The Silicon Valley Podcast Ep 273 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 SummaryIn 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)- Kite Surfing Pitch Events: The origin story of the famous Silicon Valley kite surfing pitch events and the key lessons learned while observing early-stage companies raising capital.
- Missed Opportunities: Jeff shares his list of companies he met early on but passed on investing in, and the reasons why those opportunities were missed at the time.
- The Role of People: How Jeff's diverse career—from cybersecurity to big wave safety to medical supply chain—has consistently revolved around people and relationships.
- Business Growth: The crucial importance of relationships when scaling a business.
- Public/Private Partnerships (P3s): A detailed explanation of what Public/Private Partnerships are and how companies currently go about identifying these government opportunities.
- AI in Government Financing: How Artificial Intelligence can help streamline the process for companies to find and obtain government contracts.
- Technology for Development: How technology, public/private partnerships, and infrastructure development are creating opportunities in remote or "off the grid" areas globally.
- AI and Financing: How Jeff and Brian see AI changing the landscape for companies obtaining financing, particularly in how deals are sourced and structured.
- Investment Banker's Role: The evolving role of the investment banker in the future and how they will integrate AI into transaction processes.
- The Future of Outreach: How customized, AI-driven outreach will change the success or failure rates for projects and deal sourcing.
- Beyond the Interview: Key concepts related to AI that the audience should be thinking about moving forward.
- Storyboard Capital Website: https://storyboardcapital.com/
- Jeff Kafka's Contact: Jeffkafka8@gmail.com
- Jeff Kafka's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkafka/
- Brian Rogers' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brogers/
- Affiliate Companies:
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.