The Silicon Valley Podcast

Mark McClain I’ve been an entrepreneur in the identity management market for more than 20 years, cofounding two companies that have driven innovation in the market. SailPoint (NYSE:SAIL), has built its business on the foundational principle that identity is power. We have been in business for more than 15 years, and the company continues to grow with profitability. Our commitment to innovation and consistently high customer satisfaction are among the reasons the biggest, most complex organizations in the world rely on SailPoint to help them improve security while staying agile. As CEO, I’m passionate about building a corporate culture that brings good people together to accomplish great things. I love giving back to our community and working with up-and-coming entrepreneurs to grow their businesses and expand Austin’s influence in technology. I speak frequently at investor and industry events and write for the SailPoint blog and a variety of industry publications. I have also been recognized as a highest-rated CEO by Glassdoor and by EY as an Entrepreneur of the Year. Specialties: leadership, organizational development, innovation, culture, business operations, strategy, start-ups   We talk about   From raising Venture Capital, Private equity, to going public… How has the company changed at each of these stages? How does a board change with each stage of a company? What are companies missing when they talk about corporate culture?   And much more   Connect with Mark   https://www.linkedin.com/in/markmcclainceo/ Website https://www.sailpoint.com/

Possible Show notes for  Richard Moran    Richard Moran   Richard A. Moran is a General Partner at Tonic Bioventures. He is a noted San Francisco based business leader, workplace pundit, bestselling author, consultant and venture capitalist. He is best known for his series of humorous business books beginning with bestselling, Never Confuse a Memo with Reality that started the genre of "Business Bullet Books."​         We talk about:   What tips can you give companies from the side of a Venture Capitalist, on not running out of Money.   What is the meaning of the word “Whatever”?   How can one change a “whatever” business culture?   As a Venture Capitalist, how did you do analysis on companies before investing?   Contact:   Twitter richmoran Blog  richardmoran.com    https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardamoran/

Sean Steele   I build or enable businesses to fulfil their potential impact in the world. I thrive on helping leaders and their teams understand and exceed their own expectations of themselves. I love the process of scaling up businesses and specialise in the $2m-$50m revenue range. I have deep experience in education and services businesses in the APAC region.   Creating value by developing perspective, vision, strategy, product, foundations, operating frameworks, rhythms, talent, culture, alignment and sales and marketing capability is my thing.   I’m blessed to have done this with a range of different hats on (Executive, CEO, Chair, Director, Mentor) and therefore have experienced the thrill of overcoming the inevitable challenges myself, and I love helping others do the same.     More from Sean Steele, all free resources: His 8-Steps to Fast-Tracking Growth and Valuation checklist: SeanSteele.com.au/checklist His ScaleSmart weekly thought piece on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/scalesmart-7025214107435876352/ His ScaleUps Podcast: ScaleUpsPodcast.com or connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seansteeleprofile/ Regards,      We talk about   How does a buyer look at a strategic Acquisition? How does one go about getting every dollar they deserve when selling a business? When does the integration conversation start to occur when buying a company? Sean’s philosophies on integration   And more…

Show Notes Paul Kelly   Paul Kelly I love building stuff; businesses, teams, events, partnerships, relationships, and anything with wood. Dynamic and organized, ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines across time zones. Results driven - Navigates well through ambiguity and is adaptable to change. Managed a SF Based brokerage with 20+ agents for over a decade. Managing Broker of a SF based boutique firm for 5 years, Synesis Advisors , which I co-founded. Engaged in 100’s of transactions from Main Street to lower middle market ($10MM-$40M~) Communicates and influences effectively across organizational levels and personalities. Having been self-sufficient since my youth has fostered my self-starter, highly competitive demeanor today. I am a convergent thinker and problem solver, often pivoting from team member to head coach to janitor. Communication is key. I strive for clarity in interactions which allows the highest probability for a successful outcome. Confident in my abilities while humble enough to know when to listen. Two ears one mouth has been a motto of mine for decades. I value honesty and relationships and one’s moral compass. I learned long ago that integrity is paramount for a leader’s success. From a football field to a brokerage office, in the absence of integrity there is no defense. I value ingenuity and proactivity. I have met many remarkably successful people. I found the common denominator in their successes was not timing, intelligence, connections, etc., it was the simple fact that they went and did it. We talk about How can one build “Goodwill” over a transaction? What do you think is “key” to getting a transaction done that people might not think about?  Where do sellers struggle the most when getting companies ready to sell?  What are some of the biggest reasons why a company does not sell?  What trends are happening now with SaaS companies?  And much more Connect with Paul Kelly https://www.linkedin.com/in/pauljonkelley/ Twitter pauljonkelley

