Databricks • 27.08.2024

The second day of our Silicon Valley field trip began with a visit to Databricks, a company that emerged from UC Berkeley's AMPLab (Algorithms, Machines, and People Lab) in 2013. 

Headquartered in San Francisco, California, Databricks focuses on driving innovation in AI and data analytics. With a global presence across North America, Europe, and Asia, Databricks employs over 7,000 people and serves more than 50% of Fortune 500 companies. The company’s core offering centers around compute and storage solutions in the cloud, partnering with major platforms like Azure and AWS. 

The core product of Databricks is its Lakehouse Platform, which combines the advantages of data lakes and data warehouses to enable seamless data management for analytics and AI. The platform’s key technologies include DeltaLake for data consistency and performance, ETL tools for scalable data engineering, a collaborative environment for data science and machine learning and lifecycle management, and data analytics tools for real-time and batch processing. 

Looking ahead, Databricks focuses on supporting AI workloads, particularly through large language models (LLMs) and Generative AI. These efforts aim to make AI tools more efficient and accessible for their customers. 

As of August 2024, Databricks remains a private company, though rumors suggest it may be preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) in the near future. 

https://www.databricks.com/

Raise • 27.08.2024

On the second day of our study trip, we had the privilege of visiting Raise, a leading real estate technology company, at their San Francisco office. We were warmly welcomed by Jon Moeller, Executive Managing Director, and Ryan Ringelstein, Senior Real Estate Advisor.

Jon began by giving us an insightful overview of the Silicon Valley ecosystem, explaining why the region has become synonymous with startups and technological innovation. He emphasized the area's culture of innovation, where challenging the status quo is encouraged, and highlighted the critical role of a thriving ecosystem that blends fresh ideas, skilled talent, and venture capital.

Next, Jon introduced us to Raise and its mission to modernize the real estate industry. Raise supports clients by helping them find, design, and manage workspaces that suit their unique needs. For example, companies experiencing rapid growth can rely on Raise’s advanced search tools to find the most suitable office locations based on a variety of factors, including location and expansion potential.

One of the highlights of the visit was Jon's demo of WorkplaceOS, Raise’s proprietary real estate management platform. This all-in-one system enables companies to handle every aspect of their real estate needs, from finding new office spaces to tracking lease agreements and analyzing workplace occupancy. A key feature Jon stressed was the platform's transparency, which allows clients to access real-time data and make informed decisions based on up-to-date insights.

Overall, our visit to Raise provided a clear example of how technology and data-driven solutions are transforming traditional industries like real estate. We left with a deeper understanding of how companies like Raise are leading the charge toward more efficient, informed, and adaptable workspace management. We extend our sincere thanks to Jon and Ryan for their time and for sharing their expertise

https://www.raise.work/

Silicon Foundry • 28.08.2024

On Wednesday morning, we had the incredible opportunity to visit Silicon Foundry, located in the heart of San Francisco on Mission Street. Interestingly, we had already previewed the location on the RAISE platform, the real estate company we visited the day before. Silicon Foundry, known for leveraging its extensive network and expertise, plays a vital role in bridging the gap between established corporations and emerging tech platforms. Their goal is to "navigate the noise" and help companies find new emerging technologies that could be beneficial to them. Their member portfolio includes notable companies such as Novartis, Southwestern, Johnson & Johnson, and UPS. Their business model is subscription-based rather than being charged by the hour, which is an interesting approach as consultants. 

In mid-2023, Kearney acquired Silicon Foundry, further aligning the two companies' shared values and enhancing their ability to help clients evolve their business models, improve agility, and foster innovation. 

A strong network, as we learned during our visit, is truly the gateway to transformative opportunities.

A special thanks to Mark Menell and Lucas Tesler for hosting us and sharing their insights.

https://sifoundry.com/

Swissnex • 28.08.2024

Swissnex  consists of two parts: "Swiss," representing the country of Switzerland, and "nex," an abbreviation for "nexus," which means a connection or series of connections linking two or more things. This naming summarizes  Swissnex's mission to be a knowledge exchange consulate that forms a dynamic bridge between Switzerland and the rest of the world. Established under the cooperative management of the State Secretariat for Education, Research, and Innovation and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, Swissnex is a global network aimed at connecting the dots in education and research to global innovation. 

