Todd Basche is a seasoned product innovator with over 25 years of experience helping technology companies, including Apple, Dell, and Axon, develop industry-leading products.  Beginning his consumer journey alongside Steve Jobs, Todd co-created the acclaimed iLife Suite at Apple. As CPO at Axon, his work in law enforcement tech helped double revenue and impact millions. With 37 patents, multiple Best of CES awards, and expertise in both hardware and software, Todd guides companies to identify product-market fit, refine value propositions, and conduct customer discovery. He also helps them build long-term strategic visions by addressing internal core competencies, customer pain points, and market opportunities to create transformational products. Todd is the Lead Mentor at Stanford’s GSB Lean Launchpad program with Steve Blank, where he coaches teams of entrepreneurs in bringing their ideas to life.

Mike Pola, MHA is a seasoned senior executive with 30 years of extensive experience in developing and leading Sales and National Accounts programs. Throughout his career, he has consistently exceeded revenue forecasts across a diverse range of organizations, including startups, early-stage ventures, growth companies, and Fortune 500 enterprises, primarily within the medical device industry. Known for his ability to identify and capitalize on new business opportunities, Mike has successfully positioned companies for long-term growth and success. With over 16 years of experience in the GI Endoscopy and ENT sectors, including tenures at Pentax, Medtronic and Micro-Tech Endoscopy, he has played a key role in helping Endoscope and Equipment companies develop and execute Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) strategies.

Paul has extensive experience in B2B sales and a career built on finding solutions for his customers needs. After nearly two decades of experience in the sports industry with the Golden State Warriors & PGA TOUR, he is now helping business owners with strategic financing to foster growth for their companies. Paul is also an active business coach/advisor and non-profit board member. As a former Adjunct Professor at University of San Francisco in the Sport Management Graduate program, he focused on helping graduate students break down the negative stigma that surrounds the word SALES while building their skills in public speaking, personal brand development, social media, and networking. Paul is very transparent in nature and focused on helping others achieve their personal and career goals.

Jeff Carollo graduated with a degree in Computer Science from Texas A&M in 2005. Since then, his career has spanned companies in size from early-stage start-ups to the largest engineering organizations in the world, including Pinterest, Google, Microsoft, Meta and Apple. Jeff has significant hands-on technical depth in very large consumer applications, distributed systems, recommender systems, natural language processing and understanding, data science, and Machine Learning / AI. Jeff is an active Angel Investor in Silicon Valley, investing in over 40 companies.

Brian Sparkes is the CEO of Silicon Valley Venture, a global venture partner driving alignment, access, and acceleration in the startup ecosystem. A “Community-First” entrepreneur and Strategic GTM Communication advisor, Brian works with over 1,400 startups and executives annually, helping them refine messaging, gain traction, and attract investment.

Deeply embedded in Silicon Valley’s investment and startup community, Brian collaborates with top organizations such as Startup Grind, Plug and Play, Founder Institute, and Bay Angels. As a super connector, he builds high-value relationships between startups and investors, emphasizing “Founder Fit” and leadership development.

Brian is also the Founder & President of Golden Valley Angels, host of Silicon Valley Impact on 92.9 FM, and former Head of Communication at Bay Angels. A skilled speaker and moderator, he has lectured at Stanford Law School on communication and emotional intelligence.

Chris has more than 30 years of experience in developing the northern California marketplace. He has a specific focus on technology, life sciences and cleantech. He has advised clients in all areas of the lifecycle from startups through public companies. Chris has worked at RoseRyan, a ZRG company, for 18 years. He has worked with executive teams from startups through Fortune 500 companies.

Chris has held leadership positions in Fortune 50 companies, startup IPO’s, midsize and small companies – all in business development roles. He has worked with the following companies in tech and life science including; Box, Pensando, Roku and others. He has worked with life science companies including; Gilead, Longboard Pharma, Aimmune Therapeutics, Potrero Medical and others.

