Focused only on Intellectual Property (IP) Questions
Josh Slavitt is a Founding Partner at Slavitt IP Law, LLC and he's been a registered patent attorney for almost 20 years.
At his firm Josh helps clients protect and profit from their intellectual property through the use of IP creation/acquisition strategies, the management of IP portfolios, and the development and implementation of patent enforcement/monetization campaigns.
Prior to starting Slavitt IP Law, Josh was a partner in the Philadelphia office of Gordon & Rees, Scully, Mansukhani.
Josh holds a B.A from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
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Josh Slavitt is a Founding Partner at Slavitt IP Law, LLC and he's been a registered patent attorney for almost 20 years.
At his firm Josh helps clients protect and profit from their intellectual property through the use of IP creation/acquisition strategies, the management of IP portfolios, and the development and implementation of patent enforcement/monetization campaigns.
Prior to starting Slavitt IP Law, Josh was a partner in the Philadelphia office of Gordon & Rees, Scully, Mansukhani.
Josh holds a B.A from the University of Pennsylvania and his J.D. from Boston University School of Law.
Register Here for 1-on-1 session
Arina is a corporate and securities lawyer with extensive experience representing startups and emerging growth companies from formation through initial rounds of financing and beyond, ensuring that the companies are well protected and enabled to grow and succeed. She also advises angel investors and venture capital funds in making investments.
For her clients in the technology space, Arina drafts and negotiates complex software license agreements, master services agreements, support level agreements, software escrow agreements, purchase orders, and terms of use for technology company clients.
In addition, Arina advises on the current legal framework relating to equity crowdfunding and security and utility token issuances in the United States.
As a native Russian speaker, Arina works to enable Russian-speaking founders and investors to conduct and expand their business in the United States or to get venture financing for an exit transaction.
Arina is active in the New York City startup community and is a member of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance. She is an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School, where she teaches Entrepreneurial Law.
Arina received a BA from Mount Holyoke College and her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
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For her clients in the technology space, Arina drafts and negotiates complex software license agreements, master services agreements, support level agreements, software escrow agreements, purchase orders, and terms of use for technology company clients.
In addition, Arina advises on the current legal framework relating to equity crowdfunding and security and utility token issuances in the United States.
As a native Russian speaker, Arina works to enable Russian-speaking founders and investors to conduct and expand their business in the United States or to get venture financing for an exit transaction.
Arina is active in the New York City startup community and is a member of the Wall Street Blockchain Alliance. She is an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School, where she teaches Entrepreneurial Law.
Arina received a BA from Mount Holyoke College and her JD from the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School.
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Join the Venture Lab team in a session with Zofia Wosinska WG'14, Co-Founder ÉSTAINE, to hear about her journey as a socially-conscious entrepreneur as part of the Retail Lab Founder Forum.
Dr. Zofia Wosinska spent much of her career in cancer research and developing tissue dye-based solutions used in cancer diagnosis. Zofia not only studied the effects of cancer from a molecular level but also how emotional well-being impacts prognosis. Zofia imagined the beautiful colors and patterns of the stained cells gracing flowing dresses and fabrics-- telling the story of a survivor. Over the following years, Zofia grew passionate about fashion as a medium for cancer education and patient support. Out of this passion, ÉSTAINE was born. While ÉSTAINE is about extraordinary fashion, it is ultimately so much more — the one-of-a-kind designs tell not only of science but also the stories of survivors, inviting questions that lead to awareness. Educational information about dyes, diagnosis and design accompanies all ÉSTAINE products. Each item sold on the ÉSTAINE website supports a beneficiary focused on fighting the war against cancer.
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Dr. Zofia Wosinska spent much of her career in cancer research and developing tissue dye-based solutions used in cancer diagnosis. Zofia not only studied the effects of cancer from a molecular level but also how emotional well-being impacts prognosis. Zofia imagined the beautiful colors and patterns of the stained cells gracing flowing dresses and fabrics-- telling the story of a survivor. Over the following years, Zofia grew passionate about fashion as a medium for cancer education and patient support. Out of this passion, ÉSTAINE was born. While ÉSTAINE is about extraordinary fashion, it is ultimately so much more — the one-of-a-kind designs tell not only of science but also the stories of survivors, inviting questions that lead to awareness. Educational information about dyes, diagnosis and design accompanies all ÉSTAINE products. Each item sold on the ÉSTAINE website supports a beneficiary focused on fighting the war against cancer.
