Brunch with Experts

Name: Fast Pitch
Start: 2024-04-30T10:00:00-07:00
End: 2024-04-30T17:30:00-07:00
Location: The Cove at UCI Applied Innovation

Brunch with Experts is an exclusive event for the Tech Innovation Forum attendees. By attending Brunch with Experts, you can expand your network, ask questions, and gain valuable knowledge and advice from some of the most influential leaders in the industry.

Brunch with Experts for registered
attendees only!

Brunch with Experts is a unique opportunity for valuable networking that provides attendees with direct access to leaders and experts in the tech innovation community. Participants can engage in one-on-one conversations with C-level executives, entrepreneurs, and experts in their field, and gain insights into their experiences, strategies, and successes. Each expert will have two (2) 35-minute sessions, and registered guests can sign up for two sessions on a first-come, first-served basis! Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with some of the most influential and knowledgeable experts in the industry.

Registered attendees will receive a link to reserve a spot for a BWE table!

Elevating Talent and Transforming Culture for Competitive Advantage

In today’s dynamic business landscape, an organization’s greatest competitive edge lies in the strength of its talent and the vitality of its culture. This interactive table discussion will explore how to cultivate a high-performing, people-centric culture that amplifies your strategic priorities and unlocks the full potential of your workforce.

We’ll dive into:

– Innovative talent acquisition and development strategies to attract, retain and grow top talent
– Building an inclusive, collaborative work environment that inspires employee engagement and innovation
– Aligning organizational culture with key business objectives to drive measurable impact
– Moving beyond the cliché that “culture eats strategy” – examining practical ways culture can directly enable strategic execution

Join your peers in an open dialogue around the critical intersection of talent management and organizational culture. Come prepared to share your insights and leave with actionable ideas to strengthen your organization’s most valuable asset – its people.

Creating a Sales Process for Your Startup

Startups and small companies have to do more with less. Given that you may have limited resources, it is even more important to establish a sales process and framework for both internal communication, and onboarding the training of new sales professionals as you grow. Dr. West will share with you the Sandler Sales Methodology and framework that you can use to create structure to your company. Sandler not only establishes a path for entrepreneurs to follow, but also leverages human emotions and reverse psychology to win more deals and earn more revenue. Attend this session to learn more about setting up your sales team for success.

Janet Clardy

Senior Vice President, Human Resources, Experian

Janet Clardy holds the role of Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Experian, overseeing various business units including Consumer Information Services, Housing/Verification Services, and others, focusing on HR strategy, culture formation, and innovation. Previously, she served as Vice President of Human Resources for Experian Consumer Services and for Fabrik, leading significant integration and transformation initiatives. Clardy actively contributes to the HR community, leading the HRBP community of practice in North America at Experian. She’s also involved in various advisory and board roles, including with Errand Solutions, Junior Achievement in Orange County, and International Sanctuary, supporting causes from work-life balance to helping survivors of human trafficking. With over two decades in HR across multiple industries, including a notable tenure at St. Joseph Hospital of Orange and experience with Taco Bell Corp., Clardy has a comprehensive background in human resources management. She holds MBA and undergraduate degrees from Cal State University, Fullerton, and lives in Orange County with her family.

Cynthia West, PhD

Director, Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship & Business Ethics;

Clinical Associate Professor, Argyros College of Business and Economics, Chapman University

Cynthia West, Ph.D. is the Director of the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics and Associate Professor at Chapman University. She is also CEO of Rezultant Inc., a sales strategy and leadership consultancy. Cynthia was a key executive in 4 start-up technology companies, two of which had successful exits. After 30 years in the technology industry as a sales leader, Cynthia returns to her roots in academia, to educate and collaborate with the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Cynthia is a published author, public speaker, triathlete, foodie, spouse, and mother of two.

AI Ready To Augment Your GTM Tech Stack Today

This session is applicable for the founder of an early stage organization readying to transition to your first sales organization, an operator involved in a mature GTM organization, or an investor supporting a portfolio of companies that are trying to improve their GTM function.

We want to talk collectively about the AI technologies that are ready and adding value right now, helping companies transform their sales process, enhance their team productivity, generate more leads and close more deals.

