Author: Jeffrey Donenfeld

  • Discussing life in Antarctica on REN TV Russia’s “The Riddles of Humanity”

    Discussing life in Antarctica on REN TV Russia’s “The Riddles of Humanity”

    This week, I appeared on REN TV Russia’s adventure show “The Riddles of Humanity”, Episode 255 to discuss life at the South Pole, Antarctica. Skip to minute 12 of the clip for my segment. My part of the segment covers (Google Translated from Russian: “Why is Antarctica called white Mars? How do people survive in super low temperatures? And how much is a ten-day tour to the South Pole?”

     

     

     

     

    https://youtu.be/nQHX8lE8g6I?t=709

    Edition 255 – 02/14/2019

    The host of the program, Oleg Shishkin, is a traveler, historian, expert in secret societies, an internationally recognized expert in the field of Eastern religions, author of books on the history of occultism and intelligence. Connoisseur of the closed esoteric archives of the USSR, who proved that Nicholas Roerich and Grigory Rasputin had close ties with intelligence.

    In “The Riddles of Humanity” on REN TV, Oleg Shishkin will find an explanation for all the shocking events. And confirm his version of the facts and documents. The program goes on REN TV 5 times a week, on weekdays. Spectators are waiting for travel to places that are not on the map, the mysteries of dangerous relics and ancient prophecies. Inexplicable facts and historical sensations of different eras will be studied – and they will find a convincing explanation.

  • Mentoring startups at the Seedstars CEE Summit

    Mentoring startups at the Seedstars CEE Summit

    In December 2018, I was honored to mentor startups and speak at the Seedstars CEE Summit. Meeting with leading edge entrepreneurs in the CEE region was an inspiring project, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with this engaging group. A few of the key topics covered included:

    • Key considerations for CEE startups appealing to American and international investors.
    • Assessing startup accelerator, incubator, venture capital, angel, and studio models – which is right for your business?
    • Emerging technologies and viable applications for startups.
    • Pitch practice and pitch competition considerations.
    • What role emerging markets play in the entrepreneurial landscape and how to efficiently leverage emerging markets opportunities.

     

    Seedstars World is a Switzerland based startup competition that takes place in emerging markets. We run 65+ local competitions where we identify the best seed-stage startups, give them pitch training and award the winners with an opportunity to compete in the Seedstars Summit where one of them will be crowned Seedstars World Global Winner.

    Seedstars CEE Summit bridges the gap between ecosystems and connects regional stakeholders to promote and foster entrepreneurship & technology in emerging markets as a ?way to impact people’s lives & reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). An event with the purpose to shape the future of Europe and Central Asia.

     

     

  • Checking out the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs with Longines and Wrist Watch Review

    Checking out the Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs with Longines and Wrist Watch Review

    I write watch reviews for Wrist Watch Review, and this past weekend covered for WWR the 2018 Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs as a guest of watchmaker Longines. My original writeup is published on Wrist Watch Review: WWR goes on-site as Longines times the 2018 Breeders Cup at Churchill Downs Here are a few excerpts and photos.

    Race horses, art museum parties, tiny bites of international food, gambling, shmoozing with socialites, luxury watches, and a 250lb whole tuna – what’s not to love about attending the 2018 Breeders Cup? Watchmaker Longines hosted me – and a number of other journalists and industry experts – at the 35th Breeders’ Cup World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky. We were treated to the race, parties, special events, and lots of Longines brand history and discussion.

     

     

     

  • Pitching Boomtown at the University of Colorado’s Tech Transfer Office Accelerator Seminar

    Pitching Boomtown at the University of Colorado’s Tech Transfer Office Accelerator Seminar

    Today I had the opportunity to speak to a group of grad students and early entrepreneurs about the details of the startup accelerator and incubator ecosystem in Boulder. I was joined by industry colleagues from Innosphere, Rockies Venture Club, Boulder Small Business Development Center, and CatalyzeCU.

    Boomtown Accelerator is currently accepting applications.

     

  • Exploring Panama – Panama City, Boquete, Bocas Del Toro

    Exploring Panama – Panama City, Boquete, Bocas Del Toro

    This September, I had the opportunity to explore Panama with H. A few pics, and our trip notes.

    Thu Sept 13

    • Flew Denver to Ft. Lauderdale
    • Tight connection
    • Flew Ft. Lauderdale to Panama City
    • Took Uber to Casco Viejo AirBnB
    • Finally got in bed in AirBnB around 3am. Slept!

    Fri Sept 14

    • Woke up late in Casco Viejo AirBnB
    • Walked around near our airbnb and found Super Gourmet – got good coffee and tasty breakfast.
    • Did big walk around Casco Viejo and then out to the main shopping street in Panama City
    • Learned about Black Weekend shopping deals
    • Got Uber to Obarrio neighborhood to get Venezuelan empanadas and arepas. Watched huge huge rainstorm
    • Walked Obarrio for a while and then got uber under spiral building back to Casco Viejo
    • Got tacos at Tacos Del Nata
    • Had moment of relaxation at AirBnB
    • Went to Jazz place at American Trade Hotel but decided it was too dead
    • Went across street to casco Casa and had a drink on slippery rooftop bar
    • went down to first floor for gold dusted quarto leches desert
    • Back to AirBnB to sleep

    Sat Sept 15

    • Woke up in Casco Viejo AirBnB
    • Had breakfast at SuperGourmet in Casco Viejo
    • Got Uber to Panama Canal Miraflores Locks.
    • Got to locks and realized we were too early to see boats
    • Got back in Uber and took Uber to Metropolitan Park.
    • Did rainforest hike in the metro park to city lookout, and got caught in massive rainstorm.
    • Got scared by roaring animal in trees.
    • Finished hike and got back in Uber to try to get Japanese Ramen for lunch.
    • Got to Ramen restaurant but it was closed.
    • Eventually ended up at Mina Concept store for brunch
    • Got Uber back to Miraflores Locks at Panama Canal
    • Saw lots of boats going through locks
    • Learned a lot about new 2016 mega locks
    • Entertained by boats going through locks.
    • Were unimpressed by museum exhibits.
    • Got Uber back to Casco Viejo.
    • Went for walk around casco viejo and fount sloth chocolate place
    • Went to so-so ramen restaurant for dinner
    • got froyo at super complete froyo place
    • Went back to AirBnB and went to bed.

