We are delighted to announce the newest addition to the Silicon Foundry team, Farzin Shadpour, who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role as a Partner focused on the Supply Chain sector. With over 18 years of diverse experience in investment, operations management, consulting, and business development, Farzin is set to play a pivotal role in driving supply chain innovation and transformation for our corporate partners.
A Global Leader in Supply Chain and Venture Capital
Farzin’s career is marked by his extensive global experience in the supply chain management industry. Most recently, he served as a Partner at Plug & Play, LLC., a venture capital firm, accelerator, and corporate innovation center. At Plug & Play, Farzin led investments in over 50 startups across the United States, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. His strategic acumen and deep understanding of the supply chain sector have resulted in a remarkable 3X increase in the value of his investments and two unicorns.
“Supply chain management is a core focus area for Kearney, and having Farzin join the SiF team will be a fantastic opportunity for our joint forces to enhance our capabilities, ultimately creating solutions for corporates that include strategic partnerships, investments, and acquisitions,” said Evan Gutoff, Partner at Kearney.
Among his achievements, Farzin has had a front-row seat to the dramatic changes, disruptions, and transformations happening in industry. He has successfully guided and advised executives from more than 50 Fortune 500 companies, including Walmart, Unilever, DHL, Loreal, ExxonMobil, Mitsubishi Electric, and FedEx, on investment strategies and digital transformation initiatives. His ability to navigate and translate the needs of startups, corporations, and government agencies has positioned him as a trusted advisor and leader in the field.
Before his tenure at Plug & Play, Farzin held senior-level positions at Boeing, where he gained invaluable experience managing teams and projects across the U.S., U.K., France, Israel, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. His extensive international experience has equipped him with a unique perspective on global operations and the intricacies of managing complex supply chain networks.
“We’re excited to have Farzin on board,” said Neal Hansch, CEO of Silicon Foundry. “His deep expertise in supply chain and innovation will be invaluable as we strengthen our partnerships with corporates and help them navigate the ever-changing landscape of emerging tech and global innovation ecosystem.”
Farzin’s Role at Silicon Foundry
At Silicon Foundry, Farzin will be instrumental in helping corporations navigate the world of startups and venture capital, with a strong emphasis on guiding leaders in supply chain management with their strategy for digital transformation. In his new role, Farzin will also support Kearney Ventures in continuing to make strategic investments in startups that are poised to shape the future of industries worldwide.
Farzin says his decision to join Silicon Foundry was driven by the company’s commitment to quality of service, opportunities for growth, and robust support from the Kearney team. He is particularly excited about the chance to take his work to the next level by helping Global Fortune 2000 executives navigate the innovation ecosystem more effectively.
Vision for the Future
Farzin envisions leveraging his vast experience to further Silicon Foundry’s mission of connecting corporations with the most innovative startups. He sees immense potential in core technologies such as AI, robotics, computing and connectivity, renewable energy, and advanced sensor technologies, which he believes will have the most significant impact on Fortune 500 companies in the coming years. Farzin plans to not only facilitate introductions to the most relevant startups for our corporate partners but also to ensure successful execution on strategies with these corporates, guiding them through every stage—from initial investment to pilot projects and full-scale implementation.
Farzin’s advice for Fortune 500 executives is rooted in his extensive experience in venture capital and supply chain management: “Make lots of small investments in terms of time and money, and you will be surprised by the return on investment you will achieve.” His philosophy underscores the importance of agility and continuous engagement with emerging technologies and innovations to stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.
Farzin’s journey from his early days at Boeing to becoming a leading figure in Silicon Valley’s venture capital scene has been shaped by his engineering background and education at the University of California, Berkeley. He currently resides in San Francisco with his wife and two children.
We are incredibly excited to welcome Farzin to Silicon Foundry. His unique blend of experience, insight, and vision will undoubtedly drive new levels of success for our partners and the broader innovation community.