Harry Beck

Partner at BLDG

Founder and Partner at BLDG, Harry is a seasoned B2B SaaS investor, entrepreneur and operator with a background in building and growing startups with exits to both strategic and private equity buyers. Harry has first hand experience in strategic planning, operations management, revenue leadership and corporate governance. He has consistently delivered impressive results achieving exits with four previous startups, most recently with the acquisition of CAKE Software, Inc. to private equity group, Constellation Software, Inc. After the CAKE acquisition, Harry spent an additional 4 years helping acquire, integrate and operate companies for the Perseus Operating Group at Constellation Software, Inc. Beyond the tech world, Harry finds joy in family time, exploring Southern California’s diverse activities with his wife and three sons, engaging in pursuits such as hiking, surfing, basketball, water polo, and golf. Harry holds an MBA from Cornell University’s Johnson School of Business and an International MBA from Queen’s University’s Smith School of Business in Kingston, Ontario.

Jeramee Waldum

Partner at HLX

With over 15 years of experience leading go-to-market teams, he has honed his expertise in sales, operations, project management, and customer success. During his career, he has held senior roles at Tackle.io, Mavenlink, and Valassis, where his leadership has consistently driven tangible results. At Mavenlink, he was instrumental in scaling the company from $0 to $100M ARR. His approach combines strategic planning with hands-on execution.

Non VC Series B Capital Options

Learn about non-traditional Series B+ capital options: venture debt with Silicon Valley Bank and public venture capital with TSX Venture Exchange.

Ashley Fairon

Director, Technology Banking, Silicon Valley Bank

Ashley Faironis the Director of SVB’s Technology Banking practice in Orange County where she is responsible for serving the OC tech community with tailored lending solutions, commercial banking services, and acting as the connective tissue between investors, innovators, and ecosystem partners. Since joining SVB in 2016, she’s held various roles in Los Angeles and London. Prior to joining SVB, she worked in MUFG’sdebt capital markets group. Ashley serves as the Funding Committee Chair for Women Leaders of Octane and board Treasurer for the nonprofit Include(Ed) San Diego. She earned her MBA from UCLA Anderson and BS in Business Administration from USC. As a San Diego native, Ashley enjoys being on or in the ocean. She currently lives in Costa Mesa, CA

Delilah Panio

VP, U.S. Capital Formation, Toronto Stock Exchange

Delilah Panio is Vice President of U.S. Capital Formation for Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) based in Southern California. In this role, Delilah advises U.S. companies on the opportunity to list and raise capital on Canada’s premier equity markets.

Previously, Delilah spent 10 years at TSX and TSXV in business development and strategy in Toronto. She has advised many companies on the going public process and provides an understanding of private and public financing options in Canada and the U.S.

Delilah is also the founder of Fortuna Funding which provides practical and intentional guidance on accessing aligned capital, particularly for female founders. She is a frequent speaker and pitch competition judge and coach, and a partner with UBS and Coralus on Project Female Founder (a global investor-readiness program).

Delilah sits on the Funding Committee for Women Leaders of Octane, the advisory board of WE Global (an innovation studio for women entrepreneurs), and the advisory board of The Allyship (driving change for women in venture capital). She is an Activator for Coralus (formerly SheEO) and led the 2016 US launch for this financing vehicle for female and non-binary founders.

Delilah is also the Executive Director and Co-Founder of We Are Enough, a non-profit that educates women on why and how to invest in women-owned businesses and/or with a gender lens, which will be launching a global campaign this year.

Delilah holds an MBA in Enterprise Development and a BA in English and has completed a certification as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Master Practitioner.

Identifying Risks and Opportunities in Transactions through M&A Diligence

Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur, investor, or aspiring startup founder, this session will explore the essential role of M&A diligence in maximizing shareholder value during liquidating events. Learn how to identify risks and opportunities, whether raising capital, exiting a business, or seeking investment opportunities. Gain actionable insights to navigate the complexities of M&A transactions and enhance your strategic decision-making process.

