Discover Engaging Content

Entrepreneur and leader with extensive experience in technology and healthcare sectors. Founded and led Carjojo Corp and IntelliChoice, Inc., which became the global leader in consumer automobile information, culminating in a successful sale. Co-founded Vyou, Inc. and Veechi Corp/getTalent, driving multiple successful financing rounds. Developed marketing expertise at Apple and through various entrepreneurial ventures. Negotiation skills honed as a contracting officer in the U.S. Air Force and refined in subsequent roles. Proven visionary and motivator with exceptional communication abilities across diverse audiences, from entry-level staff to senior executives. Skilled at conveying complex ideas simply and engagingly. Experienced in SaaS, internet services, software, medical devices, and information as a product. Specialties include public speaking, professional negotiation, sales, and collaboration with shareholders, customers, and boards.

David S. Rose is an Inc. 500 CEO, serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and best selling author who has founded or funded over 100 pioneering companies. He has been described by Forbes as “New York’s Archangel”, by BusinessWeek as a “world conquering entrepreneur”, by Crain’s New York Business as “the father of angel investing in New York”, and by Red Herring magazine as “patriarch of Silicon Alley”. He is the New York Times best selling author of both Angel Investing: The Gust Guide to Making Money & Having Fun Investing in Startups and The Startup Checklist: 25 Steps to a Scalable, High-Growth Business.

John is a founding Managing Director at US Angels, Director of Portfolio Management at K2X Technology and Life Science fund, member at Keiretsu Forum and HBS Alumni Angels, and a mentor at Alchemist and Plug and Play. Earlier in his career, John was co-founder at JMC Telecom, a prepaid telephone card company. He also worked at Trader Media, GE, and BCG. John holds an MBA from Harvard Business School where he was an Arthur Sachs Fellow, and a Master in Engineering from Mines ParisTech in France

Qaizar Hassonjee is a seasoned entrepreneur and angel investor, recognized for his leadership in the smart textiles sector. As the Founder and Managing Partner of an angel investment group, he has guided multiple start-ups to successful exits. Qaizar co-founded Textronics, a pioneering smart textiles company acquired by adidas, where he served as VP/Director for over 20 years, leading innovations like the heart rate monitoring sports bra and adidas MiCoach. He holds an MBA from the University of Delaware and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from CCNY/CUNY.

Hus has been an angel investor for the last 6 years. He is currently an Investment Lead at NuFund Venture Group in San Diego, with over 350 members. He is also Chairman, Tech Screening Committee at K2X Technology & Life Sciences.Previously, Hus has been a serial entrepreneur, leading start-ups from early product development to commercialization and growth, achieving two exits. His fields of technical and product expertise include photonics, semiconductors, data networking, AI and biosensors.Before becoming an entrepreneur, Hus was at a publicly-traded company for 17 years, where he last ran a $900 million global business.He holds BS and MS degrees in chemical engineering from Columbia University and an MBA from Harvard.

Daniela Tixi is a dynamic global connector, intrapreneur, and angel investor, specializing in scaling businesses. As Vice President of Entrepreneur Relations at Keiretsu Forum, she has sourced and curated over 3,000 ventures, facilitating more than $40M in funding. With 27 years of experience across private and public sectors, she has advised numerous founders and CEOs on growth strategies and HR aspects. Daniela is a former President of the M&A Canada Club and has collaborated with institutions like Ivey University. Featured in the Financial Post, she is passionate about mentoring and empowering entrepreneurs on their journeys.

Jonathan Wallace is the investment director at Expert DOJO. He has made investments in over 300 companies in more than 40 countries. Investments have been at the preseed and seed stage ranging from $50k to $1M. Jonathan has been investing and analyzing companies for more than 10 years with Expert DOJO and is one of the most active investors in the USA.

Aly Madhavji is the Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, where he invests in top startups. A Knight on the show CryptoKnights, he has consulted for organizations like INSEAD and the UN on tech solutions for poverty. An international award-winning author of three books, Aly has been recognized as a “Blockchain 100” Global Leader and served as a Senior Blockchain Fellow at INSEAD. He is a Chartered Accountant and Chartered Investment Manager, holding degrees from Tsinghua University and INSEAD. Aly also mentors with Orbit Startups and serves on various advisory boards.

