CASE STUDY: Silicon Valley Data Science (SVDS)

 
 

SITUATION

Two investors (Jim McLean and Jim Sims) and two data analytics experts (Sanjay Mathur and John Akred) identified a dislocation in the market in 2012 with the proliferation of social media and cloud-based computing. Large corporations could not keep up with the big data explosion.

SOLUTION

Those four individuals formed a new company called Silicon Valley Data Science (SVDS). INSIGHT Business Systems was asked to help. SVDS went on to employ over 100 top-quality data scientists, engineers, and others, providing big data consulting services to large corporations.

RESULTS

Five years later SVDS was sold to Apple, Inc. The outcome provided a great exit for investors and great opportunities for employees. It was a successful exit for all.

 

SANJAY COMMENTS ON CONTRIBUTIONS FROM PETER KENT

sanjay circle.png

“I embarked upon cofounding a company in my 40s when I felt I had a great foundation of professional and domain skills. One of my investors introduced me early on to Peter to get his advice and perspective on our financial models. I realized immediately after our first meeting how little I actually knew about finance. Peter had a wealth of knowledge and relevant background to managing all financial aspects of a growing venture and I quickly recruited him to join our cause. Peter has unrivaled depth in venture financing, transactions, operational finance, payroll, accounting, and tax. He has as well the right demeanor to coach and teach people so they can be self-sufficient. Much of our growth and ultimate success in exiting our venture is a credit to Peter's steady hand as our CFO both running our finance and HR functions, as well as providing me with coaching, advice, and moral support through good times and bad. I highly recommend Peter to any entrepreneur that wants their finance function to be a source of strength and innovation in their business. Peter is intelligent and adaptable; he has no hesitancy in using cutting edge tools and technology; he endeared himself to everyone at our venture because of his competence; and he was invaluable to our success.”

- Sanjay Mathur, Director, Products & Insights, Ad Platform, Apple Inc., LinkedIn