James Zarour

Director, RSM

Ralf Brockhaus

CEO, Smilefish

Ralf Brockhaus, CEO at Smilefish, is a serial entrepreneur, passionate software developer, and machine learning enthusiast. He has 20+ years of professional software development and management experience with startups and corporations like BMW,Volkswagen, and IBM. Ralf isclosely involved with UCI and his company recruits local resources to develop meaningful AI–based software solutions that create short–, mid–, and long–term ROI for clients predominantly in red (healthcare), green (sustainability), and blue (clean energy) verticals. Smilefish offers data fabric solution allowing clients to ‘talk to their data’.

How to Raise Money for a Start-Up in these trying times.

Startup money is hard to raise at any time. This session is from a 6 time startup CEO and his formula for raising money in these trying times.

Cleve Adams

Founder & Managing Partner, Trestles Group

Cleve Adams has an impressive and extensive background in the Cyber, AI and SaaS industries, particularly in building and selling high-tech companies. Here are some key points highlighting his achievements and expertise:

M&A Exits: Cleve Adams has been involved in eight M&A exits ( 2 IPO’s ), indicating his proficiency in building companies that attract acquisitions.
Recognition as a Top Non-Technical Founder: Being named one of the Top 50 Non-Technical Founders in Tech Industry History is a notable accolade, emphasizing his business acumen and leadership skills.
Co-Founder and CEO of Forbes #2 Most Promising Company: Cleve Adams played a crucial role in founding and leading a company that ranked as the second most promising in Forbes, showcasing his ability to steer companies toward success.
Award-Winning VC/PE Backed CEO: With five awards as a VC/PE backed CEO, Cleve has demonstrated success in managing companies from pre-revenue stages to over $5 billion, delivering an impressive average return of 21x to investors. He has run two $100M – 200M+ ARR companies. Management Consultant for companies to $500M ARR.
Leadership in Cybersecurity AI Software Market: Cleve has been instrumental in starting, building, and managing the largest company in the SaaS/Cloud Cybersecurity software market, taking it from pre-revenue to a $1.0 billion IPO. This company, now called Forcepoint, holds the title of the first Cybersecurity Unicorn.
Experience Across Industries: With over 20 years of senior management, operations, sales, and marketing experience in Security software, AI, SaaS/Cloud, Legal, Cleve Adams has a diverse skill set.
Global Sales and Marketing Channel: Cleve has successfully built a sales and marketing channel with 1100 resellers and distributors in 82 countries, showcasing his ability to establish a strong global presence.
Expertise in Raising Capital: Having raised over $300 million from tier one VC’s for multiple companies, Cleve is skilled in securing capital for business growth.
Role in Starting Websense: Cleve led the team that started security titan Websense, growing it from pre-revenue to a $1 billion IPO in less than 3 years, and later selling it to Raytheon for $2 billion.
Industry Recognition and Speaking Engagements: Cleve has been honored to serve as a software industry expert and speaker at various conferences, universities, and corporations, including prestigious events like the Harvard Alumni Assoc, Amazon, Investor Conferences, Cyber Security, Legal and Health Care Conferences.
Media Presence: Cleve has been quoted in top business publications such as The Wall Street Journal and Forbes, further establishing his reputation in the industry. Featured in the book Cyberminds and Right Leader, Right Time.
Advisory Roles and Interim CEO Positions: Cleve has advised on three additional M&A exits and has served as an Interim CEO and Fractional CEO for multiple Cybersecurity, AI companies.
The Godfather of SaaS: Cleve is recognized as the “Godfather of SaaS” for starting the first SaaS company, highlighting his pioneering role in the Software as a Service industry.

Mark Czepiel

CFO, Menlo Micro

As Menlo Micro’s first CFO, Mark is responsible for building out and managing Menlo Micro’s corporate infrastructure consisting of its finance, accounting, legal, and IT functions. Mark has over 20 years of experience managing, advising, and investing in public and venture-backed technology companies across the hardware and enterprise software segments, including RF MEMS (WiSpry) and next-generation semiconductor packaging (INCEP). In addition to his operational experience, Mark has experience in the private equity and investment banking industries. Mark earned his MBA in finance from USC’s Marshall School of Business and holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from Loyola University of Chicago.

We’re All Investing in AI, but Are We Using It?

