The Silicon Valley Podcast

On today's show, we sit down with Elnaz Sarraf, who is a serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in technology, business, sales, and marketing. She is currently the CEO and Founder of ROYBI; an investor backed EdTech company focusing on early childhood education, that recently raised $4.2 million in its seed round. Before starting ROYBI, Elnaz co-founded and led a consumer electronics/IoT company, iBaby, serving as the company's President.  As an immigrant and female founder, Elnaz has made worthy accomplishments in a short duration living in the US. Honors include being selected as Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center Milestone Maker 2018, named the Woman of Influence through Silicon Valley Business Journal in 2016 and Entrepreneur of The Year in 2016 in Silicon Valley. She has been a speaker at several conferences such as the Mobile World Congress, ASU GSV Summit, Consumer Technology Association, and more.    In this episode, you’ll learn: How many pitch events or investor meeting might it take to raise capital? What is it like to raise $4.2 million on just an idea? Growing a hardware company, what are the struggles one might have to face? What are some of the limits to Artificial Intelligence and how the collection of data help improves user experiences?   HELP US OUT! Please take a few seconds and leave us a positive review as it helps the show grow and motivates us to create content. Thank you for helping and giving back to the show! Guest Roybi website Elnaz Sarraf on LinkedIn Email Elnaz Sarraf   CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com  

On today's show, we're happy to chat with George Gammon. George Edward Gammon is an American real estate investor and entrepreneur. He produces and stars in the hit reality television series "Vide En Remodelacion," a home remodeling program on the Colombian network Telemedellin. Prior to 2012, George started, owned, and operated multiple businesses ranging from conventions to advertising. After 12 years as a successful entrepreneur, at the age of 38, George semi-retired and shifted his focus to real estate in the United States. He has recently started focusing on Medellin, Colombia. He has a thriving YouTube Channel and podcast where he focuses on investing and changes in the economy.   In this episode, you’ll learn: What are some of the most difficult milestones for a company?  What is it like for an entrepreneur who is very young and able to retire?   Does investing in Silicon Valley companies make financial sense? What is the “Everything Bubble”? What business opportunities are there in Medellin Colombia? Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!   CONNECT WITH GEORGE YouTube | Twitter | Email    CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com  

On today’s show, we sit down with Bill Reichert. Bill is the Managing Director at Garage Technology Ventures, a seed and early-stage venture capital fund, which invest in extraordinary entrepreneurs with unique technologies that will define the next era of innovation. He takes a hands-on approach from the very beginning, partnering with talented entrepreneurs to transform their vision into reality. He is an entrepreneur, mentor, author, speaker, board member, adviser, educator, partner, spouse, parent, and general enthusiast. Not always in that order. In this episode, you’ll learn: What are some of the misunderstandings on trends in technology? What is the typical view of leadership and why this view is flawed? What is the difference between innovation and invention? What are the different types of computing and how will they impact us in the future? What do you see as the “hot” sector or trend for 2020?   This episode is dedicated to Craig Johnson who had a great influence in Silicon Valley. Help us out! Please take a few seconds and leave us a positive review as it helps the show grow and motivates us to create content. Thank you for helping and giving back to the show!     Guest: Bill Reichert on LinkedIn Bill Reichert on Twitter Garage Technology Ventures Startup World Cup   GET IN TOUCH WITH SHAWN Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Email: Shawn@TheInvestorsPodcast.com    

On today’s show, we interview Brett Sharenow. Brett is a trusted advisor on raising capital from VCs, PE, and Angel investors, for start-up, growth, pivot, and exit. Since 1995, he has helped companies raise more than $750 million and have facilitated exits valued at more than $6 billion. In this episode, you’ll learn: What happens in an analyst meeting? What is the “ladder” bump in valuation? How do companies plan out their go-to-market strategies? What are the 3 C’s that every company needs to have? What questions do Venture capitalists ask themselves when they are being given a presentation?   Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!   Guest: Brett Sharenow on LinkedIn Email Brett Sharenow Website     CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com   Summary On today’s show, we interview Brett Sharenow. Brett is a trusted advisor on raising capital from VCs, PE, and Angel investors, for start-up, growth, pivot, and exit. Since 1995, he has helped companies raise more than $750 million and have facilitated exits valued at more than $6 billion.  

On today’s show, we welcome Andreas Ramos. Andreas moved to Silicon Valley in 1992, where he worked in engineering at SGI, SUN Microsystems, Brio, IMSI, and other companies. He did translations and localization in six languages at these companies before joining Acxiom as head of the digital agency, where he worked with Global Fortune 200 clients. Andreas then led global SEO at Cisco, where he worked in 44 languages in 86 countries. He is now an Adjunct Professor of Digital Marketing at CSTU and INSEEC, and is the author of 16 books on SEO/SEM with seven Amazon #1 Best Sellers. In this episode, you’ll learn: What are some stories of the rise and fall of some giant companies in Silicon Valley? Will Google and some of these monster tech companies hold their lead in the future? Which companies are recruiting the best engineers? Which technology sectors might be areas to keep an eye on in the future? Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!   GET IN TOUCH WITH ANDREAS Linkedin | Twitter CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com  

