The Silicon Valley 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: Fundraising Misconceptions: What is a common mistake founders make when pitching to VCs, especially regarding their focus on senior partners? Founder Traits: What underrated qualities does Taylor look for in strong founders of B2B companies? Breaking into VC: Taylor shares her advice for those without a “traditional” resume and reveals her own path into the industry. Assessing Risk: How does she evaluate the adoption risk of investing in infrastructure and logistics companies? The Future of Tech: We get Taylor's take on the next big opportunities in vertical SaaS and B2B marketplaces, and what signals she's tracking. AI Adoption: A discussion on how AI is being adopted in businesses, particularly when it doesn't require a change in existing processes. Athlete & Founder Mindset: Exploring the correlation Taylor sees between being an athlete and a successful founder or VC. 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: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylor-brandt-89415250/ Headline Website: 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: The Hierarchy of Metrics: We explore Mercedes's framework for evaluating a company's health and why founders should pay close attention to it. Building a Fund: What it's like, both logistically and emotionally, for a partner to launch their own fund while managing an existing portfolio. Risk and Timing: The parallels between high-stakes games like poker and the world of venture capital. How to think about risk, probability, and when to go "all in." Evaluating the Market: Mercedes's mental models for assessing new trends, founders, and the future of consumer technology and AI. The VC Crossover: Advice for aspiring investors and operators looking to break into the venture capital space. The Rise of the RIA: A look into why some larger venture funds are shifting their business models and how that could reshape the industry. Connect with the Guest: Mercedes Bent's LinkedIn: 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 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.

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: How public and private sector experiences shaped Ben’s leadership style. Lessons learned from winding down a company as CEO. Balancing startup life with family responsibilities. Building team culture and alignment at Legions. Insights from rebranding and redefining a company’s identity. Navigating the complexities of working with the Department of Defense. Differences in AI adoption between public and private sectors. Finding and working with “nice” VCs and spotting red/green flags early. Advice for veterans and government professionals starting companies. The advantages of being a founder later in life. How timing and opportunity intersect in entrepreneurial success. What’s next for Yurts over the next 12–18 months. Resources & Links: Ben Van Roo on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanroo/ Legion Interl: 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: Berkeley SkyDeck's Global Mission: George explains his primary mandate and the challenges of building innovation ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley. The Global VC Landscape: A deep dive into how the venture capital ecosystem in Europe and Asia differs from that of Silicon Valley, including core belief systems and risk tolerances. Tailoring Accelerator Programs: We discuss how Berkeley customizes its programs to meet the unique needs of different regions. Investor and Founder Misconceptions: George sheds light on common misunderstandings that international investors and founders have when evaluating startups or entering the U.S. market. Cross-Border Synergy: A success story about a time when expanding SkyDeck's presence led to unexpected synergies and outcomes. Looking Ahead to Africa: George shares his thoughts on the opportunities and roadblocks for replicating the model in South East Asia and other parts of the world. Advice for International Founders: Practical advice on when and how international startups should approach U.S. investors and enter the U.S. market. Learn More: Connect with George Panagiotakopoulos on LinkedIn. George Panagiotakopoulos | LinkedIn Visit the Berkeley SkyDeck website to learn more about their programs. http://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: Behind-the-Scenes of Storage Innovation: Tom shares a surprising story about the 25-year research journey behind HAMR technology now rolling out in HDDs. Evolving Storage Demands: Learn how SSDs have become primary data center storage and replaced HDDs in personal computers and consumer applications. Understand HDDs' shift to colder storage in data centers—this is their growth market, and much of the world’s data lives on HDDs. Discover magnetic tape's vital role in archiving and backing up cloud data. Explore new archive storage technologies being developed, such as optical recording and DNA storage. Memory's Critical Role in AI: Memory, particularly DRAM, is playing a big role in training AI models. Approaches are emerging that reduce the need for expensive DRAM (especially in HBM) for inference applications, using storage technologies like SSDs (e.g., Kioxia's AiSAQ for tuning LLMs). er optical storage or DNA for long-term data storage and preservation. Why Memory is Overlooked in AI: Insights into why people tend to focus more on processing (GPUs) than on the data itself, despite memory and storage advances being as impressive as those in GPUs. Data Privacy & Security in Storage: Essential considerations include having copies of data on immutable storage for ransomware recovery, using AI for anomaly detection on networked systems to prevent malware, and proper encryption use in storage systems for data security. The Global Impact of IEEE: Learn about IEEE as the world’s largest technical professional organization with nearly half a million members in over 190 countries. IEEE puts on over 2,000 conferences and events each year and publishes a good percentage of the world’s technical literature. IEEE standards enable interoperability and industries, with a recent focus on sustainability and ethical AI practices to solve global problems and benefit humanity. Future of Memory and Storage (FMS) Conference: Dr. Coughlin, the general chair, provides details on the 2025 FMS (August 4-7, 2025, at the Santa Clara Convention Center). The conference will feature keynotes by major players in the digital storage and memory industry and sessions covering all major technologies and applications. FMS is the largest independent event focused on digital storage and memory. Highlight Speakers at FMS: Keynote talks include representatives from Kioxia, Fadu, Micron, Silicon Motion, SK hynix, Samsung, Neo, Sandisk, Max Linear, VergeIO, and Kove. There will also be a special session on AI, memory, and storage organized by NVIDIA, and Dr. Coughlin will give a talk on his experiences as IEEE President in 2024. Many parallel sessions will feature speakers from important industry players. Major Disruption in Digital Storage: Dr. Coughlin predicts that just managing the massive amounts of data generated by AI and IoT will be a huge challenge. He also foresees a growing need for technology to ensure data provenance, to identify false information and curate data for AI training. Career Advice for Tech Professionals: Dr. Coughlin advises aspiring tech professionals to be part of their industry and join technical professional organizations like the IEEE. This provides opportunities to develop professional networks and learn important skills like working with others and communicating through volunteer leadership. Learn More About Dr. Tom Coughlin and FMS: Future of Memory and Storage (FMS) Conference: https://futurememorystorage.com/ Tom Coughlin's Work: 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.  