Incubators, accelerators, and tech transfer offices are developing the next generation of AI technology companies, while VCs, angel groups, and family offices are investing in them, but are we actually using them to advance our own businesses?

New AI tools are being released to help with everything from identifying and screening the best companies to making an investment and tracking the return. Some of these specialized tools are becoming quite good and will save many hours per week, while helping to “hone in on the best and leave the rest”.

If you fit in the broad categories of accelerator or investor, please join us for an insightful roundtable to discuss which tools are being currently used and what is on the horizon.

Larry Stofko

Executive in Residence, Octane

Larry Stofko is Executive in Residence at Octane where he focuses on Investor and Accelerator Relations within the Capital & Growth team. Additionally, he oversees the organizations AI and Analytics platform initiatives.

Most recently, Larry was co-founder of The Innovation Institute and led the Innovation Lab, which facilitates ideation, prototyping, piloting, and commercialization of new products, technologies, and companies.

Mr. Stofko has over 35 years of experience in healthcare information technology, strategy, innovation, and investing. He has a true passion for technology and innovation, and a strong reputation for leading change and gaining support for innovative solutions and change. He has been recognized as one of Newport Beach Magazine’s Most Influential People, CIO Magazine’s Ones to Watch, and InformationWeek’s Top 25 Healthcare CIOs.

Previously, he served as Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer for the St. Joseph Health system. Prior roles included Director of Healthcare Consulting for Perot Systems Corporation and Senior Systems Analyst for Charter Medical Corporation.

Mr. Stofko received a Master of Science in Medical Informatics from Northwestern University, a Graduate Certificate in Health Administration from Trinity University, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems from Georgia College & State University.

Sean Crafts

CEO, BLDG

Sean Crafts is the Co-Founder and CEO of BLDG Labs, a Venture Studio and Consultancy to Early Stage and Growth Stage technology companies. Born out of the founders’ combined 100+ years of experience and love for growing technology companies from $0 to $100M, BLDG is excited to be a longstanding participant in the Orange County and Southern California startup ecosystem.

Prior to BLDG, Sean Co-Founded Mavenlink, where he led Operations, Sales, Client Success, Marketing, Finance, Product, and HR functions throughout a 14-year journey, culminating in a ~$500M sale to AKKR. Most recently, as Mavenlink’s Chief Growth Officer, Sean interfaced with every Mavenlink department, lending his unique vantage point to devise new programs to keep Mavenlink at the forefront of emerging trends that impact how the world conducts business.

Before founding Mavenlink, Sean spent 10 years growing the integrated knowledge management platform InQuira (acquired by Oracle in 2011). As one of the first 10 employees, he was a part of the Executive Leadership Team that took an AI, natural language technology out of MIT’s Artificial Intelligence Lab and helped grow it to a successful company with over 150 employees and annual gross revenues of over $30 million.

In-between starting companies, advising aspiring entrepreneurs, and running after his five children, Sean can also be found on a basketball court, surfboard, mountain bike, or golf course (his happy places). He holds an undergraduate degree from Duke University and a J.D. from UC Berkeley School of Law.

Is Your Company Crowdfundable?

Join us for a CEO-to-CEO discussion at our exclusive ‘Is Your Company Crowdfundable?’ Brunch With Experts session. We will delve into Regulated Investment Crowdfunding (Reg CF, Reg A+, and Reg D(506c)) without the fluff or sales pitches. We aim to debunk myths and clarify misconceptions, empowering you to make informed decisions for your company. Come prepared with your burning questions as we strive to equip all CEOs with the knowledge of crowdfunding intricacies and the keys to successful fundraising endeavors. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain actionable advice from a seasoned expert in a candid and productive setting.

Bruce Virga

CEO, Title 3 Funds

Bruce Virga is an accomplished leader with a rich and diverse background spanning multiple industries, including fintech, software, and insurance. As the CEO of Title3Funds, Bruce is at the forefront of democratizing access to private markets, empowering retail investors to capitalize on the potential upside of emerging businesses. Bruce’s unwavering commitment to innovation and value creation has earned him widespread respect in the industry. His adept navigation of regulatory complexities has cemented Title3Funds’ status as a trusted resource for investors and companies alike. Under Bruce’s guidance, the company maintains a culture of trust and excellence, driving its continuous success in empowering investors worldwide.