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Improv isn’t just for SNL actors. The same skills that go into making your favorite comedy skits have been used for decades inside of companies and teams to foster creativity, innovation, and resilience. Together, in this one-hour workshop, we will learn the history, rules, and benefits of Improv. Then, we will explore why having a sense of humor is a powerful tool for inclusive teams. Jessica Halem, MBA, trained at Second City Theater in Chicago and went on to lead a successful career as a stand-up comic. She toured nationally opening for Lady Gaga at NYC Pride, sharing the stage with Margaret Cho, and has been featured in Fast Company and The Wall Street Journal for her ability to bring improv skills to the workplace. Today, she deploys her diverse experiences in healthcare, higher ed, and start-ups to her new role as Senior Director of The Eidos LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania.
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The 2022 Venture Lab Startup Challenge was held on Friday, April 29th, 2022 at Tangen Hall in front of a live audience of more than 130+ attendees. Eight finalist teams pitched their innovative concepts for a chance to win up to $150,000 in cash and in-kind prizes.
Left to right: Rob Goergen, WG’00, Founder and Chairman of G5 Capital; Udit Garg, ENG’25; Andrew Diep-Tran, W’25; Aravind Krishnan, C’25, W’25; and Aarush Sahni, C’25.
Brent Taylor, WG'10
Co-Founder, Beyond Meat
Co-Founder, Perennial
VIRTUAL
Brent Taylor is the former co-founder of plant-based innovator Beyond Meat® and is driven by scaling agri-food brands and technologies that provide sustainable, global food solutions to
improve human health.
A California native who spends his free time traveling and surfing, Brent cut his entrepreneurial teeth starting in 2010, when he co-founded Beyond Meat -- pioneering meat made from plants –which had a successful and historic IPO In 2019 and whose investors included Bill Gates, Kleiner
Perkins Caufield & Byers, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, and others. In 2017 Brent set out to co-found Perennial, a human health science company dedicated to developing targeted, plant-based nutrition for active older adults. Investors included one of the largest private food companies in America. Despite positive progress in its mission, Perennial decided to close its doors in 2021 due to headwinds from the global pandemic.
Before his entrepreneurial endeavors, Brent garnered several years of management experience in agriculture/food as a Senior Analyst – Corporate Development at Dole Food Company, Inc., where his primary focus was in acquisition opportunities, divestitures/business restructures, and global corporate strategy.
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Co-Founder, Beyond Meat
Co-Founder, Perennial
VIRTUAL
Brent Taylor is the former co-founder of plant-based innovator Beyond Meat® and is driven by scaling agri-food brands and technologies that provide sustainable, global food solutions to
improve human health.
A California native who spends his free time traveling and surfing, Brent cut his entrepreneurial teeth starting in 2010, when he co-founded Beyond Meat -- pioneering meat made from plants –which had a successful and historic IPO In 2019 and whose investors included Bill Gates, Kleiner
Perkins Caufield & Byers, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, and others. In 2017 Brent set out to co-found Perennial, a human health science company dedicated to developing targeted, plant-based nutrition for active older adults. Investors included one of the largest private food companies in America. Despite positive progress in its mission, Perennial decided to close its doors in 2021 due to headwinds from the global pandemic.
Before his entrepreneurial endeavors, Brent garnered several years of management experience in agriculture/food as a Senior Analyst – Corporate Development at Dole Food Company, Inc., where his primary focus was in acquisition opportunities, divestitures/business restructures, and global corporate strategy.
Register for a Virtual 1:1 session
Register for group Virtual Lunch and Learn
Clark Callander, WG'86
Co-Founder & MP, Albany Road Real Estate Partners
In 2012, Mr. Callander co-founded and acts as one of the Managing Partners for an income and capital appreciation focused real estate investment company, Albany Road Real Estate Partners. Today, Albany Road manages nearly $2 billion in assets based in the north-east, south-west, and south-eastern parts of the country. The Companys commercial and industrial properties total in excess of 10 million square feet.
Mr. Callander also co-founded GCA (TSE: 2174), a technology-focused investment bank in 2003. He has served in various roles on the Executive Committee since the firms inception. Over his tenure, the firm grew from a founding group of three peers in San Francisco to a global M&A advisory firm with offices in over twenty countries, and nearly 500 employees. He resigned his position in 2000, and the company was subsequently sold to Houlihan Lokey in 2021.