Jed Morris, an acquisition entrepreneur and advisor, shares his journey of buying and operating businesses. He discusses surprising challenges he faced during the transition from tech to acquisitions, including a cautionary tale of a failed deal. Jed busts myths tech professionals often believe about small business, and reveals why traditional resources may overlook crucial realities. He emphasizes the importance of cash flow management, practical experience, and building a trustworthy network for aspiring acquirers.

🎧 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: Arto’s early start in programming and hacking culture in Finland Founding and scaling tech ventures across Europe, the U.S., and the UAE The transition from developer to crypto pioneer: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and NEAR Protocol Lessons from leading Aurora Labs and building hyperscale Web3 infrastructure The biggest misunderstandings around Web3 and crypto adoption What tokenomics really means—and how to evaluate them properly Smart contract vulnerabilities that are still underappreciated Balancing scalability, security, and decentralization in modern blockchain architecture What AI and crypto convergence could actually look like Why Arto chose to build in Dubai—and what Silicon Valley can learn from it What he's building now with Haltia.AI and the ASIMOV Protocol 🔥 Highlight Questions: What initially drew you to Web3, and how has your perspective changed since? How do you answer critics who say crypto is a solution in search of a problem? What’s a real-world use case in crypto that doesn’t get enough attention? How should founders or investors assess tokenomics today? What’s the most underestimated risk in crypto right now? You wrote an open letter to Marc Andreessen—what inspired that and what did you say? 🌍 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: Book: The Sovereign Individual NEAR Protocol & Aurora Labs Room 77 (the original BTC café) Haltia.AI & ASIMOV Protocol Open letter to Marc Andreessen 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.”  

