CEO's / Founders
"Peter helped me start and grow Silicon Valley Data Science, a successful technology company we sold five years later. Peter has a wealth of knowledge and relevant background to managing all financial aspects of a growing venture. He has an unrivaled depth in venture financing, transactions, and operations, as well as the right demeanor to coach and teach people. He is intelligent and adaptable, endeared himself to everyone at our venture, and was invaluable to our success."
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- Sanjay Mathur, Director, Products & Insights, Ad Platform, Apple Inc., LinkedIn
“I have known Peter for over 20 years now! I first met him when I was still a student at Stanford, and he has been both a mentor and a teacher. He was on my Board of Directors for 8 years with my last start-up, leading up to the time we got successfully acquired by a large Japanese internet conglomerate. He was always there through the ups and downs of running a start-up. Peter is very knowledgeable in the world of corporate finance as well as start-up operations; he is resourceful and knows a lot of people in Silicon Valley.”
- Henry Shao, Co-Founder / CEO, Zippia.com, LinkedIn
Board Members
“I had the privilege of working with Peter as a Board member of two early stage companies where he served as CFO. Peter provided great integrity and maturity to these teams as they rapidly grew their organizations. In addition, he was a great partner to these CEO’s as he was able to share candid insights based on his wealth of experience and excellent judgment.”
- Mark Flynn, Managing Partner, MWF Advisors, LinkedIn
“Peter and I have worked together for over 20 years at a variety of companies. These have covered the spectrum from a start-up services company to late stage hardware company. His insights and demonstrated business maturity have been incredibly valuable throughout the growth of all the projects we’ve worked on together.”
- Jim McLean, Partner, Silicon Valley Data Capital, LinkedIn
Company Executives
“As Sr. VP of Business Innovation for a $10b corporation in Germany, we wanted to explore relationships with companies in Silicon Valley, the worldwide leader of innovation. A colleague connected us with Peter Kent. After he learned our ten-year strategy, he went to work. We were amazed how quickly he introduced us to top-tier venture firms and exclusive early stage companies in the very technologies we are pursuing. His connections are extremely impressive, business acumen top-drawer, and bedside manner excellent. We couldn’t be happier, and are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
- Christian Arnold, Senior Vice President Business Innovation, EWE AG, LinkedIn
“Cash is the blood of start-up and emerging companies. Cash forecasting is essential. As CFO, I used the financial models developed by INSIGHT Business Systems at a number of companies for planning, forecasting, raising capital and for Board and investor presentations. INSIGHT’s financial models are both elegant and practical. They helped set expectations while managing the business and raising funds. The models were indispensable for both reasons. So, too, was Peter Kent's guidance.”
- Bob Newell, Director, MoSys, Inc., LinkedIn
Professors
“Accelerating entrepreneurship at Stanford School of Engineering: Peter has been a leader in creating usable financial modeling tools for aspiring entrepreneurs in the founding courses in Management Science and Engineering. Specifically, Peter has led the way in: 1) Building high level and detailed financial models specifically created for new venture creation and sizing the businesses; 2) Coaching entrepreneurial teams on how to create value and build businesses; 3) Being a trusted advisor in the creation of real business spin-offs from Stanford. Peter has been instrumental in the delivery of innovative education techniques in understanding the need and value of financial modeling.”
- Mike Lyons, Managing Director, Newline Ventures; Adjunct Professor, Stanford University, LinkedIn
Young Professionals
“I worked with Peter from the very beginning of our technology startup company until its successful sale to a very large corporation five years later. Peter is a unique brand of high level company executive that is equally at home coaching and mentoring young professionals as setting direction in the boardroom. As a coach Peter has an uncanny ability to break problems down to their core and help identify solutions. As a mentor, Peter's even keel and caring nature are irreplaceable when going through the highs and lows of a fast-growing startup. I am a better person and we were a better company because of him.”
- Rick Drushal, Data Insights Engineering Lead, Apple, LinkedIn
“I have had the good fortune of being coached and mentored by Peter for nearly a decade as a consultant, a direct report, and now a friend. His influence has transformed my life, both personally and professionally through his brand of people-centered teaching and coaching. Peter’s teaching is based on his authentic love for the process of evolution, which makes him an influence who will augment your best qualities and set you on a path of success. I can only hope to change another’s life the way that he has transformed mine.”
- Erica Dzierzon, Asst. VP of Finance, Equitable Life & Casualty Insurance, LinkedIn
“I’ve worked with Peter for over two years. He has been an incredible mentor and coach. He always listened to me intently and patiently without judgment; believed in me when I doubted myself, encouraged me and gave me a loving kick in the back side when I was slacking. He held me to high standards, and pushed me to achieve my fullest potential. His approach is based on trust and integrity (which are his first principles), and he was always there for me when I needed him. He took time to understand my point of view, asked the right questions, and gently guided me to know myself better and to discover my blind spots. Pre- and post-Peter I am not the same person. I hope others get to have the same opportunity I had to experience positive change in their lives through Peter’s help.”
- Mami Ishikawa, Stock Plan Administrator, Carta, LinkedIn