Timothy Sung is a Senior Analyst at Esplanade Ventures, specializing in venture capital investment strategies. Previously, he honed his analytical skills in the Private Equity team at BCI in British Columbia, focusing on due diligence and transaction execution. His diverse background includes internships at Novacap in Montreal and DBS in Hong Kong. Timothy holds a Bachelor of Commerce with Honours in Investment Management from McGill University, equipping him with a solid foundation in financial analysis and investment decision-making.

Sriram Sastrigal is an accomplished leader in logistics, supply chain, and innovation, currently serving as Director at Magnivia Ventures, where he oversees venture capital and strategic investments in deep tech. With expertise spanning the EU, APAC, US, and India, Sriram guides startups in fundraising and growth strategies. He also partners with Tompkins Ventures, focusing on entrepreneurial growth and technology integration. A former leader at Alcon, Pfizer, and Cambrex, he holds a B.Tech from VJTI and a Master’s in Logistics from Cranfield. An active angel investor, he is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration in the startup ecosystem.

Brandon Thomas is a seasoned executive and equity partner with expertise in production and investment. He has served as an Executive Producer at Critical Role and Board Member at Desert Angels since 2019. An equity partner in several companies, including Reglagene, Whiskey Del Bac, and Immunis, he brings valuable insights and a diverse background. Thomas previously owned a Planet Fitness franchise for seven years and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial and Organizational Psychology from SUNY Geneseo. His multidisciplinary approach drives innovation and strategic growth in his ventures.

Marshall is a GP and co-founder at Steamwork Ventures, a venture capital firm based in LA that invests in mature-seed B2B and B2C SaaS companies with higher probability outcomes. Marshall has an extensive background in the financial services industry as a COO and Fractional COO, scaling and building investment firms with $1B+ AUM.

Katie Weiss is a Principal at ff Venture Capital, where she focuses on sourcing and supporting innovative startups in AI, Robotics, Drones, and SaaS, particularly in the manufacturing and energy sectors.
Katie began her career in venture capital, spending seven years at ff Venture Capital and R/GA Ventures, where she worked closely with early-stage founders to help them scale. She then spent another seven years in business development roles at Salesforce, TriNet, and SingleSprout, gaining a deep understanding of how startups to enterprises grow from the inside out. Most recently, Katie helped build Salesforce Launchpad, a program designed to connect Salesforce’s best tools and expertise with the startup ecosystem.
Now back in the VC world, Katie brings a founder-first mindset and a passion for supporting bold ideas and cutting-edge technologies.

Noah Wang is the Partner at Embedding VC. He has been the Co-Founder of a Silicon Valley-based tech firm developing a business-friendly public blockchain and the world’s first blockchain-based cloud communication network. He worked for Starr Companies, ICBC and PwC. Noah Wang received an MBA degree from Yale University. He is a CFA Charter holder, a CPA and a member of Mensa International.

A successful three-time Silicon Valley entrepreneur, this pioneer in the Metaverse and decentralization has raised over $220M for personal ventures and advised top web3 startups. Author of the Amazon Best Seller Enterprise Blockchain Has Arrived, they predicted the convergence of web3 with AI/ML. With extensive experience in enterprise blockchain applications across fintech, supply chain, logistics, and healthcare, they have led US operations for high-tech firms generating significant revenue. As host of The Future of Business web3 videocast and strategic advisor to leading startups, they are a trusted expert in web3, AI/ML, and technology. A keynote speaker at premier institutions and conferences, they have advised top Fortune 500 companies and led initiatives to enhance tech access through the AstroSapiens community. They hold a BS in Astrophysics from Caltech and an MS in Physics from the University of Washington.

Pourya Moradi, a key member of our team since 2018, excels in sourcing and analyzing investment opportunities while exploring new sectors. Known for his scrappy and analytical approach, he has successfully led investments in companies like Empowerly and Ply. With a finance degree from San Jose State University and a background in philosophy, Pourya brings a unique perspective to venture capitalism. He previously worked as a Strategy Consultant at RNA Capital Advisors and founded a non-profit entrepreneurship program for immigrants at Pars Equality Center. An accomplished wrestler, he balances his analytical skills with a creative problem-solving mindset.

