The Silicon Valley Podcast

103 Looking at problems from new Perspectives with Axel Kloth

Axel Kloth
 
Axel is a physicist by training, and he is used to the need for large-scale compute. Axel, discovered over 30 years ago that scalability of processor performance was paramount for solving any computational problem. That necessitated a new paradigm in computer architecture. At Parimics, SSRLabs and Axiado he was able to show that new thinking was needed, and what novel practical solutions could look like. He is now repeating that approach with Abacus Semi.
 
 
 
On today Show we Talk about:
What is an Application Programming Interface, an API for short?
Why do we need API’s?
Are there legal issues on use and modification of APIs?               
If you are in school right now, studying Computer Science, what would you learn and why?
Where will industry have the most problems in the years to come?
 
 
What would be an ideal API?
What are the Pros and Cons of API’s?
 
 
Connect Axel
https://www.linkedin.com/in/axelkloth/
http://www.abacus-semi.com/
 
CONNECT WITH SHAWN
https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV
Shawn Flynn’s LinkedInAccount
Silicon Valley LinkedInGroup Account
Shawn Flynn’s FacebookAccount
Email Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com
 

102 Having the Midas Touch with Fusion Fund Founder Lu Zhang

Shownotes for Lu Zhang
Lu Zhang is the Founder and Managing Partner of Fusion Fund, a renowned Silicon Valley based investor, a serial entrepreneur and a Stanford Engineering alumna. Fusion Fund is active in supporting early-stage entrepreneurs who are looking to build globally disruptive companies using innovative technologies to drive systemic change originating from the U.S market. For the past couple of years, Lu leads the Fusion Fund team funnels exits of multiple portfolios’ IPO and M&As.
Lu is a World Economic Forum (Davos) Young Global Leader and was also recently selected as the Best 25 Female early stage Investor by Business Insider. She has also garnered other accolades including the Featured Honoree in VC of Forbes 30 Under 30, Silicon Valley Women of Influence, Town & Country 50 Modern Swans – Entrepreneurship Influencer and Top 10 All America Chinese Youth. As one of the top female investors in America, Lu was featured in the book – Women Who Venture, and her story was a case study of UN Women Leaders in Action series. Prior to starting Fusion Fund, Lu was the Founder and CEO of a medical device company focused on non-invasive technology for the early diagnosis of Type II diabetes (acquired in 2012).
Lu is a frequent speaker at tech events and conferences and also serves as a mentor and advisor to several tech innovation programs in Silicon Valley. Lu is also the board member and chairman of the Youth Council of Future Forum and Future Science Award
 
On today Show we Talk about:
What experiences, education, or background, should a fund manager have?
Techniques or strategies to raising a fund?
How is raising the second fund different from the first?
Secrets for founder or investors on time management or priorities with goals and getting things done?
 
Connect with Lu
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/luzhangvc/
Website www.fusionfund.com
Twitter @luzhangvc
 
CONNECT WITH SHAWN
https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV
Shawn Flynn’s LinkedInAccount
Silicon Valley LinkedInGroup Account
Shawn Flynn’s FacebookAccount
Email Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com
 

101 What’s it like to have your company Acquired with CEO Coach Sam Wong

Sam is a CEO coach, interim CEO/CTO/CFO, a Silicon Valley advisor and the author of 21 Secrets of Successful Startups, a book about world-class execution for startups. 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+ years of successes and failures to train and help entrepreneurs with execution, fundability, fundraising, strategy, product/market fit, product management, finance, operations, legal, talent development and founder wellness. 
 
 
We Talk About
How did going through a failed acquisition affect the company?
How was your M&A deck different from a fundraising pitch deck?
Why is having multiple offers to choose from important, as the seller of a business?
How does an Investment Banker prep an Owner/ Founder of a company for a sale?
 
 
 
Connect with Sam Wong
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-wong-startup/
Website https://www.fundablestartups.com/
 
 
 
 
CONNECT WITH SHAWN
https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV
Shawn Flynn’s LinkedInAccount
Silicon Valley LinkedInGroup Account
Shawn Flynn’s FacebookAccount
Email Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com
 

100 Episodes of The Silicon Valley Podcast with host Shawn Flynn

Shawn Flynn spent 4 plus years living and conducting business in Beijing, China. While in China, he founded, grew, and profitably exited a successful education company. Shawn moved back to San Francisco to invest his experience, connections, and resources back into the world’s deepest and most vibrant technology ecosystem.
Shawn works with institutions, governments, and various capital sources, to help promote economic growth at a global scale. He is heavily involved in the Silicon Valley technology ecosystem of fast growing, high potential businesses. He has played a pivotal role to help multi-nationals, both pre and post-IPO companies including overseas “Unicorns”, set up operations in Silicon Valley while connecting prominent Silicon Valley companies with strategic and funding sources overseas.  Shawn’s contacts, talent, and energy are directed at achieving Global Capital’s Clients’ goal of maximizing shareholder value during liquidity and growth capital events.
Shawn is the founder of the TV show “Silicon Valley Successes” and hosts the podcast “The Silicon Valley Podcast”. He is passionate about building bridges that connect Silicon Valley to the rest of the world.
Shawn holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from UCSD and speaks Mandarin and Spanish.  He also holds FINRA Series SIE, 7, 24, 63, and 79 licenses.
 
On today Show we Talk about:
Key takeaways from interviewing some of the biggest leaders in Silicon Valley.
What’s next for the podcast
Thank you for all the help
 
 
CONNECT WITH SHAWN
https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV
Shawn Flynn’s LinkedInAccount
Silicon Valley LinkedInGroup Account
Shawn Flynn’s FacebookAccount
Email Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com
 

099 How to Impact the World, One Startup at a Time with Steve Schneider

Steve Schneider joined ZAP as Chief Executive Officer and Director in 2002 helping raise nearly $1 billion and at the same time successfully listing ZAP on the NYSE.
He is the founder of Voltage Vehicles the core of ZAP's business operations. Schneider’s education and early career in the automotive industry include positions with specialty and fuel-efficient automobiles offered by Honda, VW, Renault, Ford, Smart and DeLorean.
Mr. Schneider completed a 51% acquisition of Jonway Automobile. This purchase was first time in history that any foreign company has taken a controlling interest in a Chinese Automobile Mfg Plant. Mr. Schneider next completed the acquisition of 100% of Aptera Electric Car.
He is currently the CEO of Homes 4 the Homeless where they are combining automotive and modular applications for an effective volume solution to the homeless housing crisis as well as rapid rehousing for disaster relief victims.
 
On today Show we Talk about:
What was it like to raise 1 billion in funding?
How is it different raising capital from China vs the US?
Has the Electric Vehicle market evolved as one would have predicted over the last 20 yrs
Possible solutions to solve the Homeless epidemic that’s growing in the US?
 
Connect with Steve
Website https://homes4thehomeless.org/
Linkedin  https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-schneider-%E5%8F%B2%E8%92%82%E8%8A%AC-%E6%96%BD%E5%A5%88%E5%BE%B7-32321020/
Email  Steve@homes4thehomeless.org
 
Sapien where this was filmed
https://sapiensimpact.com/

098 Flight of a Wild Duck with Co-Founder of Intel Capital, Avram Miller

Avram Miller served as Vice President, Business Development for Intel Corporation for over a decade, where he was the driving force behind Intel’s successful initiative to establish residential broadband Internet access. In 1991, he co-founded Intel Capital, which became one of the top corporate venture capital groups in the world. When USA Today profiled Miller in March 1996, it referred to him as “A One Man Think Tank” and in the same article, Brian Roberts, CEO of Comcast, gave Miller “much of the credit” for the development of the cable modem.
We Talk About
What was the mission and goals for Intel Capital?
What does it mean to invest in a beautiful house in a bad neighborhood or a bad house in a beautiful neighborhood?
How important Is a succession plan in a company?
If one was born today, how should they go about getting an education?
 
Connect with Avram
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/avram/
 
For Book
For more information, visit: www.twothirdsdone.com and www.wildduckflight.com
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Publicity Contacts:
Mallory Campoli || Erin Reback Cipiti
856-489-8654 x1030 || x1021
mallory.campoli@smithpublicity.com
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097 US-China relations and its impact on Silicon Valley and the world with Craig Allen

On July 26, 2018, Craig Allen began his tenure in Washington, DC as the president of the US-China Business Council (USCBC), a private, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization representing over 200 American companies doing business with China. Prior to joining USCBC, Craig had a long, distinguished career in US public service.
 
Craig began his government career in 1985 at the Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA). He entered government as a Presidential Management Intern, rotating through the four branches of ITA. From 1986 to 1988, he was an international economist in ITA’s China Office.
 
In 1988, Craig transferred to the American Institute in Taiwan, where he served as Director of the American Trade Center in Taipei. He held this position until 1992, when he returned to the Department of Commerce for a three-year posting at the US Embassy in Beijing as Commercial Attaché.
 
In 1995, Craig was assigned to the US Embassy in Tokyo, where he served as a Commercial Attaché. In 1998, he was promoted to Deputy Senior Commercial Officer. In 1999, Craig became a member of the Senior Foreign Service.
 