    Sun Sept 16

    • Woke up at AirBnB in Panama City Casco Viejo
    • Packed up and checked out of AirBnB.
    • Walked to American Trade Hotel Cafe for THE BEST Cafe Americanos we’ve ever had .
    • Got cheap Uber to Albrook Airport, on old Air Force base.
    • Flew small Jet from Panama City to David
    • Met other travel couple on our flight. Shared taxi from David Airport to Boquete. Dropped off couple at their AirBnB and then got dropped off at Casa Azul.
    • Checked in to Casa Azul
    • Got lunch and milkshakes and watermelon water and ginger molasses cookies at Sugar and Spice in town.
    • Found the collective bus depot and got bus up the Three Waterfalls trail.
    • Hiked 3 waterfalls trail
    • Encountered newlywed honeymooning Israeli couple swimming at the top of waterfall number 2.
    • Slipped through lots of mud. Finished waterfall hike
    • Waited a bit for the bus which never came. Hitchiked back to town with two kids in a pickup truck,
    • Got dropped off at the Boquete Brewery
    • Had beers and fries at Boquete Brewery.
    • Went back to Casa Azul to shower and change
    • Walked back into town to get dinner at Retro Gusto restaurant after deciding Boulder 54 was too swanky for town
    • Sleep

    Mon Sept 17

    • Day in Boquete hiking, coffee tour, and hanging out with Franka
    • Quetzal Trail, Coffee Tour, Panamonte Dinner
    • Woke up at Casa Azul and had homecooked breakfast and played with super great doggie Rusty.
    • Took a Collective bus from the supermarket in Boquete up to the top of the loop to get dropped off at the quetzal trail
    • Hiked for an hour and a half on quetzal trail
    • Saw jungle farms and sheep
    • Checked out deep cloud forest, with lots of epiphytes and other huge plants. No quetzals. Found a cool jungle suspension bridge
    • Got bus back to Casa Azul where we met up with B&B-mate Franka. Lan of Wannan tours picked us all up to take us on coffee tour at Finka Elida – recently won most expensive gesha coffee in the world sale at $803/lb.
    • Learned about coffee making and gesha coffee, did coffee cupping and tasting. Saw lots of cool plants, Learned the different between coffee plants. Saw more beautiful cloud forest.
    • Learned about coffee production process, and saw boxes of beans being packaged for China.
    • Went back to to B&B for shower and change.
    • Walked with Franka to Hotel Panamonte. Got a great table on porch.
    • Selected our own wine from the wine cave, and ordered tasty dinner.
    • Got a printout of Panamonte history and hung out in bar lounge while learning the local history.
    • Went to sleep at Casa Azul.

    Tue Sept 18

    • Woke up at Casa Azul B&B
    • Had tasty breakfast with Kathy
    • Discovered Avocado Tree and Mint Bush
    • Got picked up by tall dutchman naturalist Hans in his Isuzu SUV
    • Drove all day from Boquete to Almirante
    • Saw military truss bridges
    • Saw super cool long susupension bridge
    • Saw large hydroelectric dam
    • Learned why we were eating Chinese food lunch at bus stop – Jeffrey had kungpow chicken.
    • Went to Ngobe village family Cacao farm where they had recently slaughtered cows for political campaign
    • Head of Family took us on tour of family cacao plantation
    • Family matriarch showed us how to roast, grind, and process cacao
    • Saved some cacao seeds
    • Crossed windy diablo pass with Hans
    • Had coffee by the river with Hans
    • Tried unsuccessfully to get ATM money in Almiante
    • Went on a lot of backroads that were super twisty and steep and investigated funny cars on street signs.
    • Learnedthat hans is responsible for many amyarilis in bouquet
    • Got dropped off in Almirante by Hans
    • Took fast boat from Almirante to Bocas Town on Isla Colon
    • Walked around Bocas Town
    • Stopped in La Buga for a happy hour drink and booked diving trips
    • Took boat from Bocas Town to Bastimentos
    • Found The Firefly and checked in, watched sunset at The Firefly while sipping rum punch.
    • Unpacked and then headed to dinner in Old Bank, Bastimentos at the Sea Monkey. Served by Keith

    Wed Sept 19

    • Woke up at The Firefly
    • Breakfast at The Firefly with passionfruit smoothies
    • Debated about what to do for the day
    • Hung out at the bungalow for a bit and researched stuff to do in the area
    • Met up with Renee and company to go to the docks
    • Got on the bot and went through the mangrove forrest into the rainforest – saw two sloths in the trees!
    • Stopped the boat deep in the Jungle and met up with our barefooted native Ngobe guide.
    • Walked through the jungle to the Nivida Bat Cave
    • Had two puppies following us in the jungle
    • Explored the bat caves
    • Saw a crocodile in the bat cave entrance
    • Saw shrimp
    • Saw a water snake
    • Saw fruit bats
    • Sat insect bats
    • Saw vampire bats
    • Went swimming in a really dark pit of water deeeeeep in the cave, under a beautiful waterfall
    • Hiked back out of the cave and back through the rainforest to the boat. Got bitten by woodcutter ants.
    • Took the boat back out through the mangroves to the Red Frog Beach Dock.
    • Saw another sloth in the tree, saw a boa constrictor in the trees, saw a crocodile
    • Made it red frog beach, had $1 coconuts as a snack
    • Went for a wonderful swim in the waves
    • Got tase tacos at Natcho Mommas
    • Boated back to Bastimentos public dock
    • Hiked up the mountain to the Up The Mountain coco farm
    • sketchy jungle trail descent back to beach and to the Firefly
    • Jeffrey had photo shoot at rock beach and then we watched sunset
    • Finally back at firefly, showered and changed for dinner
    • Had dinner with honeymooning newlyweds Samantha and Adam, from New Jersey. Talked to them about moving to Denver and Israel.

    Thu Sept 20

    • Woke up early in the bungalow at The Firefly and had a nice breakfast on the deck.
    • Drank lots of Duran coffee
    • Got our gear together and walked over to the park on Bastimiento dock, passed renee who walked with us to get a boat. Not sure what he was expecting
    • Took boat to Bocas town and checked in at La Buga for snorkeling and scuba diving.
    • Went on La Bugas trimaran dive boat. Jumped off roof of boat into water.
    • Snorkeling on a shallow reef. Saw eel, squid, beautiful blue reef fish, cool coral, and all sorts of fun stuff.
    • went diving on sunken catamaran
    • Got lunch back on the dock at La Buga.
    • Walked around Bocas town to investigate random stuff
    • Caught collectivo bus to Playa de Las Estrella. Passed lots of angry couples
    • Drank juices and coconuts
    • Swam in warm waters and saw lots of starfish
    • Investigated lobsters in a trap
    • Caught collectivo back to Bocas Town, with lots of kids on SIT study abroad trip
    • Walked around bocas town more. Bought Abuelo Rum at grocery store.
    • Found nice dock on the water and had Rum with Pineapple juice
    • Got dinner at Bocas Brewery. Met german friend Ellen.
    • Listened to Jazz on dock
    • Took boat back to The Firefly as a storm rolled into town.
    • Saw sloth on electrical wire as we were walking back to The Firefly. Super cool!