On today’s show, we are happy to chat with Steve Hoffman. Steve, or Captain Hoff as he’s called in Silicon Valley, is the CEO of Founders Space, one of the world’s leading incubators and accelerators. He’s also an angel investor, limited partner at August Capital, serial entrepreneur, and author of Make Elephants Fly, the award-winning book on radical innovation. Always innovating on his life, Captain Hoff has tried more professions than cats have lives, including serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, angel investor, studio head, computer engineer, filmmaker, Hollywood TV exec, published author, coder, game designer, manga rewriter, animator and voice actor. Hoffman was the Founder and Chairman of the Producers Guild Silicon Valley Chapter, Board of Governors of the New Media Council, and founding member of the Academy of Television’s Interactive Media Group. In this episode, you’ll learn: What is the future of technology? Where are we headed in 20 years? Personal lessons shared from failing and succeeding in business? The reasons corporations have trouble innovating. One key piece of learning from your book: Make Elephants Fly? Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!   BOOKS AND RESOURCES Steve Hoffman on Linkedin Twitter  Steve Hoffman on Instagram  Steve Hoffman’s Book Make Elephants Fly Founders Space   CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com  

On today’s show, we are happy to have Steve Hoffman, or Captain Hoff as he’s called in Silicon Valley. Steve is the CEO of Founders Space, one of the world’s leading incubators and accelerators. He’s also an angel investor, limited partner at August Capital, serial entrepreneur, and author of Make Elephants Fly, the award-winning book on radical innovation. Always innovating on his life, Captain Hoff has tried more professions than cats have lives, including serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, angel investor, studio head, computer engineer, filmmaker, Hollywood TV exec, published author, coder, game designer, manga rewriter, animator and voice actor. Steve was the Founder and Chairman of the Producers Guild Silicon Valley Chapter, Board of Governors of the New Media Council, and founding member of the Academy of Television’s Interactive Media Group. In this episode, you’ll learn: How important is having cutting technology and having a successful startup? What are the different roles the founding members of a startup should have? What traits do successful entrepreneurs have? Is it always a good thing for a startup to have raised a lot of money?   Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!   Guest: Steve Hoffman’s LinkedIn Steve Hoffman’s Twitter @captainhoff Steve Hoffman’s Instagram  Steve Hoffman’s Book: Make Elephants Fly Founders Space   CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com  

On today’s show, we are happy to chat with Bob Hoffman, the author of four Amazon #1 best-selling books about advertising. He is also one of the most sought-after international speakers on advertising and marketing. One of his books, "BadMen: How Advertising Went From A Minor Annoyance To A Major Menace" exposed many of the dangerous data abuse practices that are now making international headlines. (It was selected "Best of Marketing 2017.") He is creator of the popular “The Ad Contrarian” blog, named one of the world's most influential marketing and advertising blogs by Business Insider. Bob's commentary has appeared in the BBC World Service, The Wall Street Journal, MSNBC, The Financial Times, The Australian, New Zealand Public Broadcasting, Fox News, Sky News, Forbes, Canadian Public Broadcasting, and many other news outlets throughout the world. In this episode, you’ll learn: How is social media marketing changing our lives? Are there any ethical issues that companies might be infringing on in their current ways of marketing? How advertising fraud is costing companies billions each year? Where are the biggest companies spending their advertising money? What should people know about social media in 2020, and the upcoming elections?   We would like to thank Andreas Ramos who made the introduction that allowed the interview to happen and to Niesar & Vestal LLP law firm which allowed us to conduct the interview in their facility. I want to thank you personally for supporting this channel.    Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!   Books and Resources  Bob Hoffman’s LinkedIn Bob Hoffman’s Books on Amazon Bob Hoffman’s Website  CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com 

On today’s show, we chat with Jeff Thomas, a Senior Vice President of Nasdaq’s Corporate Services business unit. Based in San Francisco, Jeff oversees Nasdaq’s new Listings and Capital Markets businesses. He also oversees business development and relationship management for Nasdaq’s listed companies and Investor Relations Solutions' clients in the Western United States.  Previously, he served as President of Liquidity Solutions at Nasdaq Private Market, where he worked closely with private companies to help them provide shareholder liquidity prior to an IPO.  Prior to joining Nasdaq in 2014, Jeff held senior positions at SecondMarket, Gerson Lehrman Group and Altera Corp. He holds a bachelor's degree in Electrical & Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pa. He sits on the Board of Directors of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group.   In this episode, you’ll learn: What is the investment community saying about the IPOs of 2019? What is a direct listing, and is it different than a traditional IPO? Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). What is this trend so many are talking about? What emerging technology is Nasdaq implementing?    Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!   Guest: Nasdaq website Jeff Thomas’ LinkedIn   CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com    

On today’s show, we chat with Shmuel Silverman. Shmuel is an inventor with over 145 patents & provisional publications and success with co-founding and selling two companies. He bring years of leadership experience in Telecommunications, Internet technologies, IoT, and Artificial Intelligence and have led technology teams of researchers, developers, and marketers at two global icons, where he helped develop a proven process to identify, nurture and develop unique Intellectual Property focused on protecting the business first and enabling technology second. He is a trusted advisor to attorneys, M & A specialists, and entrepreneurial CEOs around the world. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL LEARN: What is the timeline for 5G implementation in our daily lives, how long to build out the infrastructure? How will cities be reimagined with this technology? How will the collection and security of the massive amount of data be changed with 5G technology? How will existing businesses be potentially impacted? How will the cost of computers, cellphones and other electronics change? We would also like to thank Kirk Hylan who is the founder of Insite Networks for making the intro to Shmuel which allowed this interview to happen. Help us out! Help us reach new listeners by leaving us a rating and review! It takes less than 30 seconds and really helps our show grow, which allows us to bring on even better guests for you all! Thank you – we really appreciate it!     CONTACT SHMUEL Linkedin | Website | Patents   CONNECT WITH SHAWN: https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV   Shawn Flynn’s Twitter Account Shawn Flynn’s LinkedIn Account Silicon Valley LinkedIn Group Account Shawn Flynn’s Facebook Account Change to Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com