Tom is an angel investor in MedTech and a Startup Scout for K2X Technology and Life Science (www.k2x.capital). He is also a Senior Consultant for BioPharma Connections (www.biopharmaconnections.com) which helps biotech and medtech startups connect with strategics and institutional investors for partnering, investing, as well as connecting with regulatory experts, product design and manufacturing partners, clinical trials, etc. Tom has a background in technology, entrepreneurship, medical devices, and biochemistry. Tom invests in MedTech directly as an angel investor and as part of K2X. Tom is an advisor to US Angels, Silicon Valley Advantage, CamDo Technology, BioPharma Connections, and Lehigh University’s new College of Health. Tom evaluates startups for the MedTech Innovator competitions, Pepperdine Most Fundable Companies, Edge AI and Vision Alliance, Life Science Intelligence (LSI), and RESI. He has published several papers on angel investing, participated in panel sessions, and been interviewed by RESI, 3DHeals, and other organizations.

Dan invests in MedTech, Discovery BioTools & BioPharma startups after Deep Due Diligence. Four recent investments involved K4-NW DD Teams • CrisprQC improves gene editing • AiM Halo improves Hole-in-Head Surgeries • SinapticaTx treats Alzheimer’s Patients – no drugs! • Transradial’s SAPH device closes puncture wounds from catheter needles.
For over 33-yrs Dan has coordinated the non-profit Entrepreneurs University programs EntreUniv.org.
Each month, Angels Coaches & Experts convene CEO FORUMS to help Entrepreneurs gain Best Practices, feedback, insights, marketplace intel, connections to resources, incl sources of capital, all with no strings attached.
DanConley@EntreUniv.org
DanConley@NJAngels.net

Dr. Collin Larkin is an Associate at Sandbox Healthcare, specializing in innovative solutions for the healthcare sector. Before joining Sandbox, he served as a Senior Associate at Boston Consulting Group, concentrating on commercial strategy for medical devices and biopharmaceuticals, as well as digital health services. Collin earned his BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester, an MSc in Radiation Biology from the University of Oxford, and an MD from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. His diverse expertise bridges engineering, science, and medicine to drive impactful healthcare advancements.

Richard invests in early stage companies at the bleeding edge of the life sciences, primarily in platform therapeutics. Prior to joining DCVC, Richard was a consultant at Fika Bio, where he advised private and public biotech companies on business development and financing. Richard began his career as an investment banking analyst in biotech coverage at Credit Suisse.

Richard Ayllon is an entrepreneurial strategic marketing professional with extensive experience in package goods and healthcare marketing from Tier 1 companies. With a strong track record in global product launches and Silicon Valley start-ups, he has successfully led the development and management of branded medical devices and therapies. As Co-Founder and Sr. Advisor at K2X Technology and Life Science Inc., Richard helps early-stage companies through a rigorous investment protocol, leveraging a network of over 100 advisors. K2X is poised to list on NASDAQ, having built a robust portfolio of 85 innovative companies across multiple countries.

Mary Jo Potter has been an active entrepreneur and investor for 30 years. Having sold a company to McGraw Hill, she became active in Angel investing by joining Keiretsu Forum, where she has been a member for 20 years. She has invested in a variety of entities but is now focused on the healthcare sector. Mary Jo is now Managing Partner of Healthcare Angels, Partner at Pegasus Tech Ventures, a GP in Keiretsu Capital, where she has been on the investment committee for 5 years, an LP in Purple Arch Ventures (Northwestern University’s venture fund), an LP in Portfolia, an advisor and investor at KYTO. She is also a member of Band of Angels and Skydeck. Mary Jo is on several boards, and she has helped 6 companies to IPO or acquisitions.

Wade Bitaraf is the founder of the Energy & Sustainability practice at Plug and Play, the world’s largest corporate innovation center and a key player in early-stage investment. He collaborates with entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and investors focusing on the energy industry’s value chain. With a background in solar and business development, Wade has published scientific articles and led initiatives in startups. He holds master’s degrees in Chemical Engineering and Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering, driven by his passion for the intersection of technology and business.

