Sankaet Pathak, Founder & CEO Synapse completed a Master’s in computer engineering at the University of Memphis, where he previously majored in computer engineering, physics and mathematics. A scientist at heart, much of Pathak’s academic work was focused on physics and research related to the solar corona. As a student at the University of Memphis and a recent immigrant to the USA, Sankaet Pathak needed to open a bank account. He was surprised to learn that wasn’t an easy task. Sankaet knew he had to develop a better option not only for himself but for the over 20% of adults in the USA with poor or limited credit history.Sankaet founded Synapse with an eye toward offering a viable alternative to legacy banking systems, while providing operational simplicity, efficiency & ease of integration to perform virtually any banking interaction.
Vitaly Bulatov, Cofounder of Drone Employee, focuses on business development and partnerships and is responsible for the market vision of Drone Employee. He landed the first client for the company within “action sport filming” market niche and continues to build customer acquisition pipeline. Prior to Drone Employee Vitaly worked as a business analyst at J’son & Partners Consulting, top technology consulting firm in Russia, developing financial and business models for startups. He also advised startups in Russia and Bay Area about their business strategy. Vitaly holds a Masters Degree in Marketing from Hult International Business School and a B.S. in Economics.
Scott Bambacigno Vice President/founding team member AlphaPoint. Prior to AlphaPoint, Scott invested 10 years in 3 different Silicon Valley software companies (two of which are going strong and the third was successfully acquired). Scott is also a board member of the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club. AlphaPoint is a financial technology company that provides institutions blockchain-enabled solutions to issue, track, and trade digital assets. Its secure, scalable, and customizable platform enables customers to deploy blockchain technology to innovate, differentiate, and transform their businesses. AlphaPoint has 3 live blockchain applications, with over 20 customers, and over $500 Million transacted on the platform. AlphaPoint is led by a seasoned team with 150+ years in financial technology and has offices in New York City, Philadelphia, and San Francisco.
Kamal Hubbard Certified Fraud Examiner who received his Juris Doctor from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He is an analyst, researcher, and blogger who has conducted considerable independent research on Bitcoin and Altcoin fraud. His interest in blockchain technology began while managing research projects at Stanford University’s Rock Center for Corporate Governance. While under the supervision of a former Securities and Exchange Commissioner, Kamal’s research at the Rock Center focused on global corruption under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and securities class action litigation. Along with holding a cybersecurity certification from the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), Kamal sits on the board of Sustainable San Mateo County and serves as an advisor to Tao Records, LLC.
Adam Ettinger Partner Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP in the firm’s Century City and Palo Alto offices. His practice focuses on venture financing, technology development, channel relationships, intellectual property, licensing, privacy, online advertising, and e-Commerce. Adam represents leaders in Blockchain technologies and digital currencies, social gaming, internet advertising, mobile apps, e-commerce, semiconductors, and networking technologies. His clients have included AMD, Apple, BitGo, DeviceScape, Fakespace, Get Satisfaction, Intel, Internet Devices (acquired by Alcatel), Magma Design, Network Solutions Inc. (NSI), Orchestria (acquired by CA), S3 (acquired by HTC), Self Aware Games (acquired by Big Fish), Tivo, and Undertone Networks. Adam has focused on Blockchain technology companies since 2012. He co-leads the firm’s Blockchain and Digital Currencies team. A sample of his experience in the area: Represented BitGo, the recognized leader in digital currency security, in all aspects of its business including SAAS agreements, enterprise customer contracts, and technology development; Represented one of the premier digital currency payment companies in payment gateway and business partnership agreements with PayPal, Apriva and other companies; Advised Blockchain company in structuring channel relationships for customer acquisition and international distribution; Advised manufactures of Bitcoin network verification equipment (mining equipment) in all aspects of business including semiconductor development agreements, distribution agreements, technology licensing, and venture financing; Guided companies seeking regulatory compliance domestically and internationally; Represented Blockchain companies and investors in numerous financings
Kumar Gaurav, Founder Cashaa is a serial entrepreneur who has been in the blockchain space for the past few years and has been responsible for building some of the today’s most exciting fintech businesses. Currently, he is the Vice President of Innovation for Responsible Gold LLC (Formed by Perkins Coie, Yamana Gold, FTI & de Jong Capital). Kumar is also the Chairman of Auxesis Group; India’s first and leading blockchain innovation company from IIT Bombay. He also founded Cashaa, a blockchain based money transfer platform which enables users to send cash without any fee and with best FX rate. Before he moved into the world of financial technology, he delivered innovative systems for luxury automobile brands like BMW and Ferrari. During his time in Italy, he also co-founded Darwinsurance, the first Italian peer-to-peer insurance company based in Milan.
MODERATOR: Pierre-R. Wolff Managing Director ExecConnect, a firm facilitating professional transactional connections. His clients include firms in global financial services and corporate venture capital interested in executing corporate development transactions (specifically investments, M&A, and strategic partnerships), and early stage companies in need of business/corporate development and fundraising strategy assistance. Over the past 3 years he has spent a significant amount of time in the Blockchain ecosystems consulting on various transactions. Pierre currently serves on several advisory boards of blockchain, 3D printing, collaborative communications, real-time streaming and payment system companies. He received his MBA from EDHEC in Nice, France, and conducted his undergraduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA.
