In this episode, we sit down with Arto Bendiken, a self-taught polymath, technologist, and entrepreneur whose journey spans building custom software in Finland at 13, contributing to defense communications for the U.S. Navy, scaling blockchain infrastructure at Aurora Labs, and now launching Haltia.AI in Dubai.

We dive deep into the evolution of Web3, the intersection of AI and crypto, real-world blockchain applications, tokenomics, smart contract risks, and how the global landscape—from Silicon Valley to Dubai—is shifting.

This episode is a masterclass for anyone curious about the future of decentralization, personal AI, and global entrepreneurship.

• Arto’s early start in programming and hacking culture in Finland
• Founding and scaling tech ventures across Europe, the U.S., and the UAE
• The transition from developer to crypto pioneer: Bitcoin, Ethereum, and NEAR Protocol
• Lessons from leading Aurora Labs and building hyperscale Web3 infrastructure
• The biggest misunderstandings around Web3 and crypto adoption
• What tokenomics really means—and how to evaluate them properly
• Smart contract vulnerabilities that are still underappreciated
• Balancing scalability, security, and decentralization in modern blockchain architecture
• What AI and crypto convergence could actually look like
• Why Arto chose to build in Dubai—and what Silicon Valley can learn from it
• What he's building now with Haltia.AI and the ASIMOV Protocol

• What initially drew you to Web3, and how has your perspective changed since?
• How do you answer critics who say crypto is a solution in search of a problem?
• What’s a real-world use case in crypto that doesn’t get enough attention?
• How should founders or investors assess tokenomics today?
• What’s the most underestimated risk in crypto right now?
• You wrote an open letter to Marc Andreessen—what inspired that and what did you say?

Arto Bendiken is a serial entrepreneur and CTO with 30+ years of experience across software, AI, and crypto. He has built tech solutions for major banks, defense agencies, and public companies, and has helped scale Web3 infrastructure to millions of users globally. He is currently the Founder of Haltia.AI, where he is building trustworthy personal AI systems and launching the ASIMOV Protocol, a global knowledge market.

Connect with Arto on LinkedIn

• Book: The Sovereign Individual
• NEAR Protocol & Aurora Labs
• Room 77 (the original BTC café)
• Haltia.AI & ASIMOV Protocol
• Open letter to Marc Andreessen

Disclaimer:"The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.”

Guest: Anita Koimur, Co-founder & COO of LiveFlow LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anitakoimur/

Episode Summary: Join us as we sit down with Anita Koimur, a seasoned entrepreneur and the brilliant mind behind LiveFlow. Anita shares her compelling journey from a successful career in Business Development to co-founding a groundbreaking company. We delve into her experiences, including her time at the prestigious Y Combinator, and explore the critical decisions founders face, such as relocating to be closer to their market. This episode offers invaluable insights into identifying and acquiring early customers, the dynamic evolution of a product, and the transformative power of AI in both blue-collar/service industries and the future of financial automation. Anita also sheds light on the challenges CFOs face with disparate financial documents, the complexities of M&A in the finance world, and where she sees LiveFlow positioned within the broader landscape of AI tools. Tune in for a deep dive into business growth, strategic product development, and the exciting future of financial automation.

Key Discussion Points:

• Anita's Career Journey: Her background and the pivotal moments leading up to entrepreneurship.
• Transition to Founder: The inspiration behind starting a company and the skills carried over from her Business Development days.
• Y Combinator Experience: Key takeaways and the impact of going through the accelerator program.
• Geographic Imperative for Founders: The importance of location (e.g., UK to NYC) in relation to market proximity.
• Early Customer Acquisition: Strategies for getting first customers and building initial trust and credibility.
• Customer Profile Evolution: How LiveFlow identified and refined its ideal customer over time.
• Product Evolution: Pivotal moments and feedback that shaped LiveFlow's development since launch.
• AI in Blue-Collar & Service Industries: Anita's vision for AI's implementation in these sectors.
• CFO Challenges: Addressing the problems CFOs face with multiple financial documents from various companies.
• AI's Impact on Business Growth: How AI has shifted Anita's perspective on strategy and its role in future financial automation.
• M&A and Finance: The biggest issues in the finance world during M&A and how tools like LiveFlow can help.
• Future of Financial Automation: What excites Anita most and where she sees the industry heading in the next 5-10 years.
• LiveFlow's Future Trajectory: Whether LiveFlow is a standalone entity, part of a larger suite, or a potential consolidator.
• Connecting with Anita & LiveFlow: Best ways for listeners to learn more and explore the platform.

Website https://www.liveflow.com/

Enjoy 20% off your first 3 months! Be among the first 10 to sign up using the promo code: SVP at LiveFlow.com.

The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.”

