Show #55 Listen (36:17) Download

He likes "white space" in a market, something that isn't being addressed by others; that's what he'd look for when evaluating a venture capital opportunity. "Everything comes down to execution," says Chuck; he's a legend in southern California venture capital and the founder of Enterprise Partners.

Chuck describes the strategic innovation of entrepreneurs like Paul Merage, and companies such as Hansens Natural and Ceradyne. Today he runs Mont Pelerin Capital, a hedge fund in Newport Beach.

Chuck closes out the interview with some sound advice for investors.

It began: "I am very pleased to inform you that you are a finalist in the category of High Impact Person of the Year for the 13th Annual Orange County High-Tech Innovation Awards & Technology Showcase" from Tim Jemal, Executive Director of the AeA, Orange County Council.

So keep your fingers crossed and join me at the awards event on May 18th at the Westin South Coast Plaza at 6:00pm.

Show #53 Listen (32:18) Download

"Vision for Life" is the motto for Advanced Medical Optics, that's what we'll hear from CEO Jim Mazzo. AMO is a spin-off from Allergan with a billion dollars in revenue. The products include laser vision correction, contact lens care and cataract surgery technologies.

Jim's involved at Chapman University, UCIrvine, the University of San Diego and OCTANe; he's a super contributor in the community.

Show #52 Listen (39:42) Download

Rick Lathrop and Wesley Hatfield, co-founders of CODA Genomics, are my guests. It's genomics technology that required the collaboration of the medical school and the computer science department. Wes says that it took six months to describe the problem, but as soon as Rick understood the problem they were able to move quickly toward a solution. Enter Dave Schetter and UCI's Office of Technology Alliances (see podcast Show #47) to find a way to turn the technology into a company that needed funding. Next, the Tech Coast Angels provide the Series A round and less than a year later the Life Science Angels contribute $1.6 million Series B round.

This is my first podcast to be featured on socalTECH.com.

Show #51 Listen (31:46) Download

My guest is Steven Dietz, he's a partner with GRP Partners in Century City. Three investment areas they like are retailing technology, financial services and business services; for example Costco, Starbucks, Office Depot, Zany Brainy and P.F. Changs.