Shownotes for Maya Acherman PHD   Professor Ackerman is a world-renowned researcher in generative AI and CEO/co-founder of WaveAI. A pioneer in the space, Ackerman has been researching generative AI models for text, music and art since 2014. Dr. Ackerman was an early advocate for human-centered generative AI, bringing awareness to the power of AI to profoundly elevate human creativity. Ackerman has over 50 peer reviewed research publications and her research has been cited in over 1200 publications.   Named “Woman of Influence” by the Silicon Valley Business Journal, interviews with Dr. Ackerman appear on NBC News, New Scientist, NPR, Grammy.com, SiriusXM and international television stations across the globe. Dr. Ackerman is a member of the Steering Committee of the Association on Computational Creativity and has been on the program and reviewing committees of twenty different AI journals and conferences. A sought-after speaker, she appeared on many top stages, including the United Nations, IBM Research, Microsoft and Stanford University.   Dr. Ackerman is the recipient of awards from the Association of Computational Creativity, Office of Naval Research, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and more. She earned her PhD from the University of Waterloo, held postdoctoral fellowships at Caltech and UC San Diego and is on the faculty of the Computer Science and Engineering Department at Santa Clara University.   Personal website: http://www.maya-ackerman.com   We talk about What is generative Artificial Intelligence? How are Chat GPT and Open AI changing the world? Is Chat GPT the Google search killer such as what is being mentioned in the new? What are the next steps for this technology?   And much more…   Connect with Maya Acherman   https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackerma/ Websites wave-ai.net (Company) maya-ackerman.com (Personal) Email ackermanmaya@gmail.com

Arun Bio   We founded MBM Capital with one mission: create a new, profitable pathway for founders whose companies are orphaned by traditional VC.   Arun has over 20 years of investment, operations and turnaround experience, including at firms such as Shinsei Bank (early employee at JC Flowers / Rippledwood led turnaround), StoneCastle, Klarna and LedgerX. He has invested over $500mm of capital during his career in speciality finance companies, community banks, fintech and other special situations.     We talk about   How does one come up with their fund’s thesis? What type of numbers in general terms do Private Equity groups like to see? How does interest rates change your decisions when making an offer on a company? How do you go about thinking about structuring a deal, both price and terms, when you make an offer on a company? How do you analyze different value drivers of a company? And much more     Connect with Arun   https://www.linkedin.com/in/arunmittal/ arun.mittal@gmail.com 917-804-6533 https://www.mbmcapital.co/

Daran Herrman  CEO at Goboto | Host of Establishing your Empire with 10+ years of experience in managing online businesses, including managing strategy development, global eCommerce solutions, online marketing & multi-channel retail partnerships for business & consumer market sectors.  (2) Daran Herrman | LinkedIn  Sam Wong https://www.linkedin.com/in/startupsam/ Sam is a CEO coach, fractional CEO/CTO/CFO, a Silicon Valley advisor and the author of 21 Secrets of Successful Startups, a book about world-class execution for startups. Sam also provides online training for entrepreneurs at FundableStartups.com. As a serial entrepreneur, he has been CEO, CTO, or VP Engineering / TechOps for five companies, driving multiple acquisitions. As a hands-on “roll up the sleeves” startup advisor, Sam draws from his 30+ Roger King https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermking/ CEO of Chiefpeople 20 years experience in recruiting at both the executive level and the individual contributor level. Interested in companies Brian Sparkes https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian%F0%9F%92%A5-sparkes-9967a8a0/ Experienced consultant with a demonstrated history of working in higher education, and startup culture. Experienced in high stakes communication, presentation skills, strengthening emotional intelligence in leadership and teams, business development, building business culture, community and social capital. Jason https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonnyeh/ A Bay Area local & Entrepreneur Evangelist who believes in making a difference, utilizing my “Why” and thinking outside of the box to create phenomenal results. I have held leadership roles in marketing, sales, business development, project management, training, and consultation in industries/sectors such as Fintech, Healthcare, Medical IOT, Travel & Hospitality. I also serve as the Membership and Partnership Director with the BayAngels, a leading angel investor organization in the Bay Area, helping aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs to be top players in Silicon Valley and other markets, such as China and India.  Self-motivated and stellar leader describe my personality. In my leisure time, I love traveling, networking, and volunteering in various communities.   We talk about: Bad investments in Silicon Valley. Key takeaways from the Silicon Valley ecosystem. What are the benefits of being with an Angel group.   And much more

