The CTO Show with Mehmet Gonullu

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive deep into the world of drone technology and startup innovation with Dario Valenza, founder of Carbonix. Broadcasting from Australia, Dario shares his unique journey from yacht racing to founding Carbonix, a company that is redefining long-range UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) for critical infrastructure monitoring, linear infrastructure, and other key applications. Dario opens up about how first principles thinking and design thinking played pivotal roles in Carbonix’s development of cutting-edge drone solutions. He explains how the company adapted technologies from yacht racing, specifically lightweight carbon fiber airframes, to create drones that offer longer flight times, higher payload capacity, and increased operational efficiency. Dario also emphasizes the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality to achieve optimal results in drone design. The conversation covers the challenges of building a startup in a capital-intensive field like UAVs, along with the regulatory landscape that governs drone technology. Dario shares insights on how Carbonix navigates safety standards, technological integrations, and the need for continuous innovation to scale its operations. We also discuss the broader vision for the future of autonomous drones, including advancements in automation, AI integration, and the potential for drones to be utilized across various sectors such as agriculture, security, and firefighting. Toward the end of the episode, Dario shares valuable lessons for fellow founders, discussing the critical aspects of leadership, team building, and knowing when to bring in external expertise to manage business growth. His decision to hire a CEO early on allowed him to focus on the core technology and vision, setting an example for other tech-driven entrepreneurs looking to scale their ventures. More about Dario: Dario Valenza, founder of Carbonix. A pioneering force in revolutionizing aviation with cutting-edge UAV technology. Dario has crafted yachts, planes, and cars, merging vision into reality. His journey from racing yachts to aerospace explores beauty, functionality, and efficiency. With America’s Cup accolades and hydrofoiling innovations, Dario applies first-principles problem solving across diverse fields, including automotive, architecture, movies, and drones. His creations are designed for joy, aesthetics, and value, and he is eager to share his experiences and embrace new challenges. http://www.carbonix.com.au/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dario-valenza-a7380a23/ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:19 Dario's Background and Carbonics 02:29 The Fascination with UAV Technology 04:01 Clientele and Applications 07:04 First Principles Problem Solving 13:37 Design Thinking in Aerospace 19:38 Challenges in the Aviation Industry 25:33 Dual Propulsion Systems and Operational Procedures 26:36 Challenges in UAV Design and Regulation 27:32 Key Components of UAV Systems 30:56 Autonomous Capabilities and Future Developments 35:53 The Future of Drones: Automation and Integration 40:13 Insights from a Founder: Challenges and Vision 46:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Alina Timofeeva, an expert in digital transformation, cloud technology, and financial services. Alina has a wealth of experience working with global institutions like HSBC, JP Morgan, and Crédit Suisse, leading them through complex digital transformations. Throughout the conversation, Alina shares her insights into the evolution of financial services, from cloud adoption to the cutting-edge possibilities of quantum computing. We dive into the strategic challenges that financial institutions face when embarking on digital transformation journeys, discussing why many initiatives fall short and how aligning business and technology from the start is crucial. Alina highlights the importance of keeping customer needs at the forefront while leveraging data as a strategic asset. She also provides her perspective on the growing role of AI in financial services and how it is reshaping decision-making processes. As organizations navigate the increasing threat of cyber breaches, Alina emphasizes the importance of building cyber resilience, particularly in large enterprises. With examples from recent high-profile breaches, we explore the crucial role of regulators, governments, and organizations in ensuring a secure digital future. In the latter part of the episode, Alina looks ahead to the future of technology in financial services, discussing the potential of quantum computing and how it could revolutionize data processing and innovation. We wrap up the conversation by considering how emerging technologies like AI and quantum computing could come together to drive the next wave of transformation. More about Alina: Alina Timofeeva is an accomplished professional who currently serves on Board of British Computer Society. She has garnered multiple awards for her expertise in cloud, data and digital transformation. Despite facing setbacks and challenges, Alina’s determination and resilience have propelled