Specific areas of work include: AI Assessment & Implementation, IT Selection & Integration, Start up formation, IPO preparedness, Interim Finance, Accounting, Marketing, Mergers & acquisitions, Compliance, Grants and tax credits. He is passionate about the benefits of deep technology and brings unbridled energy to clients and partners.

Chris has built an AI Center of Excellence and is advising two startups in the AI space focused on infrastructure and a workflow solutions company. He is a super connector focused on bringing creative solutions to complex problems. Chris attended Creighton University and has coached over 1,400 youth soccer games. .

Jim has been an investment banker since 1983. He is the Founder and Managing Partner of Stonepine Advisors, LLC, and his industry expertise covers the spectrum of technology companies with a particular focus on cybersecurity software and services companies. Until June 2010, he was a Senior Advisor to Needham & Company, LLC, a nationally recognized investment banking and asset management firm focused primarily on serving emerging growth industries and their investors. He had been associated with Needham & Company, LLC, since January 2004, serving in various capacities, including Co-Head of Investment Banking and Head of the Software Investment Banking Group. Previously, he was a Managing Director at J.P. Morgan Securities, Inc., where he led the Systems and Semiconductor practice, and a Managing Director in the Technology Group of Warburg Dillon Read, the global investment banking division of UBS AG. From 1983 to 1999, Mr. Reilly was associated with Warburg Dillon Read or one of its predecessor companies, and specialized in corporate finance advisory work for a broad range of technology companies. During his career, Mr. Reilly has executed a wide variety of transactions, including equity IPOs and follow-on offerings, private placements, convertible and non-convertible debt, and M&A transactions for a broad spectrum of companies in the technology, healthcare, and financial services industries. Mr. Reilly earned a BA in Economics and Computer Science at Columbia University.

John Majeski is a forward-thinking leader with a passion for innovation, entrepreneurship, and empowering others to thrive. With a strong foundation in venture capital and startup ecosystems, he is deeply committed to advancing equitable opportunities for underrepresented founders, particularly women. John’s ability to navigate complex investment landscapes is complemented by a keen eye for spotting disruptive technologies and fostering sustainable growth. John’s history includes being an entrepreneur and part of a company that exited to HP. He has served as a big tech executive for HP, Dell, and Lenovo with GM-level responsibility. He founded a company, Portola Valley Partners which operated at the intersection of Private Equity and Venture Capital. He is an angel investor and advisor, through his company, North Beach Investments, and a GP in an emerging fund – The Silicon Valley Women Founders Fund. Beyond his professional pursuits, he is a champion for mindfulness, functional medicine, and big-picture thinking, often exploring the intersections of technology, human potential, and collective consciousness. A thoughtful networker, John actively engages with others sharing insights on leadership, company culture, exit strategies, and innovation. Whether it’s drawing inspiration from cultural icons, emerging markets, or groundbreaking medical and AI advancements, John brings a unique blend of analytical rigor and creative vision to every endeavor.

Hrishikesh Sathawane, a seasoned technology leader and innovator, brings a wealth of experience to the Link Silicon Valley board. With a B.Tech from IIT-Bombay, an MSEE from Iowa State, and an MBA from UCLA Anderson, Hrishi has successfully bridged the gap between technology and business throughout his career. As a former Director of Product Planning at Samsung and with roles at Toshiba and Western Digital, Hrishi has driven growth through open innovation and strategic partnerships. His expertise lies in identifying synergies between startups and large corporations, having initiated numerous proof-of-concepts and fostering innovation ecosystems. Currently, Hrishi serves as CMO at SproutsAI.com, a seed-stage GenAI startup, where he’s spearheading growth initiatives. He’s also an active mentor for TechStars, Plug and Play, and FalconX accelerators, guiding startups in growth marketing, business development, and partnerships. Hrishi’s passion for technology, sustainability, and social impact, combined with his extensive network and experience, makes him a valuable asset to Link Silicon Valley and its community of innovators and entrepreneurs.