffy team are offering all our listeners a free $25 to give to the charity of their choice when they get started with Daffy. Simply use this sign-up link to get started. Adam is a proven advocate for development of products that go beyond utility to delight customers. At Dropbox, he led the teams responsible for growth, product strategy, product management & product analytics for a platform with over 600 million registered users with responsibility for all of Dropbox self-service revenue (~90% of all company revenue in 2019). Before Dropbox, Adam served as the President & CEO of Wealthfront, where for four years he championed the creation of a new category of automated investment services. While Adam was at Wealthfront, the company grew its client base by over 60x, and grew assets under management 45x from less than $100m to over $4 billion. During his tenure, Wealthfront delivered industry-leading innovations including Direct Indexing, the Single-Stock Diversification Service, and the first automated 529 College Savings Plan. Prior to joining Wealthfront, Adam was Vice President of Product Management at LinkedIn. Adam led LinkedIn’s Platform & Mobile products, including the launch of LinkedIn’s open developer platform and their highly successful native applications and mobile web experiences. Adam was the founder and architect of LinkedIn Hackdays, a seminal program for driving the innovation culture at the company. He also was responsible for leading LinkedIn’s search & cloud efforts, as well as forming and leading their user experience & design team. Prior to joining LinkedIn, Adam held a number of leadership roles at eBay, including Director of eBay Express, an innovative new site focused on new, fixed-price products. Previously, Adam also held strategic and technical roles at Atlas Venture, Preview Systems and Apple. Adam holds an MBA from Harvard Business School as well as BS and MS degrees in Computer Science with a focus on Human Computer Interaction from Stanford University. Adam was born and raised in Silicon Valley where he lives with his wife, four children and a golden retriever. We talk about What is exciting between the intersection of finance and technology? What is some due diligence one should do on a company before investing? Knowledge, experiences or a network…what is the most important when building a company? What are common behavioral biases or tendencies that individuals exhibit when making financial decisions?

Ian Leisegang Co-Founder & Managing Partner at 3SPOKE https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-leisegang-3spoke/ 3SPOKE provides balanced liquidity solutions for the stakeholders of leading growth stage private technology companies. Utilizing an innovative financing structure combining attractive features of debt and equity, we offer individual shareholders and their companies a highly favorable form of capital. Utilized as an alternative to a secondary market sale or to provide for the capital necessary for employees to exercise their stock options and purchase their shares, 3SPOKE’s solutions are designed to maximize value and minimize risk and disruption. We talk about: What should people know about Secondary’s and the private markets? How do investors do their due diligence on these private companies? What is the concept of balanced liquidity solutions for stakeholders of private technology companies? In the past, what have GP’s, LP’s, done for liquidity?

Reaction is a global community and fund invested in solving the toughest global problems. We are a global team who shares a vision for a world where thought leadership and innovation can change more lives in less time. Why now? Because more innovations will be created in more countries and industries over the next decade than in the previous 50 years. Many that offer the potential to solve pressing global issues will fail to reach the markets that need them the most. Reaction was founded by a diverse team of global leaders who united to solve this problem. Dan Matthies Dan is a proven builder and operator of global businesses, a Stanford Changemaker, awarded innovator, and Top 100 Entrepreneur. He has been leading Reaction since its inception. Prior to Reaction, for 15 years Dan built and operated global tech businesses, including an awarded investment platform used by leading institutions to manage trillions of assets. As a corporate entrepreneur, he was responsible for all aspects of strategy, product, growth and P&L, creating over $3 Billion in enterprise value. Dan is an alum of Stanford University (Stanford Executive Program and The Corporate Entrepreneur), The Wharton School of Business (MBA), and The College of New Jersey (Finance and International Business). Dan has also completed his Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) designations. https://www.linkedin.com/in/danmatthies/ Michael Dorsey I have a successful 20-year record in Impact Investing, having co-founded and managed the innovative Bay Area Equity Fund (now DBL Investors), which achieved a 24% IRR, 4x cash-on-cash return, and created more than 15,000 jobs. My current fund, the Bay Area Growth Fund, seeks to repeat this success. I also managed two funds for the Westly Group, focused primarily on clean tech. Prior to my venture capital career, I spent 20 years in investment banking, primarily focused on technology and other emerging growth companies. I served as Head of Technology Company investment banking at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette and Cowen & Co. I am committed to improving the world through for-profit investing. In addition to investing, I am also committed to supporting the companies and entrepreneurs we invest in. https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-dorsey-372a6710/ Julieta Romero Julieta has broad experience across venture capital, FoodTech, government and banking. She began her career at JP Morgan where she led a team of analysts performing macroeconomic and industry research on opportunities in Power and Utilities, Oil and Gas, Retail and Hospitality. She then went on to advise the Secretary of Financial Services and the Commissioner in the Argentinean Government Executive Branch on public policy initiatives across the mortgage, insurance and capital markets. Most recently, she invested in climate and social solutions at an impact investment fund based in Mexico, and worked on strategy and partnerships for one of the largest alternative meat companies. Julieta is an alum of Stanford University (MBA) and Universidad de 'San Andrés' (Masters in Finance, Corporate Finance and Bachelors in International Relations). https://www.linkedin.com/in/julietaromero/ We talk about Lessons learned while working 20 plus years at Bloomberg. The origin story of Reaction? Stories of being an Investment Banker through the history of Silicon Valley. Investing in the double bottom line. The value of a global network And more Website https://www.reaction.global/

Drue Freeman is an Independent Board Director at Ideal Power (NASDAQ:IPWR) and is currently serving on the Board of Directors at Sand Hill Angels. The former CEO of the Association for Corporate Growth, Silicon Valley (ACGSV) and a 30-year semiconductor veteran, Drue advises and consults for early-stage startups, multi-billion dollar corporations, and for financial institutions studying the implications of technological disruptions on the automotive industry. Drue is on the Advisory Boards of several public and private companies as well as Silicon Catalyst. His Venture Capital and Angel Investments focus primarily on the automotive sector. Previously, Drue served as Sr Vice President Global Automotive Sales & Marketing at NXP (2009 - 2015), gaining significant automotive semiconductor TAM share. In his career with NXP (formerly Philips Semiconductors), Drue spent 3 years in Shanghai establishing a #1 position in the China automotive market while launching and serving as Board Member for the first Chinese automotive semiconductor company, Datang-NXP Semiconductors. Prior to China, he worked 7 years at NXP’s Automotive HQ in Germany, including 4 years as VP of Automotive Quality. He has also been based in Tokyo, with Philips and VLSI Technology and held positions in key account management, applications engineering, and development engineering for various companies in California. We talk about Who are the most active angel groups in Silicon Valley? What types of due diligence does one do on a company before investing? What role do syndicate members play after making an investment? What are the negatives or benefits of investing as an individual or a syndicate? How does one find boards to be on? What technologies do you see really helping in West Africa? And much more Connect with Drue https://www.linkedin.com/in/drue-freeman-b67a12/ drue@betterbigpicture.com

Jon Li Over 20 years of entrepreneurial, managerial, and product/UX design experience. Founded 3 companies, built and led teams of over 100 engineers and designers, and shipped over 20 products from mobile phones to cloud services to AI computer vision systems. What are the key benefits and advantages that augmented reality can offer an individual or an organization? How does augmented reality align with an overall digital transformation or innovation strategy of companies? Are there any specific regulatory or privacy considerations that need to be addressed when implementing augmented reality solutions? How do you incorporate user feedback and insights into the iterative development of AI-driven spatial reality experiences? Where are the opportunities for entrepreneurs right now in this space? Connect with Jon linkedin.com/in/jonli001 jonli01