Prior to co-founding GCA, Mr. Callander was a member of the management team at Robertson Stephens & Company. In his roles at Robertson Stephens, he ran the Private Capital Group, a business unit that he started in 1993. During his ten years at the firm, he raised nearly $10 billion dollars of capital for over 300 pre-public and public company clients. While at Robertson Stephens, other roles included head European Investment Banking and was co-head of the Global Corporate Finance.
Over the last three decades, Mr. Callander has been actively involved as an early stage/growth Angel in dozens of companies, primarily in the technology sector. He has served (or currently serves) on company, advisory and non-profit boards including ChaSerg Technology (NASD: CTACU), Sugar Bowl Resort, Bryte, Inc., Vegas Games, Inc., H. Barton Asset Management, IDG Ventures Europe, SF Boys & Girls Clubs, and St Ignatius College Preparatory.
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Co-Founder & MP, Albany Road Real Estate Partners
In 2012, Mr. Callander co-founded and acts as one of the Managing Partners for an income and capital appreciation focused real estate investment company, Albany Road Real Estate Partners. Today, Albany Road manages nearly $2 billion in assets based in the north-east, south-west, and south-eastern parts of the country. The Companys commercial and industrial properties total in excess of 10 million square feet.
Mr. Callander also co-founded GCA (TSE: 2174), a technology-focused investment bank in 2003. He has served in various roles on the Executive Committee since the firms inception. Over his tenure, the firm grew from a founding group of three peers in San Francisco to a global M&A advisory firm with offices in over twenty countries, and nearly 500 employees. He resigned his position in 2000, and the company was subsequently sold to Houlihan Lokey in 2021.
Prior to co-founding GCA, Mr. Callander was a member of the management team at Robertson Stephens & Company. In his roles at Robertson Stephens, he ran the Private Capital Group, a business unit that he started in 1993. During his ten years at the firm, he raised nearly $10 billion dollars of capital for over 300 pre-public and public company clients. While at Robertson Stephens, other roles included head European Investment Banking and was co-head of the Global Corporate Finance.
Over the last three decades, Mr. Callander has been actively involved as an early stage/growth Angel in dozens of companies, primarily in the technology sector. He has served (or currently serves) on company, advisory and non-profit boards including ChaSerg Technology (NASD: CTACU), Sugar Bowl Resort, Bryte, Inc., Vegas Games, Inc., H. Barton Asset Management, IDG Ventures Europe, SF Boys & Girls Clubs, and St Ignatius College Preparatory.
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Register for group Virtual Lunch and Learn
VIRTUAL
Matt Idema is VP of the Business Messaging Group at Meta, leading sales, partnerships, marketing and operations teams for business messaging across platforms, including WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram Direct and Kustomer.
Idema joined Meta in 2011, where he was most recently Chief Operating Officer at WhatsApp,
leading the company's business strategy and operations, including monetization, growth, partnerships, and customer teams.
Idema previously held several senior leadership positions at Yahoo, including vice president of the companys local businesses. Prior to Yahoo, he was vice president of business development at Yodlee, and he began his career as a strategy consultant at Accenture.
He holds a degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
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Matt Idema is VP of the Business Messaging Group at Meta, leading sales, partnerships, marketing and operations teams for business messaging across platforms, including WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram Direct and Kustomer.
Idema joined Meta in 2011, where he was most recently Chief Operating Officer at WhatsApp,
leading the company's business strategy and operations, including monetization, growth, partnerships, and customer teams.
Idema previously held several senior leadership positions at Yahoo, including vice president of the companys local businesses. Prior to Yahoo, he was vice president of business development at Yodlee, and he began his career as a strategy consultant at Accenture.
He holds a degree in engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
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"Early Launch Challenges and Creative Solutions for Food Products"
Mike Weber, WG'20
Co-founder and CEO, Frutero Ice Cream
Mike Weber is the co-founder and CEO of Frutero. From a young age, Weber has always loved trying new food and exploring cultures through culinary experiences. After graduating from the University of Maryland with degrees in finance and biology, Weber joined Deloitte Consulting and worked with multiple food and beverage companies, including one of the leading ice cream manufacturers. Fascinated by the rapid innovation in food, Weber joined an Israeli beer startup, WeissBeerger, to help the company expand in the U.S. market. At Weissbeerger, Weber loved hearing stories from the founders’ early days running the company, and their journey to being acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev. He has always sought adventure, and knew that he was ready for his own. After starting his MBA at Wharton School of Business, Weber met Vedant Saboo (Frutero’s co-founder) on the first day of class, and the two became fast friends on a mission to build a great company. Frutero was launched while the two were still attending school and graduated in 2020. Today, Frutero's products are available in over 3,000 stores across the US, including Whole Foods, Gopuff, and Giant.
Zoom Link
Mike Weber, WG'20
Co-founder and CEO, Frutero Ice Cream
Mike Weber is the co-founder and CEO of Frutero. From a young age, Weber has always loved trying new food and exploring cultures through culinary experiences. After graduating from the University of Maryland with degrees in finance and biology, Weber joined Deloitte Consulting and worked with multiple food and beverage companies, including one of the leading ice cream manufacturers. Fascinated by the rapid innovation in food, Weber joined an Israeli beer startup, WeissBeerger, to help the company expand in the U.S. market. At Weissbeerger, Weber loved hearing stories from the founders’ early days running the company, and their journey to being acquired by Anheuser-Busch InBev. He has always sought adventure, and knew that he was ready for his own. After starting his MBA at Wharton School of Business, Weber met Vedant Saboo (Frutero’s co-founder) on the first day of class, and the two became fast friends on a mission to build a great company. Frutero was launched while the two were still attending school and graduated in 2020. Today, Frutero's products are available in over 3,000 stores across the US, including Whole Foods, Gopuff, and Giant.
Zoom Link
After working in the pharmacy world for 14 years, Josh left his 9-to-5 and joined World Central Kitchen where he worked as the Director of Relief Operations. He spearheaded setting up kitchens in areas that have been destroyed by hurricanes or are struggling with political violence.
Natasha and Chris Ashton are the co-CEO and Co-Founders of Petplan pet insurance. Petplan is the world's largest pet health insurance provider recommended by more veterinarians, pet owners and breeders than any other.
In 2001, Natasha and her husband, Chris, were students at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business when their cat became sick. The costly vet bills made them realize just how lacking the options were for pet insurance in the US - in their native UK, pet insurance is much more common. Sensing a huge opportunity, the two went all in, co-founding Petplan USA in 2006.
The emergence of Petplan arguably jump-started the American pet insurance industry, now estimated to be worth $2 billion annually. The Ashtons grew Petplan into the nation's foremost pet insurance company and by 2011, they were the first and only pet insurance company at the time to be named to the Inc. Magazine Inc. 500 list.
In 2013, Chris and Natasha Ashton were named “Entrepreneur of the Year” in the Greater Philadelphia region by Ernst & Young, and in 2014, Petplan was included in Forbes America's Most Promising Companies List for the second consecutive year. Petplan is headquartered in Newtown Square in suburban Philadelphia.
Natasha Ashton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, from the University of Oxford and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School.
Chris Ashton earned a Bachelor and Masters of Arts in Geography from the University of Oxford and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School.
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In 2001, Natasha and her husband, Chris, were students at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business when their cat became sick. The costly vet bills made them realize just how lacking the options were for pet insurance in the US - in their native UK, pet insurance is much more common. Sensing a huge opportunity, the two went all in, co-founding Petplan USA in 2006.
The emergence of Petplan arguably jump-started the American pet insurance industry, now estimated to be worth $2 billion annually. The Ashtons grew Petplan into the nation's foremost pet insurance company and by 2011, they were the first and only pet insurance company at the time to be named to the Inc. Magazine Inc. 500 list.
In 2013, Chris and Natasha Ashton were named “Entrepreneur of the Year” in the Greater Philadelphia region by Ernst & Young, and in 2014, Petplan was included in Forbes America's Most Promising Companies List for the second consecutive year. Petplan is headquartered in Newtown Square in suburban Philadelphia.
Natasha Ashton earned a Bachelor of Arts in Modern Languages, from the University of Oxford and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School.
Chris Ashton earned a Bachelor and Masters of Arts in Geography from the University of Oxford and a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Pennsylvania – The Wharton School.
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