Anastasia Simon is an entrepreneurial professional with over 7 years in the startup ecosystem, excelling in marketing, business development, and venture capital. Currently at Founder Gym, she is dedicated to supporting underrepresented founders and fostering sustainable communities. Previously, she managed programming for a pioneering virtual incubator at a boutique VC firm. With expertise in program development, community building, and mentorship, Anastasia is passionate about democratizing fundraising and creating equitable opportunities in entrepreneurship. She thrives in dynamic environments, leveraging her strong communication skills to forge impactful relationships across diverse organizations.

Damoder Reddy is an accomplished angel investor and Chairman of the Board at Chemical Angels, Inc., where he focuses on early-stage startups in chemical and materials innovation. He is a charter member of TiE SoCal and actively invests through Tech Coast Angels and the Chemical Angel Network, supporting ventures in Cleantech, Hardtech, and Medtech. With a passion for fostering innovation, Damoder brings invaluable expertise and strategic insight to the startup ecosystem, driving growth and development in emerging technologies.

John is a founding Managing Director at US Angels, Director of Portfolio Management at K2X Technology and Life Science fund, member at Keiretsu Forum and HBS Alumni Angels, and a mentor at Alchemist and Plug and Play. Earlier in his career, John was co-founder at JMC Telecom, a prepaid telephone card company. He also worked at Trader Media, GE, and BCG. John holds an MBA from Harvard Business School where he was an Arthur Sachs Fellow, and a Master in Engineering from Mines ParisTech in France

Max Shapiro is the founder of PeopleConnect, established in 2000 to assist early-stage tech companies in sourcing top talent. His expertise spans technology, biotech, cleantech, and more, through traditional searches and innovative programs like Employees Without Paychecks. An active angel investor and member of Keiretsu Forum since 2001, he co-founded Runway Innovation Hub and created PitchForce, a pitching platform connecting startups with investors. Passionate about fostering connections, Max is dedicated to enhancing the startup ecosystem and always open to collaboration and knowledge sharing.

Anish is a Venture Partner at Swisscom Ventures, focusing on enterprise technologies in North America, and advises Fortune 500 CVCs as CEO of Vinaj Ventures, a boutique consulting firm.Previously, Anish led Citi Ventures’ Global Accelerators & Innovation Fund and played a key role in JP Morgan Chase’s innovation organization. His career includes senior and executive positions at startups like Egreetings, Geodesic, and Lexy, where he pioneered consumer-facing mobile services. He also spearheaded mobile innovation and partnerships at Orange in Silicon Valley and London.
Anish holds a BS in Computer Science and French from Carnegie Mellon University..

Caitlin Dullanty is an Investment Team Senior Associate at IBM Ventures, specializing in data & AI, security, quantum, and sustainability software. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she leverages her extensive experience from previous roles at Capital Group, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, and Villanova Equity Society to drive innovative investments. With a strong focus on emerging technologies, Caitlin is passionate about fostering advancements that shape the future.

I am an accomplished Go-to-Market strategist with extensive experience across various verticals. As an approved GoBizCA Entrepreneur in Residence at Pitch Global, I actively support startups and established firms that have raised over $1 billion. Annually, I review over 300 pitches, demonstrating my commitment to fostering innovation.
Companies choose me for my expertise in driving growth and scaling operations toward sustainable profitability. I offer flexible engagement options, from consulting to fractional C-Suite roles, adapting to each client’s unique needs. Specializing in introducing foreign companies to the US market, I leverage my deep industry network to facilitate growth.
My areas of expertise include Go-to-Market strategy, business expansion, investor relations, and branding. With a strong background in VC, board leadership, and technology, I am dedicated to helping companies achieve remarkable success. Let’s connect to discuss accelerating your venture’s growth.

Monali Jain is an accomplished angel investor in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a rich leadership background at firms like PayPal, Accenture, and Dexcom. With over 22 years of experience, she excels in scaling AI and data engineering teams, managing up to 1,100 professionals. Monali has successfully led M&A integrations for over 11 companies, ensuring seamless alignment across various sectors, including aerospace, healthcare, and financial services. Her unique blend of technical expertise and interpersonal skills has driven exceptional results, making her a significant force in pioneering high-impact industries.