    Fri Sept 21

    • Woke up in the Bungalow and had breakfast at The Firefly
    • Freaked out when we heard about impending labor strike that might mess up our departure flight transit
    • Got boat to Bocas Town
    • Met up with Captain Jose for Zapatillas Islands Package tour.
    • Got on package tour boat.
    • Saw Dolphins
    • Saw Starfish
    • Stopped at Sloth Island and saw 2 sloths
    • Went snorkeling
    • Stopped at lunch dock to order expensive lunch
    • Went out to Zapatillas Island, explored abandoned boardwalk into the jungle – saw lots of epiphites and mangroves
    • Swam with tourist Chris and hung out on the beach
    • Took boat back to lunch dock for lunch. Captain Jose drank heavily.
    • Boat back to Bocas town for lunch at the end of the day.
    • Wandered around bocas town, ate a churro, checked out schoo and airport, met new yorker in super gourmet
    • Decided to eat dinner at doghouse pizza, met argentinian girls who liked to party at selinas.
    • Tried to go to Bookstore Bar, but instead went to Coco Hostel to meet up with Ellen again for awkward beers
    • Went back to The Firefly

    Sat Sept 22

    • Woke up earlyish at the firefly
    • Debriefed on Firefly issues with Adam and Samantha
    • Got packed up, boated to bocas, and caught our flight to Panama City
    • Forced to land at random airstrip in jungle because of storm in Panama city
    • Finally got back on our flight and made it to Panama city
    • Took Uber to Riande Grand Hotel, dropped bags there.
    • Got lunch at greek food stand recommended by a few prostitutes
    • Ubered to Casco Viejo
    • Realized Canal zone antiques is closed
    • Went to American Trade hotel for tasty coffee
    • Bought Molas from indians on the plaza
    • Walked around Casco Viejo
    • Walked to fish market
    • Walked on the riverfront walk
    • Got uber back to hotel to check in
    • Got bad room at hotel initially, and then changed to better room.
    • Went out for dinner at Hiraku japanese in Sortis Hotel. It was soso.
    • Saw more prostitutes at Sortis
    • Got drink at beer garden
    • Realized we were staying in center of prostitution area
    • Decided against Gamboa

    Sun Sept 23

    • Woke up at Riande hotel
    • Ubered to Lung Fung for Sunday morning Dim Sum.
    • Ubered to Canal Administration building but it was closed
    • Hiked up to top of Cerro Ancon for cool views, with all the other families on Sunday morning exercise route
    • Saw cool lookouts and views around panama canal – saw neopanamax locks
    • Ubered to Biomuseo and soaked up AC at Kotowa Cafe
    • Checked out history of panama exhibit, for free
    • Checked out migrating birds exhibit, for free
    • Ubered to San Francisco neighborhood to Russian owned Leto Coffee Shop – chilled there for a bit
    • Walked around to find dinner spots
    • Ubered back to hotel for shower and rest
    • Ubered back to San Francisco neighborhood for super great dinner at Brutto restaurant
    • Went to Fragela for icecream “Bañado en chocolate”
    • Ubered back to hotel and passed out

    Mon, Sept 24

    • Woke up at Riande hotel and packed
    • Free breakfast and checked out
    • Ubered to Isla Morada map and chart store – largest chart store in latin america. Bought chart of Panama Canal – printed just for us. Chart CP5
    • Ubered to airport to catch flight home.

    Panama Trip Notes and Recommendations

    Panama City

    • American Trade hotel is a must stop – coffee in their Cafe Unidos cofee shop, chilling at the bar
    • Papaya Bookstore cafe in Casco Viejo looks nice
    • Explore SanFrancisco neighborhood for restaurants and coffee off the tourist track
    • Walk by the fish market but dont get sucked in
    • Do a hike in the metro park
    • Check canal ship transit schedule before going to miraflores locks – time locks visit with ship transit
    • Strongly consider pre-booking smithsonian gamboa visit ahead of time and staying in Gamboa for 2 nights one full day
    • Check out Brutto in San Francisco
    • Get chocolate dipped icecream at Fragela in San Francisco
    • Don’t stay in El Cangrejo or Obarrio
    • Stay in Casco viejo or San Francisco
    • Use Uber to get around easily and cheaply
    • Don’t pay for Biomueso – check their free exhibits and walk around the facility
    • Get early rooftop drinks at Casa Casco, and order 4 Leches Dessert
    • Buy Molas from indias setup in tents on plaza – they have the best prices and the money goes straight back to the indian tribes

    Bocas Del Toro

    • Don’t stay at The Firefly in Bocas del Toro Bastimento
    • Stay at Palomar Hostel private room on Bocas Del Toro Bastimento Red Frog Beach
    • Zapatillas package tour is nice, but bring your own lunch and don’t expect secluded beach to yourself
    • Do the Bat Caves tour, even better if you can do it as a private tour.
    • For scuba, go with La Buga. Ask them to give you good flippers with booties instead of slip ons.
    • Get food at La Buga after diving
    • Get beer at Bocas Brewery. Get pizza at The Doghouse
    • Soak up a/c at SuperGourmet
    • Don’t try to bike to starfish beach. Take the collectivo
    • Keep your eyes open for sloths in the trees
    • Prepare yourself for immersion deep in the backpacker vibe – even if staying at a hotel or nicer resort, you’ll still be deep in backpacker land and island time casual zone

    Boquete

    • Stay at Casa Azul b&b for a homey experience
    • If you want an all day hike, find a transfer from David that drops you off in Cero Punto for the quetzal trail and then takes your luggage to your hotel in Boquete, leaving you to do the quetzal trail the whole day
    • Doublecheck the collectivo busses schedule and pickup points if you’re going hiking in the mountains
    • Do the 3 Waterfalls trail and be ready for a refreshing swim
    • Do a coffee plantation tour – Lan at iWanna tours was great.  Ours was at Finca Elida, and was great! Be sure to try a tree tomato.
    • Get lunch snacks and ginger molasse cookies at Sugar and Spice
    • Get tasty beers at Boquete Brewery
    • Don’t go to RetroGusto
    • Get a drink at hotel Panamonte Bar, but don’t stress getting an entire meal there. A relaxed drink would be great there.
    • Try the popsicles on the main street.
    • Consider the gelateria
    • If transiting from Boquete to Bocas, consider an all day tour with transfer, rather than just a bus transfer. There’s lots of cool stuff to check out in between. Hans of Tinamou Cottage/Coffee Adventure Tours

     

  • Mentoring Startup Summer Pitch Night

    Mentoring Startup Summer Pitch Night

    This week, I was pleased to mentor Startup Summer Pitch Night with Silicon Flatirons, at the Boomtown Accelerators office.  What a great set of teams! Pleasure working with Sarah Phillips of Boulder Bits.