In this episode, we sit down with Ron Petrinovich, a seasoned entrepreneur and co-founder of Freedom Equity Group (FEG). With deep roots in Silicon Valley and a legacy shaped by family, faith, and business acumen, Ron shares pivotal moments from his entrepreneurial journey—including multiple business restarts, scaling a company to national success, and eventually exiting in 2024.

Ron offers candid insights into what it takes to build a company with values at the core, the importance of team-building from day one, and how he designed a unique internal point system that fueled performance and growth. From leadership evolution to fostering a scalable culture, this episode is packed with practical wisdom for entrepreneurs at any stage.

Ron Petrinovich was born and raised in Los Gatos, California. He holds a BS and MBA from Santa Clara University and spent decades building a career rooted in business leadership, mentorship, and tax-efficient retirement planning. Ron was deeply influenced by his father—a successful CPA and entrepreneur—which instilled in him the drive to build and scale ventures that empower others. After co-founding and leading Freedom Equity Group to a successful exit in 2024, Ron now dedicates his time to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

• The entrepreneurial lessons Ron learned from growing up with a CPA father

• How to navigate business restarts and turn them into moments of growth

• What differentiated Ron’s approach when launching his final company

• The scalable point system he developed to drive motivation and results

• Key strategies that helped FEG scale nationally

• How leadership evolves with company growth

• The traits Ron looks for in early hires—and how to build a value-aligned culture

• Why great training matters and how to structure it

• The mindset behind mentoring future leaders

• What pivotal restarts shaped your career, and what did they teach you?

• How did your upbringing with a CPA father influence your business mindset?

• What made your most recent venture different from earlier efforts?

• Can you explain the point system you implemented and how it impacted your team?

• How did you know when your company had real traction, and how did you respond?

• How did your role evolve as the business grew?

• What are you most proud of, and what would you do differently?

• How do you foster a scalable, values-driven culture?

• What advice do you have for startups trying to attract strong early talent?

• What does great training and leadership development look like to you?

🔹 Ron on LinkedIn

In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Rick Otton, author of How to Sell Without Ever Saying a Word, and a global expert in communication, influence, and what he calls Subliminal Science.

Rick has built a career challenging traditional sales tactics, instead unlocking the power of subconscious communication and emotional decision-making. Introduced through M&A strategist Craig Keegan, Rick shares the lessons and philosophies that have helped him build successful brands and businesses across the world—without spending big on advertising.

We explore how Rick's unique approach applies to entrepreneurship, dealmaking, brand building, and life itself.

• Rick’s unconventional path to building a global brand
• What Subliminal Science is and how it works in sales and communication
• The story behind How to Sell Without Ever Saying a Word
• A “lucky accident” that shaped Rick’s business journey
• Where entrepreneurs should look for opportunities in the next 5 years
• How to build influence without being the loudest in the room
• Why being the second smartest person is a powerful position
• Mistakes people make when trying to persuade or influence others
• Rick’s approach to entering new international markets
• How subconscious cues and emotions drive decision-making
• One piece of advice that always surprises founders
• Why “nobody knows anything about anything” (and why that’s good news)

• Website: subliminalselling.co
• LinkedIn: Rick Otton

“You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room—you need to be the one asking the right questions.”

The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

Episode Summary:

In this episode of The Silicon Valley Podcast, we sit down with Jeffrey Tiong, the visionary founder and CEO of Patsnap, a global leader in IP and R&D intelligence. From identifying a market gap in patent data to building a unicorn that serves some of the world’s top innovators, Jeffrey shares the insights behind his entrepreneurial journey—and where he sees the future of innovation heading.

We explore how the role of intellectual property is evolving in a fast-moving tech world, why Patsnap chose not to go public in Singapore, and how powerful AI agents are reshaping the B2B landscape. Whether you're a founder, investor, or technologist, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways on staying competitive in today’s innovation economy.

• Jeffrey’s entrepreneurial journey and the founding story of Patsnap
• How metrics for IPOs have shifted over the years
• Why Patsnap opted out of the Singapore exchange and the appeal of Nasdaq
• The strategic value of patents in today’s innovation cycles
• Why companies choose to disclose IP—and when they shouldn’t
• The impact of AI agents on B2B business models
• How tech CEOs stay informed on macro trends and startup disruption
• Navigating private market data and competitor intelligence
• The pros and cons of building a global-first company from Singapore
• Real-world examples of how Patsnap helps companies protect and leverage innovation

• Hidden opportunities in lesser-known patent categories
• Balancing innovation with business execution
• The future of R&D intelligence in a world dominated by AI

Jeffrey Tiong is the founder and CEO of Patsnap, a platform that helps innovators access and understand global IP and R&D data. With a mission to democratize innovation, Jeffrey has built Patsnap into a global tech powerhouse, supporting companies in over 50 countries.

🔗 Connect with Jeffrey: LinkedIn 🌐 Learn more about Patsnap: www.patsnap.com

The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation.