How to Get Ready and Stay Ready for Startup Investment

You’ve got your vision, product, and investor pitch ready to go. You may even have a commitment or term sheet. But what will you need to have to make the investment process go smoothly and more importantly – QUICKLY? Luis will provide an overview of the items that institutional investors and their attorneys will need during due diligence.

Luis Vasquez

Founder and Managing Partner, GV Strategic Services

Luis Vasquez is the Founder and Managing Partner of GV Strategic Services. He has advised hundreds of start-ups on fundraising strategy and tactics. He has also supported dozens of start-ups through financial, legal, and operational functions. After creating one of the most successful start-up accelerators in Orange County, Octane LaunchPad, Luis helped build the Cove at UCI Beall Applied Innovation where he connected startups with investors from his vast network of VCs, private start-up investors, and corporate venture capital groups. These companies have gone on to raise hundreds of millions of dollars

Prior to founding GV Strategic Services, Luis was the Director of Operations at ThinkIQ, Inc., a pioneer of digital manufacturing SaaS. Luis has also worked at a venture capital firm and a venture studio, consulted to VC firms and was also CEO and co-founder of a start-up nanotechnology sensor company created to commercialize technology developed at Caltech. Luis earned his MBA from UC Irvine and a BS from UC Riverside.

Steve Litchfield

Chief Financial Officer & Chief Corporate Strategy Officer, MaxLinear

Mr. Litchfield is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Corporate Strategy Officer for Maxlinear (Nasdaq: MXL), a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. Prior Maxlinear, Mr. Litchfield served as Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Microsemi Corporation, a provider of analog and mixed-signal semiconductor solutions that was acquired by Microchip Technology, Inc. in May 2018. Mr. Litchfield served in that position from 2009 until the closing of the acquisition by Microchip. Previously, he served as Microsemi’s Vice President, Analog and Mixed Signal Group from 2006 to 2009, as its Vice President, Corporate Marketing and Business Development from 2003 to 2006, and as its Director, Business Development from 2001 to 2003. Prior to joining Microsemi, Mr. Litchfield was an equity research analyst at Banc of America Securities and a production engineer at Toyota Motor Corporation. Mr. Litchfield also serves on the board of directors of several early stage technology companies that are not publicly traded.
Mr. Litchfield holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and a MBA from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business.

Sustainability: Innovation and Investment Trends in OC

Join us for a deep dive into the dynamic landscape of sustainability, innovation, and investment trends in Orange County, California. This discussion, led by Sustain SoCal, ROTH MKM and Elevation Ventures, will also address how these trends are influencing sustainable business practices and Orange County’s pathway towards a more resilient and prosperous future. Gain valuable insights, network with like-minded professionals, and uncover the key strategies driving sustainable innovation and investment in our region. Don’t miss this opportunity to be at the forefront of Orange County’s sustainability evolution.

Scott Kitcher

President & CEO, Sustain SoCal

Scott has over 30 years of financial services experience in investment banking, investment management, private equity, venture capital, and consulting. Just over 15 years ago, he began focusing on clean technologies, their impacts on sustainability, and sustainability initiatives. Today, he is President & CEO at Sustain SoCal, Principal at EcoFin Consulting, LLC, and serves on various corporate, non-profit, and academic boards and committees in various roles almost all related to cleantech and sustainability.

Daniel Kim

Chairman & Executive Director, Dragon Kim Foundation

Mr. Kim is an Investor, Philanthropist, and Corporate Leader. He is currently Chairman and Executive Director of the Dragon Kim Foundation. Prior to the foundation, he ran a private equity fund focused on lower middle market companies and corporate restructurings, and continues to advise clients on corporate and financial strategy, M&A, and fundraising. Mr. Kim has 26 years of experience in Global Capital Markets, Investment Banking & Private Equity, in New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Los Angeles. Mr. Kim also has extensive nonprofit experience, having served on the Board of the Koreatown Youth and Community Center for twenty years and as co-founder of the Dragon Kim Foundation. He holds his B.A. from UCLA and M.A. from Harvard University.