her to success. Raised in post-Soviet Russia, she defied societal expectations and pursued higher education, eventually earning degrees in Mathematics from Moscow State University, and Risk and Finance from London School of Economics. Alina’s journey highlights the importance of perseverance and self-belief in overcoming obstacles. She is passionate about empowering others, particularly women in technology and individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and actively engages in mentorship and community support initiatives. https://www.linkedin.com/in/atimofeeva 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:13 Alina's Professional Journey 02:27 Challenges in Digital Transformation 03:44 Strategic Questions in Digital Transformation 05:33 C-Suite Perspectives on Technology 10:42 Cybersecurity and Regulatory Concerns 14:24 Operational Resilience and Business Continuity 20:55 Navigating Business Risks in Uncertain Times 22:38 The Role of Data in Innovation and Resiliency 23:43 AI: The Hype, The Reality, and The Future 25:16 Regulating AI: Challenges and Considerations 31:08 Strategic Integration of Emerging Technologies 35:41 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we’re joined by Adrian Mendoza, General Partner and co-founder of Mendoza Ventures. Based in Boston, Adrian has carved a unique path from being a tech founder and CTO to a venture capitalist, specializing in AI, fintech, and cybersecurity investments. With firsthand experience navigating the startup ecosystem, Adrian brings a unique empathy and understanding to his role as an investor. He shares his journey from startup founder to venture capitalist, discussing the valuable lessons he learned along the way. Adrian begins by describing his early career as a tech founder, where he built and sold two startups. His background as a founder-turned-CTO gave him a deep understanding of the challenges tech founders face, from bootstrapping and scaling to managing exits. In this conversation, he explains why he decided to move “to the other side of the table” as an investor, emphasizing his desire to bring an empathetic, founder-focused approach to venture capital. Adrian’s unique perspective has shaped Mendoza Ventures, where he and his partners are committed to creating meaningful connections between founders and investors. The conversation delves into the VC world, demystifying how venture funds operate and what they seek in early-stage startups. Adrian outlines the typical process startups go through when approaching VCs, highlighting common mistakes founders make when pitching. He discusses the importance of finding the right investment partner—someone who understands both the technical aspects of the business and the market potential. Adrian also stresses the need for founders to view fundraising as a sales process, where it’s essential to qualify leads and tailor pitches to the specific interests of investors. As an investor, Adrian offers valuable advice on how founders can improve their chances of securing funding. He talks about the importance of traction and revenue, explaining that repeatable revenue signals a startup’s potential for growth and scalability. Drawing from his technical background, he shares insights on due diligence, emphasizing how a strong architectural foundation in a startup’s tech stack is crucial for sustainable scaling. More about Adrian: Adrian is the founder and general partner at Mendoza Ventures which is both Latinx and woman-owned and the first Latinx-founded VC fund on the East Coast based in Boston. With 20 years’ of experience in building technology products and teams, Adrian is an experienced entrepreneur, operator, and veteran of the Boston startup ecosystem. Adrian founded Mendoza Ventures to take an in-depth-focused approach to venture capital, looking for founders who demonstrate domain expertise in one of his three focus areas across fintech, AI, and cybersecurity. Adrian prides himself on being a hands-on investor by setting up companies for success beyond just writing a check, creating strong funding syndicates, making customer introductions, and assisting with partnership conversations. https://mendoza-ventures.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianmendozavc/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:16 Adrian Mendoza's Background 02:39 Transition from Founder to Investor 04:34 Challenges and Insights for Founders 06:24 Understanding the VC Perspective 08:33 Qualifying Leads and Fundraising Strategies 15:00 When to Approach Angels vs. VCs 24:11 Adrian's Investment Philosophy and Red Flags 31:16 Building the Early Team 32:24 Flexibility in Founding Vision 33:12 Importance of Repeatable Revenue 34:38 The Reality of IPOs and Exits 37:30 The Role of a CTO in Startups 44:50 Challenges in AI Startups 51:24 Cybersecurity Market Insights 53:24 Innovations in FinTech 55:13 Global Investment Strategies 57:17 Impact and Inclusion in Venture Capital 01:00:46 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the transformative world of digital health with RJ Kedziora, Co-Founder, CEO, and CTO of Estenda Solutions. RJ joins us to discuss how AI, wearable technology, and an empathetic