Guest: Anita Koimur, Co-founder & COO of LiveFlow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitakoimur/ Episode Summary: Join us as we sit down with Anita Koimur, a seasoned entrepreneur and the brilliant mind behind LiveFlow. Anita shares her compelling journey from a successful career in Business Development to co-founding a groundbreaking company. We delve into her experiences, including her time at the prestigious Y Combinator, and explore the critical decisions founders face, such as relocating to be closer to their market. This episode offers invaluable insights into identifying and acquiring early customers, the dynamic evolution of a product, and the transformative power of AI in both blue-collar/service industries and the future of financial automation. Anita also sheds light on the challenges CFOs face with disparate financial documents, the complexities of M&A in the finance world, and where she sees LiveFlow positioned within the broader landscape of AI tools. Tune in for a deep dive into business growth, strategic product development, and the exciting future of financial automation. Key Discussion Points: Anita's Career Journey: Her background and the pivotal moments leading up to entrepreneurship. Transition to Founder: The inspiration behind starting a company and the skills carried over from her Business Development days. Y Combinator Experience: Key takeaways and the impact of going through the accelerator program. Geographic Imperative for Founders: The importance of location (e.g., UK to NYC) in relation to market proximity. Early Customer Acquisition: Strategies for getting first customers and building initial trust and credibility. Customer Profile Evolution: How LiveFlow identified and refined its ideal customer over time. Product Evolution: Pivotal moments and feedback that shaped LiveFlow's development since launch. AI in Blue-Collar & Service Industries: Anita's vision for AI's implementation in these sectors. CFO Challenges: Addressing the problems CFOs face with multiple financial documents from various companies. AI's Impact on Business Growth: How AI has shifted Anita's perspective on strategy and its role in future financial automation. M&A and Finance: The biggest issues in the finance world during M&A and how tools like LiveFlow can help. Future of Financial Automation: What excites Anita most and where she sees the industry heading in the next 5-10 years. LiveFlow's Future Trajectory: Whether LiveFlow is a standalone entity, part of a larger suite, or a potential consolidator. Connecting with Anita & LiveFlow: Best ways for listeners to learn more and explore the platform. Website https://www.liveflow.com/  Enjoy 20% off your first 3 months! Be among the first 10 to sign up using the promo code: SVP at LiveFlow.com. 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.”  

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Petrinovich, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Freedom Equity Group (FEG). With deep roots in Silicon Valley and a legacy shaped by family, faith, and business acumen, Ron shares pivotal moments from his entrepreneurial journey—including multiple business restarts, scaling a company to national success, and eventually exiting in 2024. Ron offers candid insights into what it takes to build a company with values at the core, the importance of team-building from day one, and how he designed a unique internal point system that fueled performance and growth. From leadership evolution to fostering a scalable culture, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs at any stage. 👤 Guest Bio: Ron Petrinovich was born and raised in Los Gatos, California. He holds a BS and MBA from Santa Clara University and spent decades building a career rooted in business leadership, mentorship, and tax-efficient retirement planning. Ron was deeply influenced by his father—a successful CPA and entrepreneur—which instilled in him the drive to build and scale ventures that empower others. After co-founding and leading Freedom Equity Group to a successful exit in 2024, Ron now dedicates his time to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. 💬 What You'll Learn in This Episode: The entrepreneurial lessons Ron learned from growing up with a CPA father How to navigate business restarts and turn them into moments of growth What differentiated Ron’s approach when launching his final company The scalable point system he developed to drive motivation and results Key strategies that helped FEG scale nationally How leadership evolves with company growth The traits Ron looks for in early hires—and how to build a value-aligned culture Why great training matters and how to structure it The mindset behind mentoring future leaders 🔑 Key Questions Covered: What pivotal restarts shaped your career, and what did they teach you? How did your upbringing with a CPA father influence your business mindset? What made your most recent venture different from earlier efforts? Can you explain the point system you implemented and how it impacted your team? How did you know when your company had real traction, and how did you respond? How did your role evolve as the business grew? What are you most proud of, and what would you do differently? How do you foster a scalable, values-driven culture? What advice do you have for startups trying to attract strong early talent? What does great training and leadership development look like to you? 🔗 Connect with Ron Petrinovich: 🔹 Ron on LinkedIn     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.