    Startup Summer 2018 concludes with a pitch competition, where students from the program pitch their unique startup ideas. This summer, students have interned at local tech startups and built their own startups outside of work hours while learning the fundamentals of entrepreneurship at weekly seminar sessions. Students are now set to compete for the ultimate prize at the 6th annual Startup Summer Pitch Night. We have judges representing Foundry Group, Boomtown Accelerators, and Techstars.

    Join the Silicon Flatirons community to hear seven teams pitch their startup ideas that span everything from software to hardware to innovative media concepts. Join us for a fun night of food, refreshments, and excitement as the audience cheers on teams and judges award cash prizes.

  • Teaching the Galvanize Workshop: What’s Next for My Startup?

    Teaching the Galvanize Workshop: What’s Next for My Startup?

    This week, I was proud to develop and teach the Galvanize workshop titled “What’s Next for My Startup?“. During this hour-long workshop, I worked with a group of emerging entrepreneurs to discuss pathways for their startups, analyze the state of venture capital, and go over the model we’re pursuing at Boomtown.

     

  • Discussing International Investing and Russian Startups on The Syndicate Podcast

    Discussing International Investing and Russian Startups on The Syndicate Podcast


    This week, I had the pleasure of recording an interview with Matt Ward of The Syndicate Podcast: “The Russian Startup Scene and What Founders and VCs Need to Know with Jeffrey Donenfeld of Boomtown Accelerator”

    Listen to me on The Syndicate Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Android, RSS, Direct

    Here’s what I discuss with Matt on the Podcast:

    1. The challenge many Eastern European and Russian startups have with raising money
    2. Why the US government sent Jeffrey to Russia on a knowledge exchange
    3. How accelerators can attract foreign startups
    4. Why taking VC money isn’t always the right move
    5. How Jeffrey thinks about different industries and emerging trends
    6. The reason vertical accelerators are thriving
    7. How cannabis is capturing Colorado

     

     

  • Boomtown Accelerator Demo Day Spring 2018 showcases our 10th Cohort

    Boomtown Accelerator Demo Day Spring 2018 showcases our 10th Cohort

    Last Friday, May 18th, I was proud see Boomtown Accelerator’s 10th cohort showcase their businesses at Demo Day, part of Boulder Startup Week. As Investment Manager at Boomtown, it’s always a satisfying experience seeing the companies I helped to bring into the program finally graduate, with the growth and success of their businesses on the right track.

    BizWest had a quick writeup:

    Boomtown has graduated its 10th cohort, with companies solving problems like the miscommunication between doctors and patients before surgery, growing camaraderie in the workplace and creating a better search engine for businesses.

    Of the 11 companies in the program, five were part of the partnered accelerators Boomtown has: a patient safety health tech accelerator it has in conjunction with COPIC and a hardware and connectivity accelerator it has with Upramp, the CableLabs accelerator.

    BizWest attended Boomtown’s investors’ preview on Friday, the final day of Boulder Startup Week. During the investor showcase, companies were able to ask for funds and specific support.

    Continue reading “Boomtown graduates tackle specific issues in latest cohort” on BizWest. 

     

    A few pics from the event…

     

  • Mentoring future global entrepreneurs at the Kazan OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Forum

    Mentoring future global entrepreneurs at the Kazan OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Forum

    Kazan OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Forum

    “The Kazan OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Forum is a joint initiative of the OIC Youth Forum and the government of the Republic of Tatarstan. Since 2014, the Forum has been held annually, attracting hundreds of startups, investors and industry experts from the OIC states and the Russian Federation.

    Speakers will discuss the various aspects of building and scaling a startup. The speakers are drawn from a broad range of the startup ecosystem including startup founders, venture capitalists, C-class executives from top tech firms in Russia and across the globe. Some of the topics to be covered include design thinking, building and scaling teams, customer development, project unit economics amongst others.”

  • Teaching US entrepreneurial mindset at More Ideas Sochi

    Teaching US entrepreneurial mindset at More Ideas Sochi

    More Ideas Sochi

    “Autonomous non-profit organization “The Sea of ??Ideas” in the city of Sochi is engaged in the formation of an innovative ecosystem “Sochi Innovation Valley”. We know that in Russia there are promising start-ups, and we believe that Sochi is the best place in our country, where the founders of start-ups can live in a comfortable environment. Potential investors are often in Sochi, and many have or are planning to acquire real estate or business here. The best world experts are happy to travel to Sochi to share their experience with innovative entrepreneurs.” (Translated from Russian by Google Translate)

  • Lecturing on startup trends in the United States at the Kazan IT Park Business Incubator

    Lecturing on startup trends in the United States at the Kazan IT Park Business Incubator

    Kazan IT Park Business Incubator

    “The main objective of the business incubator is to help promising startups in the sphere of information technologies to develop ideas and products, getting investment, searching for potential partners and clients.”

  • Discussing American startup investing with The Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

    Discussing American startup investing with The Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

    The Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

    “The Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO University) is one of the leading higher education institutions in Russia, providing training and research in advanced science, humanities, engineering and technology. Founded in 1900, ITMO has grown to an organization with over 13,000 students and earned its name “National Research University,” blending the culture of innovation and discovery with world-class education.”

  • Speaking to The Internet Initiatives Development Fund on startup investing in the United States

    Speaking to The Internet Initiatives Development Fund on startup investing in the United States

    The Internet Initiatives Development Fund

    “IIDF stands for Internet Initiatives Development Fund. According to Dow Jones, we are the most active early-stage venture fund in Russia and Europe. We have $100M (6bn RUB) under management. Since 2013 IIDF has closed more than 370 deals ranging from $20k to $5.5M. Our investment activity accounts for more than 100 IT startup deals each year, which is 80% of Russian early-stage venture capital market.”