Show notes for panel 3 Your Exit Process. The Business Capital & Exit Strategy Summit   Jerome Fogel https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromefogel/ Jerome Fogel is the co-founder of Fogel & Potamianos LLP. He is known as a dealmaker and innovator in the legal community. He represents successful entrepreneurs, small and lower middle market companies, and high-profile sports and entertainment leaders. He also serves as the go-to offsite general counsel for a number of organizations. ​He has participated in over 100 corporate, non-profit, and entertainment transactions including company formations, mergers & acquisitions, equity financing, high-profile partnerships, talent agreements, digital music distribution, television distribution, publishing, licensing, and commercial transactions.     Shawn Flynn mid-market investment banker and Podcast Host. Shawn started his career as a business owner, founding, and growing a successful company in Beijing China before returning to the US to work with companies ranging from fast growing Silicon Valley startups to established overseas public companies. He brings his international experience working with all stages and sectors of businesses to his role as Principal at a premier middle market investment bank with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, raising growth capital, and secondaries. Shawn holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UCSD and speaks Mandarin and Spanish (lived abroad for almost 8 years) and he is the host of the award-winning Podcast "The Silicon Valley Podcast" You can connect with Shawn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpflynn/ Podcast https://link.chtbl.com/TheSiliconValleyPodcast   Hall Matin https://www.linkedin.com/in/halltmartin/ Through TEN Capital, I help #startup and growth companies everywhere raise #funding from #angels, family offices, venture capital and high net worth individuals. Through the Texas Entrepreneur Networks I established a funding program to match entrepreneurs with investors I also run the Wilco Funding Portal which has raised over $3M for companies based in Williamson County. Through the Texas Open Angel Network I educate angel investors on how to make investments into startups and growing companies. As part of TOAN, I host the Investor Connect podcast series in which I interview venture capital, angel, and family offices investors on how they invest in startups and growth companies. I assist in the formation and launch of startup investment groups, mentorship programs and accelerator programs which includes the First Look Forum, Idea to IP at UT, Incubation Station(SKU), AccelerateNFC, and others. I formed the TEN Advisory program consisting of highly capable professionals to provide business services to startup and growth companies.       How does one do due diligence on the buyer? When should a company bring in an investment banker to help them sell their company? What is the process to sell your business? How to increase the odds of a deal closing. Who should be on your team when selling a company?

Shownotes for Austin Panel 2   Sam Wong https://www.linkedin.com/in/startupsam/ Sam is a CEO coach, fractional CEO/CTO/CFO, a Silicon Valley advisor and the author of 21 Secrets of Successful Startups, a book about world-class execution for startups. Sam also provides online training for entrepreneurs at FundableStartups.com. As a serial entrepreneur, he has been CEO, CTO, or VP Engineering / TechOps for five companies, driving multiple acquisitions. As a hands-on “roll up the sleeves” startup advisor, Sam draws from his 30+   Jerome Fogel https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeromefogel/ Jerome Fogel is the co-founder of Fogel & Potamianos LLP. He is known as a dealmaker and innovator in the legal community. He represents successful entrepreneurs, small and lower middle market companies, and high-profile sports and entertainment leaders. He also serves as the go-to offsite general counsel for a number of organizations. ​He has participated in over 100 corporate, non-profit, and entertainment transactions including company formations, mergers & acquisitions, equity financing, high-profile partnerships, talent agreements, digital music distribution, television distribution, publishing, licensing, and commercial transactions. ​   Daran Herrman https://www.linkedin.com/in/daranherrman/ 10+ years of experience in managing online businesses, including managing strategy development, global eCommerce solutions, online marketing & multi-channel retail partnerships for business & consumer market sectors. A winning financial and visual track record in online and omni-channel marketing with multi-channel campaigns across     We talk about   What are the milestones investors will want to see at each stage of your company’s development? How do you set aside equity for the founding team members? How do you built your advisory board? How quickly should your company grow? And much more…

Brian Will is a serial entrepreneur who has created or co-created six very successful companies in four different industries over the last thirty-five years. His first foray into owning his own business was a 10-year stint in the landscaping industry that he started when he was twenty years old. This was followed by three online internet companies during the dot.com boom of the late nineties and early 2000s.   The first was an online health insurance website and call center that was eventually sold to a venture capital company in Silicon Valley and today is one of the largest online Medicare insurance platforms in the US.   The second was an online “lead generation” company in the subprime credit space that was sold to a private equity firm out of Chicago.   ]We talk about   Why people should not listen to Silicon Valley Billionaire experts? What skill set would be best to learn early on when starting a business? Why do so many businesses fail? When is it time to leave a company and take a break or do something new?   And much more…   Connect with Brian Will Brian Will – The Author of The Dropout: Multi-Millionaire (brianwillmedia.com) (14) Brian Will | LinkedIn brian@brianwillmedia.com