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From December 7-11, 2024, Global Ties San Francisco hosted the Venture Capital Investment and Regulation: Learning from the U.S. Model delegation of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), sponsored by the U.S. Department of State and administered by Meridian International Center.

During their visit to the San Francisco Bay Area, our ten Slovenian leaders from governmental, financial, and legal sectors explored venture capital best practices. Meetings arranged offered impactful insights into the U.S. regulatory landscape, taxation models, and investment strategies, cultivating key opportunities for dialogue.

Our Professional Meetings

Clearstone Venture Partners

Kicking off the delegation’s visit, the first meeting featured Vish Mishra of Clearstone Venture Partners, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage technology startups. Mishra, a seasoned Silicon Valley venture capitalist and entrepreneur, provided insights into the U.S. venture capital landscape and the essential ecosystem required for its success. He emphasized the importance of mentors, investors, and a positive yet realistic mindset, highlighting the key factors that VCs typically consider when evaluating investment opportunities: team, talent, and track record.

The Deep-Tech Community and VC Nest

A subsequent meeting with the Deep-Tech Community and VC Nest further expounded on the life of startup founders in Silicon Valley and the VC ecosystem. Visitors heard from Arjun Subedi with the Deep-Tech Community, a network of researchers, innovators, venture capitalists, and industry experts focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) deep-tech innovation. Alongside him were Lochan Alagh and Badru Valani, co-founders of VC Nest, a VC firm and coworking space focused on fostering the innovation of scalable businesses by building an ecosystem of fund managers. The speakers addressed their important work and potential strategies for Slovenian VCs.

Consulate General of Denmark, Silicon Valley – Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK)

Another impactful meeting with the Consulate General of Denmark in Silicon Valley explored examined the history and role of Innovation Centre Denmark (ICDK) — which provides services to educational and research institutions, companies, public stakeholders, and Danish citizens looking to expand innovation through access to Silicon Valley. Consul General Jesper Kamp, Asger Bruhn, and Sweeta Ali highlighted ICDK’s unique model in the United States, addressing topics including tax relief or credits options for investors, and how to kickstart investments and develop a strong track record.

Woodside Capital Partners

Following this, the visitors met with Woodside Capital Partners, a leading corporate finance advisory firm for tech companies in Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) and financings in the $30M – $500m segment. Managing Partner Rudy Burger and Executive Director Rajesh Shakkarwar led a conversation on M&A trends, emphasizing key differences between European and American companies. They also highlighted challenges such as aligning with founders’ expectations and understanding the gap between a company’s value and the capital it raises. The group appreciated both the candid market insights and the strategic connections offered for future opportunities.

500 Global

Another noteworthy discussion with 500 Global further revealed aspects of the venture capital landscape in Silicon Valley. Recognized as one of the world’s most active early-stage VC firms, 500 Global specializes in backing fast-growing startups across industries. During the session, the team shared an overview of their in-person accelerator program, which enables companies to gain firsthand exposure to the U.S. market without the need to fully relocate to California.

Kumo.AI

A final exceptional session for the visitors was with Kumo.AI, a technology company whose machine learning (ML) infrastructure simplifies the training and deployment of ML models on complex data. CEO Vanja Josifovski touched on what entrepreneurship looks like in Silicon Valley, reflecting that the region is focused and things move quickly. He also shared that the ability to mobilize talent is the key to success. The group appreciated these perspectives, as well as further dialogue on privacy, AI, copyrights, data storage, and more.


Cultural Experiences in San Francisco

Sightseeing

The visitors had an amazing time exploring San Francisco! They had the opportunity to wander through the towering trees of Muir Woods, experience the eclectic vibe of Haight-Ashbury, admire the Palace of Fine Arts, and experience the vibrant culture and colors of Chinatown.

Exchanges Impact

This global exchange program with Slovenia highlighted the significance of building ongoing relationships between Slovenian and U.S. investors. During the visit, the group explored best practices in venture capital regulation, policies and initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, and the importance of collaboration to drive economic growth. The group’s cultural experiences also gave them the opportunity to see firsthand the innovative and driven environment of San Francisco and Silicon Valley, while deepening their perspectives on the U.S. cultures and society.

Author: Valleigh Brechtel, Spring 2025 Intern
Editor: Alannah Crandall

From February 13-19, 2025, Global Ties San Francisco hosted the “Tackling Cybercrimes: A Key to Modern Trade” delegation as part of the International Exchange and Leadership Program (IELP), sponsored by the U.S. Embassy Islamabad and administered by Meridian International Center.

Our eight distinguished visitors from Pakistan—including law enforcement officers, an information technology and digital innovation professional from a provincial agricultural department, and online banking experts—engaged with prominent San Francisco and Silicon Valley organizations on cybercrime investigation, cybersecurity risk management, and consumer protection against digital threats.

Key Themes:

  • The role of public-private partnerships in strengthening cybersecurity;
  • Best practices for information sharing and data protection;
  • Advanced tools for combating cryptocrimes; and
  • Workforce development to prepare the next generation of cyber professionals.