  • How to move your startup to the USA and get accepted by a top US startup accelerator…

    How to move your startup to the USA and get accepted by a top US startup accelerator…

    Building your company in the United States can be a great idea – we have resources, expertise, and a quickly growing startup and entrepreneurship industry. In my role as Investment Manager at Boomtown Accelerator in Boulder, Colorado, I review a wide variety of applications to the Boomtown Accelerator Program from startups all over the world, including Russia, Ukraine, China, Taiwan, Canada, Spain, and Nigeria – among many others. I’m in a unique position to know what works in the US and at our program for both US-based startups, as well as foreign startups. Although each application is different, a few common threads prevail.

    Over the past month working with the US Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the American Councils for International Education program, I’ve been traveling to a number of cities in  Russia, speaking with international startups about the venture investing and accelerating landscape in the United States, and offering some tips and suggestions. I’ve distilled my main suggestions down to a few key points, which I feel encapsulate some of the most important concepts to keep in mind when applying a foreign startup to a US-Based accelerator, incubator, VC, or Angel Investor.

    Interested in joining us at Boomtown Accelerator in Boulder, Colorado, USA? Apply now. 

    Key items to keep in mind when considering applying with your company to a US-based accelerator. These items are just brief comments, and should not be taken as specific advice. At Boomtown, we work with startups to guide them through all of these items, and more.

    • Consider incorporating your business in the US, possible as a Delaware company. At Boomtown, we work with startups on assessing these items all the time.
    • Build a network of mentors and advisors in the USA, who can help you with USA-specific business decisions. Be open to meeting new people and working with experts. It’s OK if you don’t know everything regarding how you’re going to run your business – needing advisors is not a sign of weakness at all.
    • Be able to pitch your idea and company both in terms of your technical skills AND business skills. So many times I’ve heard ideas from teams with a ton of technical talent, but when it comes time to talk business strategy, they fall flat – and can’t readily admit they need help. Be open to asking for help in areas you need it.
    • Apply idea to US market – how are you going to apply your business to the US Market? How will you test it in the US?
    • Secure IP – Understand what parts of your business are unique, novel, and protectable, and be able to talk about that. Simply being “first to market” without a defined technical advantage is not often enough – you need to be able to consider how you’ll hold onto your advantage. Got a provisional patent on a core piece of tech? Great!
    • Demonstrate Traction – Real traction. If you’re launching an app, for example, be able to tell us how many active, real, engaged users you have, and what real feedback you’ve gotten from them. We’d much rather be able to talk to you about feedback from 100 real users, rather than 1000000 fake users.
    • English – Speak good business english. It’s not enough to simply be able to give your presentation in english- you need developed english language skills, and be comfortable speaking in english every day.

     

    Key partner groups I spoke with in Russia include:

    The Internet Initiatives Development Fund

    “IIDF stands for Internet Initiatives Development Fund. According to Dow Jones, we are the most active early-stage venture fund in Russia and Europe. We have $100M (6bn RUB) under management. Since 2013 IIDF has closed more than 370 deals ranging from $20k to $5.5M. Our investment activity accounts for more than 100 IT startup deals each year, which is 80% of Russian early-stage venture capital market.”

     

    Kazan IT Park Business Incubator

    “The main objective of the business incubator is to help promising startups in the sphere of information technologies to develop ideas and products, getting investment, searching for potential partners and clients.”

     

     

    The Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics

    “The Saint Petersburg State University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics (ITMO University) is one of the leading higher education institutions in Russia, providing training and research in advanced science, humanities, engineering and technology. Founded in 1900, ITMO has grown to an organization with over 13,000 students and earned its name “National Research University,” blending the culture of innovation and discovery with world-class education.”

     

    More Ideas Sochi

    “Autonomous non-profit organization “The Sea of ??Ideas” in the city of Sochi is engaged in the formation of an innovative ecosystem “Sochi Innovation Valley”. We know that in Russia there are promising start-ups, and we believe that Sochi is the best place in our country, where the founders of start-ups can live in a comfortable environment. Potential investors are often in Sochi, and many have or are planning to acquire real estate or business here. The best world experts are happy to travel to Sochi to share their experience with innovative entrepreneurs.” (Translated from Russian by Google Translate)

     

    Kazan OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Forum

    “The Kazan OIC Youth Entrepreneurship Forum is a joint initiative of the OIC Youth Forum and the government of the Republic of Tatarstan. Since 2014, the Forum has been held annually, attracting hundreds of startups, investors and industry experts from the OIC states and the Russian Federation.

    Speakers will discuss the various aspects of building and scaling a startup. The speakers are drawn from a broad range of the startup ecosystem including startup founders, venture capitalists, C-class executives from top tech firms in Russia and across the globe. Some of the topics to be covered include design thinking, building and scaling teams, customer development, project unit economics amongst others.”

     

  • Coming home to the Igloo Home Deadbolt 02

    Coming home to the Igloo Home Deadbolt 02

    Smarlocks, compatible with smart home, are increasingly popular lately. Major brands like Kwikset and Schlage make consumer focused models with basic features and a focus on basic smarthome access – but Igloohome has gone much farther than that with the IglooHome Deadbolt 02. This smart lock not only adds a keypad for owner access via code, but features a host of advanced features and 3rd party tie ins that make this a truly useful piece of gear. I’ve lived with the Deadbolt 02 over the last few months – here’s my experience. I’ll spare you the technical specs and features you can lookup on IglooHome’s website, and skip straight to my impressions.

    In Short: Despite a few software bugs and hardware nuances, the Deadbolt 02 is an excellent product that’s become a welcome part of my everyday life. If you’re looking for a deadbolt that can both give you basic keypad access, as well as generate new codes for guests and service workers offline, this is the one to get. 

     

    What It Is

    The Deadbolt 02 is a keypad access deadbolt, with a standard key cylinder as a backup. It’s battery powered, and meant to be primarily accessed via the keypad. A key cylinder and standard key are there for backup, as is a bluetooth key on your phone for alternative access. The deadbolt is all weather, and features a useful smartphone app for giving access and managing the lock. Additionally, it integrates with AirBnB for guest booking access.

    Who It’s For

    The Deadbolt 02 is for the smarthome power user who not only needs keycode access to their home for themselves, but is sophisticated enough to need to give keypad access to guests, service workers, and friends – and doesn’t want to share one code with everybody. If you take your home security seriously, but want to give easy access to authorized people too, this is a great option.