approach to user needs are shaping the future of healthcare. With over two decades of experience leading Estenda, RJ brings a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and patient care. The conversation begins with RJ’s journey into tech and healthcare, including his motivations for focusing on patient-centered solutions that have a direct impact on people’s lives. He shares insights into Estenda’s projects with Fortune 50 medical companies and startups alike, shedding light on how data analytics, custom software, and AI applications are driving innovation in health tech. We explore the evolution of digital health over the last 20 years, from the early challenges of accessing healthcare data to today’s rapid advancements enabled by APIs like FHIR and the advent of wearables. RJ discusses the role of continuous monitoring through devices such as glucose monitors and heart rate sensors, highlighting how these technologies empower individuals to understand their health better and enable healthcare providers to make more informed decisions. One of the key themes RJ emphasizes is the importance of privacy and security, particularly when handling sensitive patient data. He dives into the complexities of regulations like HIPAA in the U.S. and GDPR in the EU, explaining how these frameworks protect patient information while promoting data sharing to improve care. As we move into the AI discussion, RJ shares his perspective on the revolutionary potential of generative AI in healthcare. He highlights applications such as ambient listening and note-taking, which are beginning to assist doctors in managing patient information more effectively. RJ also envisions a future where AI can support healthcare professionals by suggesting relevant questions based on patient data, ultimately enhancing diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes. More about RJ: RJ Kedziora, co-founder of Estenda, has over 25 years of software product design, development, and management experience. At Estenda, he focuses on people and process management and provides strategic technical direction, guidance, and innovative insights into creating cost-effective digital health solutions that make a difference in people’s lives, helping them live longer and healthier. His work has won multiple awards, including a HIMSS Davies Award and, recently, the Health 2.0 Outstanding Leadership Award. 00:00 Welcome to the CTO Show with Mehmet 00:48 Introducing RJ Kedziora 01:16 RJ's Journey and Estenda Solutions 04:17 Impact of Digital Health and AI 06:41 Evolution of Healthcare Data 11:32 Privacy and Security in Healthcare 16:08 Generative AI in Healthcare 33:11 Wearable Devices and Future Trends 45:25 Advice for Aspiring Professionals 47:55 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we dive into the vital topic of employee motivation and loyalty, specifically within the MENA region, with Kirill Morozov, CEO of TEAL HR. Kirill joins us to discuss his journey and the driving force behind founding TEAL HR, a platform designed to transform how businesses motivate and retain their employees. Drawing from his background in industries ranging from medical equipment to smart cities, Kirill shares his unique perspective on why employee satisfaction is crucial for a thriving business and how he’s working to bridge the gap between business goals and employee happiness. We explore the story behind TEAL HR, focusing on the need to create a balanced environment where employees feel valued and motivated. Kirill shares insights on the psychology behind loyalty and why it’s essential to use motivational approaches that genuinely resonate with employees. By adopting practices like recognition, rewards, and psychometrics, TEAL HR has developed a comprehensive framework for enhancing employee engagement and retention. Kirill emphasizes the importance of communicating directly with employees, understanding their perspectives, and fostering a feedback-driven culture. Kirill also discusses the specific challenges and opportunities in the MENA region, noting cultural nuances that shape how employees respond to motivation strategies. He explains how TEAL HR adapts its approach to suit these unique dynamics and shares fascinating insights into the role of psychometrics in understanding employee needs. We touch on the power of AI in HR analytics, with Kirill highlighting how data can reveal patterns and correlations that inform better decision-making while maintaining the human element in leadership. Towards the end, we celebrate a recent win for TEAL HR as they receive the Middle East Technology Excellence Award for Analytics in Human Resource Consultancy. Kirill and his team’s commitment to a people-centered approach has clearly made an impact. To close, Kirill shares how listeners can connect with him and learn more about TEAL HR, inviting open conversations with anyone interested in enhancing their HR strategies. More about Kirill: Kirill has experience in implementing loyalty programs in different industries: manufacturing, IT, healthcare, retail. ∙ Product Owner at Teal HR — a platform for employee motivation and loyalty.  ∙ Expert in the field of employee benefits. Conducts CustDev and market research, implements the best HR tools that meet business needs.  ∙ Over 5 years of HR consulting around the world.  ∙ Author of HR articles for the Innovative Human Capital, HR Observer, etc.  ∙ Participant of international exhibitions (HRSE KSA 2024, HR TECH MENA SUMMIT 2024) https://teal-hr.ae/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ciril-morozov/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:14 Kirill Morozov's Background and Journey 01:58 The Story Behind TEAL HR 05:41 Employee Motivation and Loyalty 10:58 Cultural Differences in HR Practices 17:21 The Role of Psychometrics in HR 24:50 Challenges in Employee Assessments 37:09 The Impact of AI on HR Analytics 42:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Tommy Ogden, Director at Activera Consulting, to explore the intersection of analytics, frameworks, and AI in driving value within the big data landscape. Tommy, a seasoned consultant with experience across both boutique and big-name firms like Accenture, shares insights into why he returned to the world of boutique consulting, where agility and flexibility are key to rapid and impactful transformations. Tommy dives into his journey from the energy sector to leading consulting projects for major oil and gas clients, emphasizing the unique benefits of working in a smaller, more agile consulting firm. He discusses how Activera Consulting focuses on tailoring frameworks and applying structured approaches to solve client-specific problems, particularly in the context of digital transformation. For Tommy, consulting is about balancing structure with the flexibility to meet the evolving needs of clients, and he details how design thinking and empathy play crucial roles in creating solutions that work for each business’s unique challenges. The conversation takes a deeper turn as Tommy explains Activera’s innovative framework recommendation engine, designed to help consultants choose the right framework based on specific project variables. He also touches on his approach to measuring the ROI of digital transformation efforts, drawing an insightful analogy to venture capital where constant tracking of business impact is crucial. With the rapid adoption of AI technologies, Tommy shares his perspective on how AI is reshaping the consulting industry itself. He explains how AI tools can serve as a “copilot” for consultants, offering fresh ideas and enhancing problem-solving processes. He also highlights the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI into traditional consulting roles, underscoring that while AI can enhance certain aspects, human-driven empathy and strategy remain irreplaceable. As the conversation wraps up, Mehmet and Tommy discuss future trends in consulting and big data, from the continued rise of AI to the critical role of structured analytics in value creation. Join us for this insightful conversation packed with practical advice on using analytics, frameworks, and AI to drive value in today’s data-centric world. About Tommy: Tommy is the Co-Founder and Agility & Analytics Lead of Activera Consulting. He has 20+ years of consulting and business experience in energy and technology. He has earned certifications as a Project Management Professional (PMP), Professional Scrum Master (PSM), and SAFe Practice Consultant (SPC). Tommy also holds two Master degrees in business administration – an MBA and a Master of Global Management in International Business & Consulting – and has most recently worked for two Fortune 20 companies in both the technology and energy industries. https://www.activeraconsulting.com/frameworkfindings https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommyogden/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:12 Tommy Ogden's Professional Journey 02:53 Boutique vs. Big Firm Consulting 05:27 Importance of Frameworks in Consulting 08:38 Balancing Flexibility and Structure 10:01 Digital Transformation in the Energy Sector 12:44 Pre-Product Development Best Practices 18:09 Overcoming Resistance to Change 25:02 Integrating Analytics for Business Impact 25:34 Simplifying Technology Communication 28:20 Value Tracking in Analytics 30:35 Implementing Value Tracking 34:00 AI in Consultancy 39:50 Future of Consultancy 45:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we welcome Nick Jain, CEO of IdeaScale, a leading B2B SaaS platform focused on innovation management. Nick shares his journey from Wall Street to the world of SaaS and innovation, bringing with him years of experience in investment and executive leadership. Starting with his background in mathematics, physics, and an MBA from Harvard, Nick describes how his career pivoted toward running businesses with a focus on driving value for customers and managing scalable growth.Throughout the discussion, Nick explores the current demand for innovation in business and the shift in how organizations approach it. He explains how IdeaScale’s software helps large, complex organizations identify valuable ideas from within and turn them into actionable solutions. Nick also dives into the core elements of a sustainable innovation culture, emphasizing the importance of leadership, incentives, and the right