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.”