Catalyzing Innovation: Role of Corporate Partnerships in Deep-tech
Join the Piva Capital team for a networking happy hour and insightful panel discussion on the critical relationship between corporates and startups. We'll explore the most effective ways to collaborate and create mutually beneficial outcomes.
Our panelists, Scott Walbrun, Principal at BMW iVentures, Geetha Dholakia, Portfolio Program Director at TDK Ventures, and Geoff Mattson, CEO of Xage Security, will discuss their journeys and share insights on building successful deep-tech corporate partnerships.
The event flow will be as follows:
Panel Discussion: 5:30 - 6:30 PM
Networking Reception: 6:30-7:30 PM
We hope you'll join us for this engaging discussion and the opportunity to network with fellow innovators and investors.
About the Panelists:
Scott Walbrun, BMW i Ventures
Scott Walbrun is a principal venture capital investor at BMW i Ventures, the independent venture capital fund managed on behalf of BMW Group based in Silicon Valley, where he focuses on Series A and B investments around the future of mobility, energy, and artificial intelligence. In this capacity, Scott has served on the board of eight companies. He also serves as a mentor and workshop leader for hundreds of startups through various accelerator programs across the country.
Prior to joining BMW i Ventures, Scott provided M&A and capital markets advisory as a member of Jefferies’ Technology Investment Banking team. Scott joined Jefferies after completing his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. While completing his MBA, he worked at Kinzie Capital Partners evaluating private equity investments, as well as at the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation supporting the commercialization of science-based and deep tech companies.
Prior to attending business school, Scott managed strategic finance and FP&A at Truck Hero (aTA Associates portfolio company) and began his career in Fiat Chrysler’s Finance Leadership Development Program.
Geetha Dholakia
Dr. Geetha Dholakia is a Portfolio Program Director at TDK Ventures, where she leads strategic portfolio engagement with TDK. She brings extensive experience in scientific research technical program management, and business development.
Before joining TDK Ventures, she worked in technical program management, supporting NASA's $200 million SBIR/STTR program. At NASA Ames Research Center, Dr. Dholakia held various roles, including in program management, partnerships and technology transfer, and as a research scientist specializing in nanotechnology and instrumentation for space missions. She holds a Ph.D. in Physics from the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, India and a Masters in Physics from Indian Institute of Technology, Madras.
Geoffrey Mattson, Xage Security
Geoffrey Mattson is an entrepreneur and cybersecurity executive with decades of experience as a leader in R&D, product development, and Go-To-Market (GTM). He is currently the CEO of Xage Security.
Prior to Xage, Geoff was a co-founder and CEO of MistNet.ai, an AI-driven cybersecurity platform that was acquired by Thoma Bravo and LogRhythm. Previously, he led R&D and product organizations in network and security startups focused on cloud-based security services, including Corona and Caspian. In addition, Geoff has worked for established companies like Juniper Networks in both general management and functional leadership roles, accelerating innovation and growth. Earlier in his career, Geoff spearheaded networking and telecommunication product initiatives at Bay Networks, where he led architecture, industry standards, and global GTM efforts.
Geoff holds a master’s degree in computer science from Boston University and currently serves as a speaker and mentor at the Stanford Graduate School of Business (Stanford Ignite program). He holds 13 US and international patents.
About Piva Capital
Piva Capital is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm investing in visionary entrepreneurs solving the world's critical industrial challenges with breakthrough technologies and innovative business models.