Mar 21Lessons from the Collapse of SVB: Why Proper Risk Management and Transparency are Essential in the Financial IndustryBy Bill Clifford — CEO, Spencer Trask & Co. The collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) has sent shockwaves throughout the financial world. It is a sobering reminder that even the most well-respected companies can suffer catastrophic losses if they become complacent or fail to adapt to changing circumstances. …Banking2 min readBanking2 min read
Dec 13, 2022Fraudster Sam Bankman-Fried is a Pathetic Character and a Product of our TimeBy William Clifford — Vice Chairman, Spencer Trask & Co. Several weeks have passed since a spoiled millennial from the Silicon Valley has been exposed as one of the most prolific con men of the 21st Century. Sam Bankman-Fried (aka SBF) has allegedly perpetrated one of the costliest frauds in…4 min read4 min read
Aug 12, 2022Investor Insights: Part OneTheranos — From Industry Darling to Dead Unicorn By Bill Clifford — CEO, Spencer Trask & Co. This is the first of a series focused on unicorns whose tusks were shorn once investors and journalists exposed egregious operational malfeasances of messianic leaders who were peddling what turned out to be…4 min read4 min read
Aug 1, 2022Investor Insights: Part TwoWeWorking the System By Bill Clifford — CEO, Spencer Trask & Co. This is the second of a series focused on unicorns whose tusks were shorn once investors and journalists exposed egregious operational malfeasances of messianic leaders who were peddling what turned out to be nothing more than a vision wrapped up in…4 min read4 min read
Apr 28, 2022The Genome Makes Us HumanBy John Essick April 25th was National DNA Day, which celebrates completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. Spearheaded in part by the National Human Genome Research Institute, the global mission of this education-focused initiative is to bring together students, teachers, and the public to learn more about genomics. …Human Genome Project3 min readHuman Genome Project3 min read
Mar 23, 2022The Affordable Care Act: Twelve Years LaterNow is the time to further study evidence-based medicine and shared decision making models to improve healthcare quality and lower costs. By Kevin Kimberlin (Originally published by Health Affairs) Getting healthcare right has been one of the largest challenges for the U.S. Now, 12 years after President Obama signed the…Affordable Care Act5 min readAffordable Care Act5 min read
Sep 30, 2021A History of Mobile Telephony and Cellular PortabilityThe First Cellular Network and the Bold Innovators who Changed the World Today’s smartphone is built upon three pillars: 1.) a cellular network and 2.) a pocket-sized phone with 3.) wireless access to data. Let’s look at some pivot points for each of these pillars. We start with the fundamental…10 min read10 min read
Jun 14, 2021THE INNOVATION GENERATION AND THE NEW FUNDING LANDSCAPESpencer Trask Perspectives is an interview series discussing unique insights and expert opinions on several topics relevant to startups from the firm’s CEO, Bill Clifford. John Essick, Contributor As we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, there will no doubt be a new wave of entrepreneurs and start-ups that we might…Innovation6 min readInnovation6 min read
Published inSpencer Trask & Co.·Nov 16, 2020The MSC: Regeneration OrchestratorScientists uncover the promise of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), also known as medicinal signaling cells, to modulate the immune system and regenerate tissue. — Originally Published in The Scientist, November 16th, 2020 The mysteries of a salamander regenerating its tail or a sea cucumber mending its organs have fascinated humans and perplexed scientists for centuries. The idea that the human body holds similar mechanisms to heal and repair itself is tantalizing and not altogether…Biotech9 min readBiotech9 min read
Published inSpencer Trask & Co.·Nov 10, 2020Did COVID Disrupt Your Exit Plan? Here’s How to Get Back on TrackWelcome to Spencer Trask Perspectives, a monthly interview series with our CEO Bill Clifford and writer John Essick. In each installment, Mr. Clifford shares his unique insights and expert opinions on topics such as business development, deal flow, C-suite management, startup culture, entrepreneurialism, and more. We welcome your feedback, and…Startup10 min readStartup10 min read