    Testing Method

    I had this lock installed on my front door. I used it daily, friends used it occasionally, service workers used it occasionally, as did air bnb guests. I used the app for generating keys and giving access, used the bluetooth feature, and did a firmware upgrade wirelessly.

    First Impressions

    Getting it out of the box and setting it up was relatively easy. If your door is fairly standard, installation is straightforward. I was impressed by the slick look, good looks, and unassuming black faceplate. I also appreciated the covered key cylinder. On the lesser side, I was dissapointed to see a relatively common SC1 keyway and standard hardware store keyway – making picking this lock relatively easy for a decently skilled lockpick.  A higher security cylinder would have been a great great addition.

    Like

    I love the keypad functionality – I never have to carry a key, and simply tap in my code. Additionally, the piece of mind of a 9V battery backup, and standard key cylinder is good. Additionally, the ability to generate new codes remotely – like for unexpected guests who need access while I’m away – is a huge benefit. Actually, it’s one of the key benefits to me. I also love the AirBnB integration, and it works reliably every time.

    AirBnB Integration

    Airbnb hosts, rejoice! We have partnered Airbnb to synchronize your reservations with access to your home or property, so that you would not have to worry about check-in and check-out of guests again.

    When a guest’s accommodation booking is confirmed, we send a unique PIN code to the guest. They will use it to enter your property throughout their stay. At the end of the stay, the guest’s PIN code expires. When the next accommodation booking is confirmed, a new PIN code is generated for the next guest.

    The constant changing of PIN codes heightens security of the property, so you have peace of mind.

    Don’t Like

    The main main issue with this lock is that the standard key cylinder is a cheap, easy to pick, run of the mill hardware store keyway. As a lock and security enthusiast, it’s embarrasing to have this keyway on my house. A high security keyway, or something a bit more esoteric or obscure would make this thing almost perfect.

    I’ve noticed that in the hot summer heat here in Colorado, the keypad can get a bit finniky with touches. Not a huge issue, but sometimes it’s not as responsive as it should be.

    Should you buy it?

    Yes, but get the newer version with a better keyway.

    Final thoughts

    Despite a few software bugs and hardware nuances, the Deadbolt 02 is an excellent product that’s become a welcome part of my everyday life. If you’re looking for a deadbolt that can both give you basic keypad access, as well as generate new codes for guests and service workers offline, this is the one to get.

    Find it

    Direct from Igloo Home

    Specs

    • Door thickness 38mm to 50mm
    • Clearance from door edge >110mm
    • Type of door Wooden doors (right/left-hand compatible)
    • Outer body 60x142x30 (mm)
    • Inner body 65x160x50(mm)
    • Weight 1.50kg
    • Outer body Zn, ABS
    • Inner body Zn, ABS
    • Operation method PIN code, Bluetooth Key, Emergency Key (2 provided)
    • Color Black
    • Operation temperature 0°C ~40°C
    • Emergency Power DC9V Alkaline Battery (not included)
    • Certification IP45 (advise to install under sheltered areas)
    • Power 4 AA Batteries (lasts up to 9 months)
    • Warranty 1 year on electronic/mechanical defects

  • Aftershokz Trekz Titanium headphones conduct sound through your bones

    Aftershokz Trekz Titanium headphones conduct sound through your bones

    Bluetooth sports headphones are common nowadays – I personally have a few pairs of them, and they’re cheap and readily accessible for a basic pair. To innovate in this space, a company needs to do something special – and Aftershokz may have done just that. Their Trekz Titanium are an interesting take on sports headphones – they’re used just like normal headphones, fitting around the back of the wearers head. However, instead of transmitting sound through your ear canals, they use bone conduction to push sound through the bones surrounding your ears. The result is a headphone that sits around your ear, doesn’t block outside noise, and isn’t affected by wind noise. 

    What It Is

    Sports headphones that use bone conduction to transmit sound – a nice take on sports headphones

    The lightweight and comfortable Trekz Titanium wireless stereo headphones are the safest alternative to traditional sport headphones and earbuds. Bone conduction technology, an open ear design and a suite of convenient features deliver premium music play and crystal clear calling without compromise. Designed with athletes in mind, Trekz Titanium are sweatproof, secure, and will allow you to hear your surroundings – no matter where life takes you.

    Who It’s For

    The Trekz Titanium are for athletes of all types. Specifically, however, they’re great for staying aware of your surroundings, because they don’t block ear canals and allow you to hear what’s around you. For me, running in the morning partially on the road and partially on trails, this is a great benefit. They also seem great for bikers who want to keep aware of traffic around them, but want to listen to podcasts too.

    Testing Method

    I wore the Trekz Titanium on daily road runs, trail runs, gym workouts, indoor bouldering, and around town for about two weeks in Colorado. I had them connected to my iPhoneX and usually used the Apple Podcasts app or Spotify.

    First Impressions

    They’re a nice little package – seem well built, no extra pieces or ear tip guards necessary, and come with a nice storage bag and charging cable. Of note on first look, the charging port is Micro-USB. Given that everything else nowadays is USB-C, the use of Micro-USB seems outdated and requires me to carry around an extra old school Micro-USB cable. Ugh.

    Like

    • The headphones pair easily via bluetooth, and the connection is solid. Running with my phone in hand, the connection never drops at all. Walking around my house, the range is just fine.
    • When worn properly, the sound on podcasts is nice and clear. I love that they let me hear what’s going on around me, but since the sound is conducted through bones, it doesn’t get drowned out by other noises. Pretty cool!
    • The one-piece design stays secure and snug on my head most of the time, and once adjusted to the right spot, it’s comfortable enough to wear.
    • The simple volume controls and multi function button on the side is easy and effective.
    • Battery life is good. I charged them after every workout, but during 3 hour gym sessions or long runs, they never had any battery issues.