The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

🎧 Subscribe to The Silicon Valley Podcast for more conversations with tech leaders, founders, and disruptors shaping the future.

In this episode, we sit down with Keshia Theobald-van Gent, a seasoned venture capital investor with deep expertise in fund economics, portfolio strategy, and founder alignment. Keshia shares her sharp insights into how today’s most successful VCs operate and what emerging fund managers and founders need to know to succeed in this dynamic ecosystem.

Whether you're a founder seeking to better understand how VCs evaluate your startup, or an emerging fund manager preparing to launch your first fund, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways and deep industry wisdom.

• Keshia’s Career Journey: How her professional path has shaped her perspective on modern venture capital.
• What VCs Look For in Startups: The core criteria venture capitalists prioritize when evaluating investments—and how founders can align.
• Balancing Vision & Returns: How VCs manage the tension between financial ROI and founder vision.
• Key KPIs in Venture Investing: The metrics that matter and how startups should track and report them.
• Red Flags for VCs: Common early indicators of trouble in portfolio companies—and how to avoid them.
• Liquidity & Exits: How VCs think about liquidity events, secondary sales, and capital returns.
• Crafting an Investment Thesis: What goes into building a compelling thesis that attracts LP capital.
• Venture Capital & Family Offices: Trends shaping these increasingly collaborative relationships.
• Fund Economics Explained: Core differences between venture capital and private equity economics.
• Overlooked Fund Expenses: Hidden costs that new fund managers often miss.
• Reporting to LPs: How firms communicate performance, and what LPs actually care about.
• When Investments Go to Zero: Fund strategy, tax implications, and wind-down considerations.
• Lessons for Emerging Managers: Common pitfalls and best practices for first-time fund leaders.
• Founder Success Story: A candid look at one portfolio company’s journey and growth challenges.

• How branding influences deal flow and VC visibility.
• One thing Keshia would change about the VC industry.
• How AI and automation are changing the game for VCs and founders alike.

To follow Keshia’s work or reach out for collaboration, connect with her on LinkedIn.

The views expressed in this episode are for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. The views expressed are personal and do not necessarily reflect the views of any affiliated organizations. Such as the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.”

Episode Description: In this insightful episode, we sit down with Mohamed Ahmed—engineer-turned-founder, investor, and author—to explore the real mechanics of venture capital, startup life, and personal growth. Mo brings his unique perspective from launching a successful startup, exiting, and now advising others through the VC lens. Whether you're an entrepreneur, investor, or someone navigating your own career transition, this episode is filled with real talk, valuable frameworks, and unfiltered stories you won’t want to miss.

What We Cover:

• Mo’s career journey: From big tech to startup founder to venture capitalist
• The truth about how VC really works behind the scenes
• How VCs and LPs think—and what most founders get wrong
• Media myths: What’s often misunderstood about startups and founders
• Balancing growth with personal life: Tips for maintaining perspective
• Mental wellness and leadership—why it matters more than ever
• Making the leap from employee to entrepreneur: Key mindset shifts
• The challenge of engineers becoming business leaders
• The emotional journey of selling your company—and what happens next
• Lessons learned after an exit: What no one tells you
• Future trends in entrepreneurship and venture capital
• The core message behind Mo’s book and how it can help you

Key Takeaway: Success in entrepreneurship isn’t just about raising capital or scaling fast—it’s about aligning purpose, people, and personal growth.

Connect with Mohamed Ahmed: 🔗 LinkedIn – Mohamed Ahmed 📚 Learn more about his book and upcoming projects [insert website or link if applicable]

Subscribe & Follow: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show! Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of business, technology, and personal transformation.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any affiliated organizations, employers (past or present), or the podcast host. This content is not intended to be and should not be construed as legal, investment, or professional advice.

The views expressed are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.

In this episode, Shawn sits down with John Bisack, an experienced operational strategist and advisor who specializes in helping private equity-backed companies navigate the critical post-acquisition phase. With a background in transforming businesses for profitability, growth, and long-term scalability, John brings deep insights into what it really takes to deliver on the promises of a private equity deal—beyond the closing table.

Disclaimer: The content in this episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Always consult with qualified professionals before making business decisions.

• A behind-the-scenes look at what happens after a company is acquired by a PE firm
• The biggest operational and cultural challenges businesses face post-acquisition
• How John identifies inefficiencies and aligns with PE growth expectations
• The difference between value delivered vs. services performed—and why that distinction matters
• Real-world insights into change management, KPI tracking, and pricing strategy

• Post-acquisition integration and value creation
• Operational due diligence and strategic alignment
• Cost efficiency without compromising growth
• Building leadership alignment and managing expectations
• PE investor communications and performance reporting
• Long-term strategies for maximizing valuation at exit

💼 LinkedIn: John Bisack