technological processes to support creative ideas.Nick and Mehmet tackle some of the biggest challenges organizations face today, including the shift from viewing technology departments as cost centers to recognizing them as core business enablers. They discuss the role of AI in business transformation and how AI tools can boost operational efficiency and creativity. Nick provides insights on the selective use of AI, advocating for a measured approach to ensure that it adds real value rather than just following trends.The conversation also covers key metrics for SaaS success, including net retention rate, ARR, profit margins, and incremental ROI. Drawing from his experience as an investor, Nick explains how these metrics can offer a roadmap to sustainable growth. He underscores the importance of hiring for strengths that complement founders’ skills, particularly for young companies looking to balance product innovation with sound business operations.More about Nick:Nick has lived an inspiring rags to riches story. Nick started his life by being raised by a single grandmother in a small city in India and graduated at the top of his class from Harvard Business School.Along the way, Nick has worked at some of the top investing firms in the world such as Bain Capital and Greenlight, and has led dramatic business transformations in 3 entirely different industries: trucking, men's shoes, and now B2B software.Nick is an expert at marketing, team management, and creating win-win-win outcomes for his 3 stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders).https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickjain/https://www.ideascale.com/P.S: Nick launched a new company called Content Hurricane check it out:http://www.contenthurricane.com/00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome01:12 Nick Jain's Background and Career Journey02:17 The Role of Innovation in Business05:14 Building and Sustaining an Innovation Culture06:53 Leadership and Responsibility in Driving Innovation10:23 The Evolution of Technology Departments18:00 AI's Impact on Business and Creativity30:05 Key Metrics for SaaS Business Success38:52 Advice for Startup Founders and Entrepreneurs40:47 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we sit down with Hubert Behaghel, CTO of Veriff, to discuss the critical intersection of AI, security, and user experience in the digital age. As the internet continues to evolve, establishing digital trust has become more essential than ever, especially with the rise of identity fraud and impersonation threats. Hubert shares his journey from his early career as a consultant to becoming the CTO of Veriff, a company dedicated to making the internet safer through identity verification solutions. He highlights the challenges of balancing security with a seamless user experience, exploring how Veriff uses AI to enhance trust while combating threats like deepfakes. We also dive into the unique security requirements across industries, from banking to the gig economy, and how Veriff’s solutions help businesses prevent fraud without compromising user convenience. The conversation also touches on leadership, with Hubert offering valuable advice for fellow CTOs and engineering leaders on scaling technology in fast-growing environments. He emphasizes the importance of building a culture that embraces innovation while maintaining accountability as companies transition from startups to scaleups. Whether you’re interested in AI, cybersecurity, or the evolving landscape of digital identity, this episode provides key insights from one of the industry’s leading technology minds. About Hubert: Hubert brings two decades of experience to Veriff from his tenure with industry giants like Amazon, Marks and Spencer, and Sky, where he spearheaded substantial growth in their engineering divisions through the introduction of innovative initiatives and the enhancement of existing ones. As Sky’s Head of Technology, Hubert more than tripled the size of its engineering team. He also played a pivotal role in scaling the Discovery platform to accommodate tens of millions of users worldwide. Likewise, was instrumental in the launch of NBC Universal’s Peacock streaming service.  https://www.linkedin.com/in/behaghel/ https://www.veriff.com/ 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 01:07 Hubert's Career Journey 02:43 Current Role at Veriff 03:49 Challenges in Identity Verification 08:51 AI and Fraud Prevention 13:21 Balancing Security and User Experience 17:34 Long-term Business Vision 29:15 Leadership and Building Culture 34:49 Advice for Startups Scaling Up 40:33 Shifting Industries and Final Thoughts 44:12 Conclusion and Farewell

