Visit of Google

Google and the Googleplex were our last visit into the Silicon Valley. Two women from the Human Resources welcomed us: Vicky Wang and Michelle Nguyen who are in charge of the MBA program.

They organized a meeting with six speakers: The creator of Google Earth, a project manager, two other people from the Human Resources. The first “Googler” explained the innovation and entrepreneurship process within Google (to launch new applications and even new products). It was very interesting to see how easily an idea can grow up in such an environment where creativity is enhanced.

At Google, every single employee has 20% of his time devoted to work on an innovative project that is out of his scope of competences. As a result, every single one kind of works for the R&D department.

We also talked about competitors; the speakers answered explaining that Google pay a very close attention to the customers’ reaction. They permanently adapt their offer, following the expectations of the market and advice from their clients.

They also gave us an explanation about their HR process and policy.

Then, they gave us a tour of the place. Every one has been impressed by the open spaces and how easily every one has access to everyone. Everything is done to encourage interaction between people, and to enhance the pleasure of working. From food to massage and Jacuzzi, everything is free! The food court is just an impressive melting pot of chefs!

Google sounds like employees’ paradise!

Red Herring

Red Herring, Inc., founded in 1993, is a media company whose mission is to cover innovation, technology, financing and entrepreneurial activity. Its staff of award-winning journalists tell readers what's first, what matters and most importantly, why.

Our journalists, research specialists and newsletter editors investigate on a global basis and report how the world of innovation and entrepreneurship are transforming business and how the business of technology is transforming the world. We provide a deep understanding of venture capital and capital markets.

We recognize that innovation primarily comes from entrepreneurs, but that success comes from a combination of innovation, management, money, strategy and execution. We take all these factors into consideration when evaluating the potential of companies and technologies to succeed. Since no company exists in a vacuum, we take into account the entire competitive landscape of companies of all size.

Red Herring is dedicated to thorough research, relevant metrics deep financial analysis, in-depth reporting, crisp writing and thoughtful debate. We are a skeptical, intelligent and trustworthy source of information in technology business. Our primary obligation is to provide the most relevant, honest and independent information and analysis to our audience, with the conviction that an exceptional editorial product is the best catalyst for success and the best way to serve our advertisers and investors. Our content is original, compelling and actionable for industry executives and entrepreneurs.

A privately held company, Red Herring, Inc. is headquartered in Belmont, California.

Source:www.redherring.com 

John Bautista

John Bautista, is a member of the Emerging Companies Group, which advises emerging companies and venture capital firms.  Before joining Orrick, he was a co-founder of Venture Law Group and served on the Executive Committee. 

Mr. Bautista previously practiced at Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Rosati. 

Mr. Bautista focuses on emerging companies, and represents both public and private high-tech companies and venture capital funds in many areas, including corporate and securities law, venture capital financings, mergers and acquisitions, public offerings, public company representation, and technology licensing.

http://www.orrick.com/lawyers/Bio.asp?ID=160459

 

Meeting with Eric Benhamou

We will meet first with Mr Eric Benhamou on Monday, January 14th at 10 A.M. in an amphitheater at Stanford University.

 

Eric Benhamou is chairman and CEO of Benhamou Global Ventures, LLC. Benhamou Global Ventures, started in 2003, invests and plays an active role in innovative high tech firms throughout the world. Mr. Benhamou is also the chairman of the board of directors of 3Com Corporation and palmOne, Inc. He served as chief executive officer of Palm, Inc. from October 2001 until October 2003. Benhamou served as chief executive officer of 3Com Corporation from September 1990 until December 31, 2000. 

 

In 1997, former President Bill Clinton appointed Mr. Benhamou to the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee which advises the President on research and development focal points of federal programs to maintain United States leadership in advanced computing and communications technologies and their applications. In 1998, Mr. Benhamou was recognized by former Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with the Foreign Investor Jubilee Award.

 

Mr. Benhamou, 49, holds honorary doctoral degrees from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Widener University, Western Governors University and the University of South Carolina. He has a Master of Science degree from Stanford University's School of Engineering and a Diplôme d'Ingénieur from Ecole Nationale Supérieure d'Arts et Métiers, Paris.