The network consists of six branches located in key global regions including Boston, San Francisco, China, India, Brazil, and Japan, each focusing on different aspects pertinent to their location for instance, Boston with its proximity to educational titans like Harvard and MIT focuses on education.

Since its establishment, Swissnex has promoted swiss entrepeneurs by: 

• Supporting Swiss Startups: Since 2010, Swissnex has supported 83 Swiss startups, helping them to navigate in the competitive U.S. market.

• Building a Community: They have cultivated a community of over 400 founders and various organizations, creating an environment for growth and innovation.

• Economic Impact: The startups nurtured by Swissnex have reached a combined valuation of $1.1 billion and have been instrumental in creating over 500 jobs in Switzerland alone.

During our insightful visit to Swissnex in San Francisco, we were greeted by our guide, Sarah Burckhardt, who introduced us to the ecosystem that supports Swiss startups. Swissnex collaborates closely with Innosuisse, the Swiss innovation agency, to facilitate connections and support for Swiss companies seeking to break into the competitive U.S. Western market. Notably, Swissnex does not directly contact startups; instead, startups apply through Innosuisse based on specific criteria that assess their potential to learn and grow from experience. 

Swissnex supports the selected startups, offering a range of services including expert coaching, boot camps tailored for groups to foster collective learning, and access to a local network that helps integrate them into the San Francisco ecosystem. This ecosystem thrives on rapid change and resilience, qualities that are essential for startups to succeed in this dynamic environment. One of the unique aspects of Swissnex is the "Startup Alumni" wall, displaying the names of successful startups, and meeting rooms named after Swiss inventions, reflecting their creative spirit  Swissnex's uses a specific funding model: one-third of its funding is sourced from the government, while two-thirds are raised through private funding.  The supported startups are not charged.

Swissnex stands for the belief that "the world needs Switzerland and Switzerland needs the world," empowering the next generation of innovators to create a future that is interconnected and inventive.

https://swissnex.org/

Swisscom • 29.08.2024

The purpose of the Swisscom Outpost in Silicon Valley is to aim to drive innovation by collaborating with startups and tech partners. They focus on selecting companies that align with Swisscom's goals and have demonstrated successful partnerships, particularly in cloud-native solutions and IT infrastructure. The identified solutions are then either transferred to internal business units, or customers.  

Emerging technologies such as cloud services and telecom innovations are critical for Swisscom’s future. The Outpost plays a vital role in Swisscom’s digital transformation strategy by staying ahead of trends and overcoming challenges in technology scouting and adoption. The introduction of the outpost in 1998 was a significant milestone in Swisscom’s history.  

When the internet bubble burst, many telecommunications companies retreated, but Swisscom remained resilient and adapted to the changing landscape. This foresight allowed Swisscom to witness and influence the rise of innovative startups and rapid technological advancements, especially following the introduction of the iPhone in 2007. Being present from the beginning of this new era, Swisscom positioned itself as a key player in driving and shaping the future of communication technology and was recently even recognized by Brand Finance as the third strongest brand worldwide.  

https://www.swisscom.ch/ 

Standford University • 29.08.2024

After a brief orientation at our hotel in Sunnyvale, we took a bus to Stanford University, a familiar destination as we had already explored the campus the week before. This time, we were treated to a private tour by Andrew Milne, who began by showing us the time capsules located around the church. These capsules, filled annually by graduates since 1896, are opened sequentially once the first is reached again. 

Following the introduction, we visited the product realization lab, the design center, and the d.school. At the ME310 loft, a creative yet cluttered space filled with materials students might use during the course, Andrew delivered a presentation on the global engineering design course, ME310. This nine-month program teaches students how to anticipate future consumer needs through practical projects, and it even welcomes international participants. Who knows, perhaps one day, students from FHNW will have the opportunity to join and bring their innovative ideas to life. 😉 

The visit to Stanford University was really impressive. A big thank you to Andrew Milne, who showed us around the campus and introduced us to the exciting ME310 course. 

https://www.stanford.edu/ 

Ecosystem Ventures • 29.08.2024

The Co-Founder of Ecosystem Ventures is Alex Fries. He founded Ecosystem Ventures in January of 2006 to address the pending need for investment and support in European technologies and pre-seed-stage companies. Mr. Fries began his career as a telecommunications analyst for Credit Suisse and went on to build and prepare MCI WorldCom in Switzerland for the European telecommunications liberalization. 

In general Alex himself is invested in more than 100 start-ups all over the globe. He gets up to 50 investment proposals per day. He is selecting them and gives the ones he is interested to his analysts for a deep check. Afterwards he decides, if he wants to invest. The investors in his funds are pension funds, banks, private funds and so on. He usually invests around 2-5 mio. dollars in a start-up. Mostly in Level A start-ups which means they are not really big at this time (maybe 2-5 people). Like this he can get a lot of their equity without spending a ton of money. His goal is to find the unicorn of all those start-ups and he has already done that. With a unicorn he can cover all his loses from other unsuccessful start-ups and give the investors the return they expect.  

In addition he is invested in Alpana Ventures. They are based in Geneva and focuse on supporting early-stage startups, particularly those driving digital transformation. Since its founding in 2016, Alpana Ventures has backed over 45 companies through three funds. The firm invests in various sectors such as fintech, e-commerce, health tech, and supply chain, supporting startups from seed to Series C stages. Notable investments include companies like Beekeeper, Nezasa, and Tinamu Labs. Alpana Ventures is particularly known for discovering and fostering "deep tech" solutions, aiming to embed these technologies into innovative business models that shape the future of industries across Europe, Switzerland, and the U.S. They also emphasize value creation, providing not just financial backing but strategic guidance and a network of experts to help startups grow​ 

But right now he is working on different projects. He is founding a new company called Digital Twins Capital which is based in San Francisco. It is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage companies with a focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to drive growth. They focus on M&A because in their opinion there are thousands of similar start-ups in different regions which basically have the same goals. They are looking for the best performing start-ups and merge or at least partner them to use synergies and for scaling. They typically invest in companies with valuations under $20 million and revenues of at least $1 million. Their strategy includes co-investing with local partners and adhering to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) guidelines. They also provide M&A support to small businesses, including Native American and Native Alaskan organizations, offering guidance through the entire M&A process. 

Another project he is working on is an innovation hub in Chur called InnoQube. They aim to accelerate the growth of start-ups, companies, and investors. It focuses on key sectors such as health, life sciences, and environmental innovation, particularly within the Alpine region. InnoQube provides a comprehensive ecosystem, offering co-working spaces, partnerships with corporates, and support for start-ups through programs designed to foster innovation and collaboration. 

https://ecosystemventures.in

KanoScale • 02.09.2024

Our third day in Silicon Valley was nothing short of inspiring. We had the privilege of meeting David Grissim, a Swiss entrepreneur with a remarkable journey that resonates with many aspiring tech innovators. 

From Switzerland to Silicon Valley 

David Grissim, a Swiss national, successfully launched his company Netrics in his home country before moving to California with his Californian wife two years ago. Not one to rest on his achievements, David soon came up with a new business idea. One that combined his passion for technology, in particular infrastructure management and innovation. He founded KanoScale, a company that uses artificial intelligence and no-code templates to streamline infrastructure management. 

After numerous attempts to secure funding, perseverance paid off. Just as he received positive news from a venture capitalist, life presented another milestone - his wife was expecting their second child. This joyful news led David to make an important decision: he decided to merge KanoScale with an existing company. His priority shifted to enjoying family life and being present as a father. In a culture often dominated by work, David is experimenting with setting clear boundaries to set an example for others. 

Wisdom worth sharing 

David's discussion with us was full of valuable advice drawn from his personal experience of starting a business and becoming an entrepreneur: 

• Find your niche: Identify a unique area where you can make a significant impact. Specialization can make you stand out in a crowded marketplace. 

• Build a strong team: Surround yourself with smart people who bring not only skills but also camaraderie. David stresses the importance of hiring people you'd enjoy having a beer with on a Friday night. 

• Craft a compelling pitch: Be specific about the problem you're solving and how you're going to do it. Keep your pitch concise - no more than 12 slides. Use services such as Upwork to improve your presentation design. He emphasized the importance of a summary snapshot that clearly outlines the problem and solution. 

• Choose investors wisely: Money isn't the only value investors bring. Consider what additional benefits they bring. Conduct thorough due diligence and don't hesitate to say no if the fit is not right. 

Time travel at the Computer History Museum 

After our enlightening start with David, we spent the rest of the morning and afternoon exploring the Computer History Museum where our meeting took place. As we walked through the exhibits, we witnessed the evolution of computing - from ancient counting machines to today's computers. It was a fascinating experience that complemented our discussion with David, highlighting the rapid advancement of technology and the endless possibilities that lie ahead. 

Our day captured the essence of what Silicon Valley represents: innovation, determination and the human stories behind technological breakthroughs. Meeting leaders like David Grissim not only enriches our academic journey, but also inspires us to forge our own paths in the world of business information systems. 

OhmniLabs • 03.09.2024

In the second week on Tuesday 3 September, we visited OhmniLabs, a robotics company based in Silicon Valley, known for developing both hardware and software solutions. The tour, led by Anthony Ingelido, began with an introduction in the demo room, where we were shown their two flagship products: the OhmniClean and the Ohmni Telepresence robots. OhmniClean is designed for autonomous UV-C disinfection in high-traffic areas such as hospitals, while OhmniCare is a telepresence robot aimed at facilitating remote communication in healthcare, education, and business settings​. 

Following the demo, we toured the 3D print factory, which houses over 100 printers. These printers are used to make parts for the robots and to quickly produce customized prototypes, enabling the company to respond quickly to customer needs and improve efficiency. This was followed by a visit to the assembly station, where robots are put together in a well-structured process. Each step is tracked to optimize both quality and time, with the assembly taking about two hours per robot​. 

We also explored their warehouse and research and development (R&D) department. In R&D, we learned about ongoing projects, including prototypes with larger screens. The tour concluded with a live demo, where we saw a robot’s programming and autonomous navigation in action​. The entire visit highlighted how OhmniLabs has streamlined its operations, working in sprints and focusing on continuous innovation while maintaining a flexible and collaborative work environment. 

https://ohmnilabs.com/

Plug and Play • 06.09.2024

In the second week, on Friday 6 September, we visited Plug and Play, a company based in Silicon Valley. Sara Torabi guided us through the morning. The company started in the famous building on University Avenue, the Lucky Building. There they rent space to start-ups. She then talked about how Plug and Play works globally today, focusing more on software start-ups than hardware start-ups. They invest in early-stage companies. Each company can only pitch once a year, maybe again after a few years, but never in the same year. 

After a tour of the building, we had the opportunity to listen in on a live pitching session. 

But what are the pitching sessions?  

There are two pitching days: Wednesdays, reserved for university teams, and Fridays, for start-ups from various sectors. Start-ups can either register themselves or be invited to a pitching session. Selection is based on a 3-minute pitch and a 1-minute Q&A session. The five best or most promising start-ups will be selected. Plug and Play, along with venture capitalists, sometimes co-invest in the same start-ups. 

What else does Plug and Play support?  

The 3-month program offers free office space, access to managers, participation in events and networking opportunities. The largest event attracts between 3,000 and 4,000 participants. To participate, you need to register on the platform. Plug and Play invites 40 to 50 start-ups to the selection day, of which 20 are allowed to stay. A second application is possible. Startups that pitch on Friday will not participate in the program. 

https://plugandplaytechcenter.com/

You.com • 05.09.2024

Another highlight of our study trip was definitely the guest speaker, Anmol Jawandha, from You.com. It was really interesting to hear about their journey, from the early days of working with AI to building their own search engine. We got a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to create something like that, and it was eye-opening. 

Anmol talked a lot about the challenges they face, especially when it comes to making sure AI is trustworthy. Sometimes, AI can give wrong or confusing information, and You.com is working hard to solve that by using real-time web access and adding sources for accuracy. 

We were also impressed by how much they focus on making the experience better for users. The idea of having a chat-based interface and the option to create custom AI tools seems practical and useful. It’s exciting to see how AI is being designed to meet people’s needs more directly. 

This presentation sparked our interest in the future of AI and how it might change the way we find and use information. You.com's commitment to building reliable and easy-to-use AI was inspiring, and it got us thinking about how AI could be a part of our future careers. 

https://you.com/

Google • 04.09.2024

Study Trip Diary Report: Google Headquarters Visit in Mountain View, California

During our recent study trip to Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, we met with Nilay Coskun, Program Manager for Flutter DevRel, who shared valuable insights into both Google's working culture and the company's technology initiatives.

On our walk across the campus, Nilay described Google’s fast-paced environment, where decisions are often made quickly. She emphasized that despite these challenges, team morale generally remains positive, with employees continuing to focus on innovation and collaboration. While layoffs have occurred, the culture at Google encourages resilience and adaptability. 

Many questions addressed the alleged working culture at big tech companies, such as Google, where people seem to be working twice the usual hours and practically live on campus. Nilay gave valuable insight, stating that this is not the case, or at least not all the time and everywhere. People are committed, but still manage to find a good balance in general.

She also discussed her involvement with initiatives supporting women in tech, reflecting her commitment to improving gender diversity in the industry. As a woman in a technical leadership role, she highlighted the ongoing need for support structures and opportunities for women in the tech field.

On the technical side, Nilay introduced us to Flutter, Google’s open-source UI toolkit used for developing applications across mobile, web, and desktop platforms from a single codebase. The key features of Flutter speed up the coding process significantly. Flutter also uses Dart as its primary language and has strong performance capabilities due to its underlying C++ engine.

Overall, the visit provided a clearer understanding of Google’s work culture and the practical applications of Flutter in software development.

https://www.google.com/

Got It • 04.09.2024

During the second week of our trip, on Wednesday afternoon, we had a presentation by Hung Tran, the founder of Got It Inc. Hung Tran came directly to our hotel and gave a talk in a conference room. He shared the story of how Got It Inc. was founded and introduced us to their products. After the presentation, there was an open Q&A session. 

Founded in 2011 in Silicon Valley, California, Got It Inc. aims to provide real-time, expert-led assistance across a wide range of subjects, making knowledge more accessible to anyone in need of immediate support. Inspired by Hung Tran's personal struggles in accessing timely help during his education, the company initially focused on offering homework assistance in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Since then, Got It has expanded to cover a broad range of professional and technical topics. The company currently employs around 100 people.

Got It leverages machine learning and AI to match users with the most suitable experts, ensuring efficient and accurate assistance. The platform's strategic partnership with Microsoft allowed for the integration of its services into tools like Microsoft Office, enhancing both accessibility and functionality.

Key products of Got It include:

• Photo Study: Provides real-time help by allowing users to submit photos of their problems.

• ExcelChat: Delivers on-demand support for Excel, integrated with Microsoft.

• StudyBoost: A platform focused on content delivery and course management.

• MathGPT: An AI-driven solution offering instant and accurate help with math-related queries. Using advanced AI algorithms, MathGPT tutors users on mathematical concepts and problem-solving, providing immediate assistance to students and professionals alike.

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Got It stays attuned to the latest trends in education, and technology. The company actively seeks new opportunities by aligning its innovations with current global trends like AI. 

Additionally, Got It has conducted tutoring sessions in schools across the U.S., amassing nearly 24,000 hours of tutoring to track the effectiveness of its products, particularly MathGPT, in enhancing student learning outcomes.

Looking ahead, Got It plans to expand its offerings by increasing the number of instructors, available languages, and expanding into more countries. The company's vision is to provide a truly global platform, offering real-time, expert-led assistance to users worldwide.

https://www.gotit.life/

San Jose State University • 05.09.2024

Our visit to San Jose State University started with a warm welcome from Janet Tan. Right away, we could feel the excitement of being on campus. Rick Murno then gave an interesting introduction to SJSU, sharing what makes the university special. 

After that, we split into two groups for different activities. One group went on a tour of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Library, which is a partnership between the City of San José and SJSU. The library serves both the university and the public, and we were impressed by its large collections and the range of resources available for students and the community. 

The second group visited the LTI lab, where we got to experience mixed reality. We tried out VR headsets, AR glasses, and even the Apple Vision Pro. It was exciting to see how these new technologies are being used in education and entertainment. 

Once both groups were done, we came back together for a campus tour that took us through the main areas of the university, ending at the busy food court where we had a chance to rest and grab a bite to eat. 

In the afternoon, we visited the business college, where we listened to several talks by faculty members like Bobbi Makani, David Czerwinski, Taeho Park, and Professor Kelly Shi. They all gave us useful insights into their fields, and it was great to hear from experts with different backgrounds. 

The best part of the day, though, was a lecture by Gary Richman, a former director at Intel. His stories about his career at one of the top tech companies were inspiring. 

To finish off the day, we made an unplanned stop at the Intel Museum, where we learned even more about the history of tech and innovation. It was the perfect way to end an inspiring and educational day at SJSU! 

https://www.sjsu.edu/