In this insightful episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, we are joined by Erik Salo, Vice President of Marketing and Product Management at Vdura, to dive deep into the critical role that data plays in AI innovation. Erik shares his extensive career journey, starting from his early days in data storage to his leadership roles at major tech companies like AMD and Seagate, and now at Vdura, where he is at the forefront of storage solutions for High-Performance Computing (HPC) and AI. Throughout the conversation, Erik discusses the evolution of data storage, the importance of scalable and reliable data platforms, and how these elements are crucial for machine learning and AI development. He highlights the challenges and opportunities of managing large-scale data in AI applications, providing real-world examples of how Vdura is pioneering advancements in this space. Erik also shares his thoughts on the convergence of enterprise storage reliability with the speed of HPC systems, explaining how this balance will shape the future of AI infrastructure. The episode covers various use cases beyond AI and machine learning, such as autonomous systems and predictive maintenance, showcasing the widespread impact of data-driven technologies. Get in touch with  Erik:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/erik-salo-a9b5a9/ https://www.vdura.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:12 Erik Salo's Career Journey 04:06 The Importance of Data in AI and Machine Learning 06:35 Challenges in Data Storage and Management 09:36 The Evolution of High-Performance Computing 18:02 Future Trends in AI and Data Centers 27:52 Insights on Product Management 38:20 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

In this episode of The CTO Show with Mehmet, host Mehmet Gonullu sits down with Gagan Singh, Founder and CEO of WOWS Global, to discuss the intricacies of startup fundraising, navigating private markets, and the increasing importance of secondary transactions. Gagan shares his unique perspective, having experienced both sides of the table as a venture capitalist and entrepreneur. He dives deep into how WOWS Global is reshaping the fundraising landscape for startups by providing liquidity solutions and essential tools for private markets. Gagan starts by detailing his journey from a small town in India to becoming a venture capitalist in Southeast Asia and eventually founding WOWS Global. He reflects on the challenges he faced, especially as a founder and group CFO of the B2B logistics startup Delivere, and how his experiences informed the creation of WOWS Global. The platform, often described as an “operating system for private markets,” facilitates fundraising through various means, including venture debt, revenue-based financing, and secondary transactions, which offer founders and early investors liquidity without the need for a full exit. One of the key topics discussed is the critical role of cap table management and ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan) planning. Gagan emphasizes the common pitfalls many founders encounter, such as the lack of awareness regarding dilution and the risks of post-money valuation caps. He explains how improper cap table management can make companies unattractive to investors, particularly as they advance to later stages of funding. Mehmet and Gagan also explore the recent trends in Southeast Asia’s private markets and the global implications of the “funding winter.” Despite the challenges, Gagan highlights how WOWS Global is helping founders prepare for fundraising by providing essential tools like virtual data rooms, which streamline the due diligence process for both startups and investors. He stresses the importance of being investor-ready from day one to maintain momentum and capitalize on investor interest. The conversation also touches on the future of startup funding, with Gagan providing insights into the opportunities and challenges facing Southeast Asia and other emerging markets, such as MENA. He discusses the consolidation trends in various sectors and how platforms like WOWS Global are positioned to support smaller M&A opportunities. About Gagan: Gagan Singh serves as the CEO of WOWS Global, a Fintech platform that facilitates investor matching. This platform creates connections between promising startups and investors, streamlining both primary and secondary transactions. Gagan's professional background includes being a Chartered Accountant by qualification. He initiated his career in the realm of corporate finance with Vedanta Resources, a conglomerate based in the UK. Subsequently, he relocated to Southeast Asia to contribute his expertise at Polyplex. During his career journey, Gagan ascended to the role of Partner & CFO at Inspire Ventures. In this capacity, he made strategic investments in startups like aCommerce, Deliveree, Super Awesome, Totally Awesome, and Softbaked. https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaganajmani/ https://WOWSglobal.com/ 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:09 Gagan Singh's Background and Career Journey 02:51 Founding WOWS Global 03:09 WOWS Global's Offerings and Services 04:47 Challenges and Solutions in Private Markets 12:02 Importance of Cap Table and ESOP Management 18:00 Valuation and Fundraising Strategies 25:30 Impact of Funding Winter and Market Corrections 28:11 Building Fundamentally Solid Businesses 28:23 The Complex Journey of Founders 30:02 Understanding Fundability and Traction 33:00 The Importance of a Virtual Data Room 38:10 Streamlining the Investment Process 44:39 Trends in Southeast Asia and MENA Markets 51:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts