The Silicon Valley Podcast

Ep 179 Corporate Mergers and Acquistions with Sean Steele

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…

Ep 178 Getting Acquired with Paul Kelley

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

Ep 177 ChatGPT, Generative AI with Maya Ackerman PH.D

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

Ep176 Companies Orphaned by Traditional VC’s with Arun Mittal

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/

Ep 175 Lessons from Silicon Valley Panel 4

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 Chiefpeople20 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

Ep 174 Your Exit Process from Austin-Panel 3

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?

Ep 173 Scaling Your Company, Austin-Panel 2

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…

Ep 172 The Drop-Out Multi-Millionaire with Brian Will

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

Ep 171 Raising Capital for Your Startup

Raising Capital for Your Startup
 
When is the right time to go out and raise capital?
What are some of the biggest mistakes founders make?
What tips and tricks are there to increase your chances?
 
Moderator
Wen Zhang
https://www.linkedin.com/in/wenzhangdukemba/
 
Panelist
Shawn Flynn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawnpflynn/
Sam Wong
https://www.linkedin.com/in/startupsam/
Roger King
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rogermking/

Ep 170 Know your Company with John Thrasher

John Thrasher
John Thrasher, Experience As A Service ™ EAAS ™, A seasoned senior management professional with over 25 years of executive management experience. Proven ability to tackle new challenges, critically assess situations, think strategically, implement tactically and execute consistently. A highly effective leader who can assemble, manage and nurture world class management teams. Proficient at: Sales enhancement, Profit and Process Improvement. Experienced at developing strategy, KPI's (Key Performance Indicators) managing cross functional teams to create, maintain and grow a Company's sustainable competitive advantage.
 
We talk about
How do you set KPI’s for the companies?
What normally takes a company from good to great?
When working with a client, how do you measure success?
What is strategic planning?
How does one go about preparing a company to sell?
And much more…
 
Connect with John Thrasher
 
(626)824-5219.
(3) John Thrasher | LinkedIn
jthrasher@sprintmail.com
Website https://www.johnthrasherconsulting.com/