Our San Francisco and Silicon Valley Cyber Sessions

Crystal Intelligence

The delegation’s first meeting was with Crystal Intelligence, a leading blockchain intelligence firm that equips financial institutions, law enforcement, and regulators with real-time blockchain analysis, investigative tools, and compliance solutions. The discussion centered on crypto risk and investigations, inspiring critical dialogue on use cases and their implications. Participants gained valuable insights into emerging cryptocrime trends and explored strategies to enhance monitoring and reporting.

San Francisco Bay Area InfraGard & Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Francisco

Our team also facilitated a meeting with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay Area InfraGard, an FBI-affiliated nonprofit dedicated to strengthening bi-directional communications between government and the private sector on critical infrastructure protection. The discussion underscored the essential role of strong public-private partnerships in combating cybercrime.

With three delegates representing the Federal Investigations Agency (FIA)—the FBI-equivalent in Pakistan—this session carried particular significance. Engaging directly with their professional counterparts, the visitors exchanged strategies for cybersecurity risk management and threat assessment, drawing comparisons between the U.S. and Pakistan’s approaches and capacities. The discussion also emphasized workforce readiness initiatives, with both local and international participants sharing methods to cultivate the next generation of cyber professionals within their respective national contexts.

Institute for Security and Technology (IST)

A final meeting with the Institute for Security and Technology (IST) provided a deep dive into leveraging public-private partnerships to combat ransomware and other cyber threats. IST employs a multifaceted approach to addressing global security concerns, including not only cybersecurity risks and information warfare, but also the broader implications of technology on democracy and human security.

Through this discussion, the delegation gained a comprehensive understanding of cross-sector collaboration in tackling cyber threats. IST’s emphasis on bridging the gap between government and industry helped the participants conceptualize potential avenues for stakeholder engagement and policy coordination to address evolving security challenges.


Collectively, these meetings underscored the power of cross-cultural dialogue for greater cumulative impact. The direct exchanges between experts from the U.S. and Pakistan reinforced a global commitment to combating cybercrime, securing critical infrastructure, and bolstering the cyber workforce of the future.

Cultural Experiences in San Francisco

Home Hospitality

In addition to their professional meetings, the visitors deepened their understanding of U.S. culture and society through meaningful community-level experiences, including enjoying a meal with local San Franciscans as part of Global Ties San Francisco’s Home Hospitality Program.

Alcatraz Island

The group also explored Alcatraz Island through a private behind-the-scenes tour, offering a unique perspective on the island’s layered history and significance to varied communities in the San Francisco Bay Area. We extend our sincere gratitude to Ranger John Cantwell (Ret.) for leading this outstanding tour, as well as to our longstanding cultural hosts, Linda Cahill and Jim Horio, for helping arrange it.

In the cellhouse with Ranger John Cantwell (Ret.).

International Visitors exploring Alcatraz Island's cellhouse

Restored graffiti and historic political statement from the 1969-1971 Indian Occupation of Alcatraz – learn more here and here.

In the lighthouse with Ranger Matt Connelly.

Visiting historic sites like Alcatraz provided our distinguished foreign visitors with a deeper connection to and understanding of American history and society. One visitor reflected on how the experience offered valuable insight into her work in law enforcement—seeing the history of this high-security prison and the conditions during its operation underscored the evolution of correctional practices, philosophies, and the broader U.S. justice system over time.

Sightseeing

To round out their time in the Bay Area, the group also took in the breathtaking scenery of Mount Tamalpais and Muir Beach, enjoying stunning panoramic and coastal views of these sites, along with the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and Palace of Fine Arts.

Exchanges Impact

This exchange program demonstrated the importance of information sharing and collaboration in addressing modern cybersecurity challenges. Through meetings with local experts, the delegation gained actionable insights on cyber threat mitigation, blockchain intelligence, and public-private cooperation, while also sharing their own experiences and approaches. Equally important, cultural experiences like Home Hospitality and historical site visits fostered deeper appreciation and understanding of our community and nation.

Author: Valleigh Brechtel, Spring 2025 Intern
Editors: Oli Vorster & Alannah Crandall

On September 24, 2024, Global Ties San Francisco hosted a free community social hour and networking event with meaningful conversations over delicious food!

Global Ties San Francisco is thrilled to announce that our summer 2024 intern Leila Shawrieh has been selected for the 2025 cohort of the Global Ties U.S. Emerging Leaders Program due to her outstanding potential to lead and shape the future of public diplomacy and international exchange!

This past summer, Global Ties San Francisco proudly served as a community lead for the Alliance for International Exchange’s Summer of Action initiative to raise awareness of the benefits that international exchange programs bring to Americans and their local communities.

Join Global Ties San Francisco on September 24th for a free community social hour and networking event with meaningful conversations over delicious food!

In early August 2024, Global Ties San Francisco hosted a U.S. Department of State International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) delegation of six Egyptian public health professionals and government officials focused on Strategies to Strengthen Health Security.

Global Ties San Francisco is currently accepting applications for Spring 2024 internships (fully remote and hybrid).

Embrace this opportunity to cultivate cross-cultural communication and diplomacy skills, while refining written and oral communication, research, and analytical abilities. Become a member of our team and contribute to the success of international delegation visits. Interns provide critical programmatic support through community outreach, research, representation in sessions for our visiting dignitaries, and social media content creation.