From 2000, Craig served a two-year tour at the National Center for APEC in Seattle. While there, he worked on the APEC Summits in Brunei, China, and Mexico. In 2002, it was back to Beijing, where Craig served as the Senior Commercial Officer. In Beijing, Craig was promoted to the Minister Counselor rank of the Senior Foreign Service.
 
After a four-year tour in South Africa, Craig became Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia at the US Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration. He later became Deputy Assistant Secretary for China. Craig was sworn in as the United States ambassador to Brunei Darussalam on December 19, 2014. He served there until July 2018, when he transitioned to President of the US-China Business Council.
 
Craig received a B.A. from the University of Michigan in Political Science and Asian Studies in 1979. He received a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University in 1985.
 
On today Show we Talk about:
 
We Talk About
What is the extent of high-tech relations between US and China?
What steps are China taking to advance Chinese innovation?
How does the China’s 2017 Intelligence Law, have an impact on technology transfer?
How has the Biden and Trump approach to China relationships been similar and how have they been different?
 
Connect with Craig
https://www.uschina.org/
Craig Allen callen@uschina.org
 
CONNECT WITH SHAWN
https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV
Shawn Flynn’s LinkedInAccount
Silicon Valley LinkedInGroup Account
Shawn Flynn’s FacebookAccount
Email Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com
 

096 Access to Global Mentors for you and your Startup with Liesel Mendoza

Liesel lives for helping people. She founded The Mentoring Club, Inc. to provide a mentoring community for aspiring as well as seasoned leaders in the workforce. By establishing a global platform, the Mentoring Club has the bold intent of changing the world, one leader at a time by providing a mentor for anyone who needs a mentor anywhere in the world. The community has over 150 mentors and mentees from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Ukraine, Zimbabwe, India, Saudi Arabia, China, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia.
 
On today Show we Talk about:
 
What skills are most entrepreneurs lacking or asking for help with?
Do any Mentors or mentees suffer from imposter syndrome?  How real is that?
What advice do you have for new graduates to get experience to find a job?
How do you know when something is scalable?
 
 
Connect with Liesel
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/liesel-mendoza-232868/
Email liesel@thementoringclub.org
Website thementoringclub.org  

095 Migration from Silicon Valley to Sacramento and Government Tech with Steve Barnett

Steve Barnett
Technical specialist (Ph.D.) with extensive sales and marketing experience in a broad array of optical sensor technologies.Experienced with applications in pharmaceutical/biotech, aerospace, homeland security, materials science, forensic science, polymer, and petrochemical industries.Managed global relationship with multinational corporation - formed sales and support structure for operations in 35 countries.Chair of Northern California Section, Society for Applied Spectroscopy.Member of Society for Applied Spectroscopy, American Chemical Society, American Society for Nondestructive Testing, Society for the Advancement of Materials Processing and Engineering.Specialties: Optical sensors from the UV to the far-IR. FTIR spectroscopy, microscopy, and imaging; Raman spectroscopy and imaging; near-IR, UV-Vis, and fluorescence spectroscopies.
 
 
On today Show we Talk about:
If a startup was looking to get government contracts, or sell their product to the public sector, what is the best way to go about that?
How does one decide on what problem or challenge to tackle next?
What is currently happening with the capital of California and their Tech scene?
 
 
Connect with Steve
Email steve.barnett@barnett-technical.com
Linkedin linkedin.com/in/stevenmbarnett1
Website https://barnett-technical.com/
 
 
CONNECT WITH SHAWN
https://linktr.ee/ShawnflynnSV
Shawn Flynn’s LinkedInAccount
Silicon Valley LinkedInGroup Account
Shawn Flynn’s FacebookAccount
Email Shawn@thesiliconvalleypodcast.com
 

094 Every Company can use a Business Coach with Joe Siecinski

Joe helps business owners make more money and have more time.  He has 3 decades of Accomplish-laden experience and has helped over 2000 companies worldwide to improve their lives and businesses. He has a B.S. in Engineering, M.B.A. in Marketing, Certified Business Coach, Certified Executive Coach, Best Selling Author, Speaker and NLP Practitioner He sees abundance everywhere, comes from a place of generosity of spirit and channels that energy helping his clients to thrive.  
 
On today Show we Talk about:
What is the Ultimate Business Framework?
As your team grows, who should be the first hires?
What areas of financials do people get in the biggest problems?
How does one prepare a business for an exit event or to take on outside capital?
 
Connect with Joe
 
408 899 6737
joe@joskiinternational.com
brainsharecoach.com  
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesiecinski/