Tom Kosnik

Partner

2016

FoundersX Ventures is an early-stage venture fund focusing on enterprise AI and big data, quantum computing, space technology, sustainable energy, Fintech, Foodtech, and Medtech. We are strategic investors and have strong partnerships with major venture funds and a high-value network in enterprise ventures. Our team and core network have a unique combination of deep domain knowledge in emerging technologies, expertise in new product development, business growth, international marketing and distribution, fundraising, cross-cultural negotiation, and managing a portfolio of partnerships. We also have access to a trustworthy network of OEM resources for high-tech manufacturing. We have a deep understanding of the different paces of innovation adoption in the entrepreneurial communities in Silicon Valley, China, Singapore, and other ASEAN countries. This network, which we call the "Circles of Influence" helps early-stage ventures rapidly acquire customers, capital and talent.

Investor

2022

All-in-one fintech platform for enterprises in LATAM. Closed $100M venture funding. In rapid growth stage.

Investor

2022

Holistic mental healthcare platform for women, founded by two women MDs.

Investor

2021

Build a sustainable future in space. Founders are former engineers from SpaceX and Lockheed Martin.

Investor

2021

Leader in cultured meat for sustainability

Investor

2019

New drug discovery powered by AI and computational biochem, raised over $26M, with A round led by Microsoft Ventures M12 and Playground Global.

Investor

2018

AI Engine for social e-commerce.

Consulting Professor

2002 - 2019

Taught the New Venture Creation course in NUS Silicon Valley College program (two sections/year). Visited Singapore twice a year to conduct workshops, support NUS iLEAD Program.

Adjunct Professor

1990 - 2018

Tom Kosnik was an adjunct professor in the Department of Management Science and Engineering, Stanford Technology Ventures Program (STVP), at Stanford School of Engineering from 1990-2018. Teaching: His courses included Global Entrepreneurial Marketing, Technology Entrepreneurship, and New Venture Creation. He taught Marketing at Harvard Business School from 1985-89, and launched HBS’s Entrepreneurial Marketing course in 1995-97. At Stanford. He was on the Advisory Board of Business Association of Stanford Entrepreneurial Students (BASES), and faculty advisor to the BASES Challenge (a new business competition) from 1996-2018. Professional Education: Kosnik helps leaders and teams in start-ups, global companies, and other organizations to apply best-of-class tools to overcome real-world challenges. Topics include: • Gear Up: Test Your Business Model Potential and Plan Your Path to Success. An Interactive book and toolkit to help create new markets or disrupt existing markets • Circles of Influence: Getting entrepreneurial players in different regions to bet on your new venture • Negotiating the Triple Chasms of Generation, Gender and Culture: Building trust across borders • Global Entrepreneurial Marketing: Creating new markets and entering new country/markets • Designing Systems that Summon the Spirit: Bringing the best out of people at work Past and current clients include: American Management Systems; Apple Computer; Applied Materials; China Mobile Communications Corporation; Clean Tech Open; Cypress Semiconductor; Cummins Engine; Electronic Arts; Ernst & Young; National University of Singapore Entrepreneurship Centre; HP China; IBM; Microsoft; Nuance Communications; Younoodle, Yunnan Tin Company, and over 100 startups. Advisor: Kosnik has served as a leadership coach and advisor to hundreds of entrepreneurial leaders and teams from 1980 to the present.

Leader of Gear Up Workshop

2011 - 2016