The Logistics of Logistics Silicon Valley in a Box with Mike Zayonc
Mike Zayonc and Joe Lynch discuss Silicon Valley in a box, a nickname for Plug and Play Ventures, a global startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, California. Mike is a Partner at Plug and Play where he founded the firm's $25.5M Supply Chain Fund and Supply Chain accelerator program.
About Mike ZayoncMike Zayonc is a Partner at Plug and Play where he founded the firm's $25.5M Supply Chain Fund as well as the Supply Chain accelerators based in Silicon Valley, Savannah, Toronto, Northwest Arkansas, Hamburg, and Shanghai in partnership with 60+ corporate partners such as Walmart, TJX, Tyson Foods, JB Hunt, Shell, DHL, Kohls, Japan Post, Yamato, Maersk, Ryder, Prologis, BASF, ArcelorMittal, ExxonMobil, United States Postal Service, Arcbest, Mitsubishi Electric, Georgia Pacific, Trimac, Crowley Martime, etc... This program is responsible for accelerating hundreds of startups and investing 60+ supply chain related startups at the seed stage including Rappi, Einride, Shippo, Cogniac, Repowr, Koffie Labs, Oloid, etc. Prior to joining Plug and Play, Mike was a serial entrepreneur from Vancouver, Canada. Mike graduated from the University of British Columbia with a Bachelor of Management, where he specialized in studying Entrepreneurial Technology and Finance. Throughout University Mike maintained a full-ride athletic scholarship for competing across Canada in men's varsity basketball.
About Plug and PlayPlug and Play is a global innovation platform that connects startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. The firm is headquartered in Silicon Valley and has a presence in more than 40 locations across five continents. Plug and Play offers corporate innovation programs and assists corporate partners at every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. The firm also organizes startup acceleration programs and is among the most active investors worldwide, with over 200 investments per year driving innovation across multiple industries. Plug and Play's portfolio comprises companies such as Dropbox, Guardant Health, ApplyBoard, Course Hero, Einride, Honey, Blockdaemon, N26, PayPal, and Rappi.
Key Takeaways: Silicon Valley in a Box with Mike Zayonc- Mike Zayonc is a Partner at Plug and Play Ventures a global startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in Silicon Valley, California.
- The firm was founded in 2006 by Saeed Amidi, who is also the CEO of Plug and Play Tech Center, a startup incubator and co-working space.
- Plug and Play Ventures invests in early-stage startups across various industries, including fintech, healthtech, insurtech, and mobility, among others.
- The firm has a portfolio of over 1,200 companies, including notable successes like Dropbox, PayPal, and LendingClub.
- Plug and Play Ventures provides more than just funding to startups; it also offers mentorship, resources, and access to a vast network of corporate partners, investors, and mentors.
- The firm has a presence in over 35 locations globally, including in the US, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
- Plug and Play Ventures typically invests between $25,000 and $500,000 in startups, with the potential for follow-on funding in later rounds.
- The firm is known for its industry-specific accelerator programs, which provide startups with tailored resources and connections to help them grow and succeed.
- Plug and Play Ventures is also actively involved in corporate innovation, working with established companies to help them stay competitive and innovative in the face of disruption.
- The firm has a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, with initiatives like its Female Founders program and partnerships with organizations like Black Founders Matter.