Guest: George Panagiotakopoulos, Innovation Ecosystem Development -Advisor, Berkeley SkyDeck Episode Summary: Join us as we sit down with George Panagiotakopoulos, who works with UC Berkeley who has a unique vantage point from his work in Europe, Asia, and beyond, George shares his insights on building global innovation ecosystems and the nuances of cross-border collaboration. We'll explore how Berkeley is expanding its accelerator model internationally, the differences in venture capital ecosystems and risk tolerances worldwide, and the common misconceptions that investors and founders face when navigating new markets. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of startups, venture capital, and global innovation. Key Discussion Points: Berkeley SkyDeck's Global Mission: George explains his primary mandate and the challenges of building innovation ecosystems beyond Silicon Valley. The Global VC Landscape: A deep dive into how the venture capital ecosystem in Europe and Asia differs from that of Silicon Valley, including core belief systems and risk tolerances. Tailoring Accelerator Programs: We discuss how Berkeley customizes its programs to meet the unique needs of different regions. Investor and Founder Misconceptions: George sheds light on common misunderstandings that international investors and founders have when evaluating startups or entering the U.S. market. Cross-Border Synergy: A success story about a time when expanding SkyDeck's presence led to unexpected synergies and outcomes. Looking Ahead to Africa: George shares his thoughts on the opportunities and roadblocks for replicating the model in South East Asia and other parts of the world. Advice for International Founders: Practical advice on when and how international startups should approach U.S. investors and enter the U.S. market. Learn More: Connect with George Panagiotakopoulos on LinkedIn. George Panagiotakopoulos | LinkedIn Visit the Berkeley SkyDeck website to learn more about their programs. http://skydeck.berkeley.edu/ Disclaimer: The views expressed on this podcast are for informational purposes only and not financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional for your specific situation. The views expressed are the people of this show and do not necessarily reflect the views of Finalis Inc. or Finalis Securities LLC, Member FINRA/SIPC.