    Don’t Like

    • As far as audio quality goes, they’re not the best. I wouldn’t really listen to music with them, because I’m a bit of a snob in that regard. But for listening to podcasts, they’re really great. Clear voice quality, and decent volume. But for any nuanced music, or watching TV in a loud gym where there are atmospheric audio nuances, these aren’t the best – for that I switch back to a pair of JBL Reflect Mini’s i have, which plug my ears and stop outside sound.
    • It’s worth noting that when connected to my mac, these headphones use only the “low quality” SBC audio codec. Even after forcing/enabling both APT-X and AAC in the mac Bluetooth Explorer utility, the headphones would still only connect using low quality SBC. This further supports my podcast-only usage of these headphones.
    • Yes, these headphones have a microphone on them for calls – but it sucks. I really wanted the mic to be good, because these would be almost the perfect “walking around my house on conference calls all day” headphones. But in my personal tests both recording audio and playing it back, and asking friends how I sounded on the phone, the results were consistently negative – scratch mic pickup, and lots of wind noise with even the slightest breeze. So, yes you can talk on them if you need to, but they’re certainly not a good bet for consistent calls.
    • That Micro-USB port needs to be replaced with a USB-C port.

    Should you buy it?

    Looking for solid wireless headphones for listening to podcasts on a morning workout, and like the open airiness of nothing in your ears? These are great!

    Looking for super hifi music listening, blocking out the outside world, or great call quality? Keep looking

    Final thoughts

    Aftershokz Trekz Titanium are a novel approach to sports headphones, and for my morning run, they’re great.

    Find it

    Aftershokz Trekz Titanium on Amazon

    Direct from Aftershokz

    Specs

    • Bone conduction technology delivers music through your cheekbones, ensuring ears remain completely open to hear ambient sounds
    • Titanium wraparound headband is lightweight and flexible for durability and portability
    • OpenFit™ design ensures maximum situational awareness and comfort during long-term wear
    • PremiumPitch+™ guarantees a premium audio experience, including wide dynamic range and rich bass
    • Wireless Bluetooth® 4.1 connectivity and convenient multipoint pairing
    • LeakSlayer™ technology significantly reduces natural sound leakage
    • IP55 certified to repel sweat, dust and moisture, from workouts to wicked weather
    • Enjoy six hours of continuous music + calls on a single charge
    • EQ presets boost bass and reduce vibration on the go
    • Dual noise canceling microphones exclude surrounding noise, effectively enhancing speech
    • Audrey Says™ voice prompts guide users through power, pair, play and talk
    • Hassle-free 2-year warranty
    • Speaker type: bone conduction transducers
    • Frequency response: 20Hz~20KHz
    • Sensitivity: 100 ± 3dB
    • Microphone: -40dB ± 3dB
    • Bluetooth version: v4.1
    • Compatible profiles: A2DP, AVRCP, HSP, HFP
    • Wireless range: 33 ft (10m)
    • Battery: rechargeable lithium ion
    • Continuous play: 6 hours
    • Standby time: 10 days
    • Charge in: 1.5 hours
    • Weight: 1.27 oz (36g)

     

  • 9 Countries, 1 Month, 1 Small Backpack. Here’s How I Did It.

    The past month I’ve been traveling in Europe, attending a number of industry conferences, and working remotely. I hit 9 countries on my journey, ranging from the warm and comfortable surrounds of Lisbon, Portugal to sketchy divided border towns of Kosovo and Serbia to frozen arctic dreamlands of Iceland in the dead of winter – all with one small backback. Here’s how I did it.

    I packed light – very light, and made use of my surroundings, opportunities, and sense of adventure to get by with only what I absolutely needed. I’ve found that when traveling, having less stuff has a number of benefits. Key in my list are being able to move easily, not having crap to keep track of and maintain, and most importantly, getting the focus and mental space to focus on my work, my location, my friends, and really being present in the moment.

    Here’s what I brought:

    • Backpack – Arc’Teryx Alpha FL 45. This 45 liter backpack is great, and easily the best travel backpack I’ve ever carried. It’s a very basic design – basically a waterproof drybag upgraded with a few extra straps and feature. The actual black bag portion is much smaller than 45L with a large expansion section that can pop out the top. It’s nice and compact when you have it dialed in  and not extended, and I think it looks so sleek and small that it’s able to be carried as a daypack, and blend in on public transit etc and just another commuters laptop backpack – not sticking out like a huge backpackers tourist pack. I love the stuff sack like closure at the top – easy to keep quick access stuff at the top, and the rest below. And the one outside pocket is perfect for quick access to a passport, headphones, or whatever else. The profile of this pack is slick enough that it fits easily between my legs in the front seat of a taxi, floor of a tuktuk, or under the seat of a budget airline. For this trip I used about 3/4 of the main pack volume, and left the expansion sleep tucked inside the pack the entire time. However, if I needed it, it’s nice to know that I could have easily expanded its capacity.
    • Shoes – Arc’Teryx Norvan VT. These fast trail runners feature lightweight construction, good support, and have a goretex sock in them, so they’re waterproof too. They’re burly enough for walking a city all day, long dayhikes, mucking around in the mud, and morning runs. But I think they look trendy enough to blend with with all the euro sneaker wearing dudes who wear sneakers as a fashion statement. So you get that versatility. I pack my ACR Res-q-link and a pair of sock inside them and then lash them together with a Sea to Summit strap, so they compress down on top of each other and make a compact brick. Then that goes in a plastic shopping bag to contain dirt.
    • Shoes – Cole Haan ZeroGrand Chukka – These Chukka Boots are shiny and refined enough to wear with a suit and tie out to a business meeting, fun enough to wear to the club and dance all night, and so so so so comfortable I can easily walk around all day in them. They’re my go-to everyday shoes. Since they’re boots, they offer good support and pair well with jeans and dressing down, but put a shine on them and they look at home with a business suit too.
    • Pants – Arc’Teryx A2B Commuter Pants, Grey. These pants do it all. They’re super super comfy to wear every day, and have deep pockets, and a hidden seam-zip cargo pocket that’s discreet and perfectly accessible when sitting down in a crowded chicken truck. They have a trim, modern profile and dress up nicely with a buttondown and tie, and can go with a blazer too. They feature hidden reflective bits that can be shown by dropping then down from the pockets and rolling the cuffs, to give a bit of safety when walking dark roads in foreign countries. They dry quick, repel moisture, and are comfy enough to wear like PJ pants around the house. They have a double secure waist closure and belt loops. Out of all of the travel pants I’ve tried, these are definitely the best – so good that I wear then almost every day even when I’m not traveling.
    • Shirts – 4 Buttondowns. I have 4 buttondown shirts I rotate through.  A chambray-colored Levis Sunsetter with a hidden buttondown collar I think looks good and is funky to go out to bars. A dark blue BetaBrand flannel shirt is super comfy, more casual, and is dark enough to blend into sketchier places. A white Zara buttondown is trim and modern looking, and a plain white buttondown goes with everything, can go easily to business meetings, and is often more appropriate for more religious or conservative countries and situations. Finally, a J.Crew blue/white plaid shirt is preppy and businessy, and looks businessy when tucket in, but easily goes to the beach when untucked and sleeves rolled.
    • Shirt – tShirt. I have a random blue tshirt i wear around the house, when I’m laundering everything else, for working out, etc. The current tshirt in my bag is a 50/50 cotton poly blend, so i dries quick. I’ve carried high end wool tshirts in the past, which are great, and also random shitty tourist shirts I’ve bought in various places – sure there are differences, but ultimately what matters most is I have 1 shirt. I think my favourite is my Icebreaker wool shirt I got at Scott Base in Antarctica.
    • Sweater – Smartwool 1/3 zip pullover – dark blue. This sweater is super thin, non-itchy, and looks nice over a buttondown. I can go to meetings with it on and it looks ok, but it’s also a technical wool sweater, so it’s a good layering piece.
    • Sweater – Patagonia R1 pullover black.  This goes on every trip, all the time. It’s warm, comfy, has a breast pocket, and makes a good pillow too. I’m wearing it right now as I type this in the Nikola Tesla Airport in Belgrade, Serbia waiting for my flight to Istanbul.
    • Midlayer jacket – Arc’Teryx Rico – Blue. This down jacket is great. It’s a poofy down jacket, so its very warm for its weight, highly compressible, and durable. Being part of Arc’Teryx’s 24 line, it’s styled for the city, and has a trip modern look – easily at home walking around Helsinki and being trendy as it is layered with other gear in the snowy mountains of rural Montenegro. (Yes, I went to both of those places on this one trip)
    • Shell Jacket – Arc’Teryx Interstate Jacket – Black. This goretex shell is equally at home on city streets as it is on vertical ice. It’s a technical waterproof mountaineering shell jacket cut like a modern city jacket – so it can be worn in both circumstances. When I got hit by a freak snowstorm in Sofia, Bulgaria last week, this was my go-to jacket to deal with the wet heavy snow. When I needed to bundle up between investor events in Helsinki in December, I also turned to this coat.
    • Long Underwear – Icebreaker 3/4 length wool long underwear bottoms – black. Easy to layer under my pants, comfy all day, and the 3/4 length doesn’t bunch up on top of boots.
    • Long Underwear – Uniqlo Heattech full length bottoms – cheap, good, and sometimes necessary to double up.
    • Shell Pants – Outdoor Research Helium Pants – Grey. These waterproof pants are super lightweight, waterproof, and durable – a great combination. They tuck into their own pocket, and are a great go to when I suddenly need to trek through snow in Ukraine. They have loops for tying under your shoes, as well as for suspenders. So when I need to trek through deep snow in a blizzard, these, plus my goretex trail shoes, plus goretex jacket and waterproof backpack make a great lightweight and waterproof mountain rig.
    • Socks – 4 pairs of wool socks – two low-cut, two boot cut – black. I rotate brands, and sometimes (often) lost them to laundry services and under beds. I usually just pick up pairs of basic wool socks as army surplus stores. Although when I have my pick, I go for DarnTough socks, which have a lifetime guarantee that they actually honor.
    • Hat – of course I have my Yankees hat, as well as a Helly Hansen winter hat.
    • Gloves – Black Diamond mid layer belay gloves – beefy goat leather palms make them super durable, and they’re light enough to pack away.

    The rest I’ll simply list out – comment if you want more details on any of this:

    • Camera – Sony RX100M5
    • Camera – Apple iPhone7 (GSM+CDMA version, factory unlocked)
    • SIM – GigSky
    • Underwear – Uniqlo synthetic boxer briefs
    • Laptop – Apple Macbook Pro 13” 2017
    • Battery pack – Tronsmart USB-C battery pack (recharges my laptop  – nice)
    • PLB – ACR ResQLink+ (Packaged in a small stuff sack with an emergency space blanked bivy sack, water purification tabs, flint sparker, tinder, reflective visibility belt, whistle.)
    • + 1 pouch of other odds n ends like earplugs, a bit of parachute cord ,some duct tape, sewing kit, pen, etc.
    • + 1 pouch of cables and chargers like a few usb cables, laptop charger, extra camera battery, etc.
    • + 1 pouch of toiletries

    And that’s really it.  A few carefully selected items. Nothing extra.

  • Cyprus: Divided

    Cyprus: Divided

    In June of this year (2017), I explored Cyprus – both the southern Cypriot side, as well as the northern Turkish-controlled side. A few videoclips and photos from my discovery of the border areas, mountains, and other interesting quirks.

    • Exploring Larnaca
    • Scuba Diving the Wreck of the Zenobia
    • Attending Larnaca’s Summer Festival
    • Exploring southern Nicosia
    • Crossing the border into northern Turkish-controlled Nicosia
    • Exploring Famagusta
    • Climbing and exploring Saint Hilarion Castle and walking around Girne
    • Lunching in Ayia Napa
    • Crossing through British Overseas Territory in the Dhekelia Sovereign Base Area
    • Catching up with Boomtown program friends!
  • Panoramas from Israel

    Panoramas from Israel

    This summer I spent a few days visiting Israel as part of my University of Denver MBA program. A few panoramas and a video clip.

  • Exploring Prague

    Exploring Prague

    This past summer in the end of May, I visited Prague, Czech Republic with my University of Denver Daniels MBA program class. This was right after my trip to Saudi Arabia and Austria, and was the start of our MBA Program International Business Segment. We had a great time meeting with local businesses and exploring the town. Prague is an incredibly well preserved, beautiful town, with rich history, incredible architecture, and interesting culture. Although it’s very touristy, it’s that way for a reason – it really is worth visiting, and should be on everybody’s list. After Prague, we continued onto Israel…

     

    A few snapshots from Prague…

  • Viewing the Total Solar Eclipse, August 21st, 2017

    Viewing the Total Solar Eclipse, August 21st, 2017

    A few of my shots, and NASA’s map from today’s spectacular Total Solar Eclipse, which I viewed from Guernsey, Wyoming.

  • Speaking on the Triple Bottom Line at University of Denver Margery Reed Hall

    Speaking on the Triple Bottom Line at University of Denver Margery Reed Hall

    This week, in conjunction with me Executive MBA at the University of Denver Daniels College of Business, I, along with my great team, gave a talk on the work we’ve been doing with Accendo Solutions to bring solar power and satellite internet to two remote villages in Bolivia.