Learn more about Our Panelists & Moderator
Best known as the co-founder of GoFundMe, Andy Ballester helped create the world’s largest social fundraising platform, raising over $40 billion globally. At EyePop.ai, he brings his expertise in scaling platforms to develop AI-powered vision products that deliver practical, high-impact solutions.
tinyVision was founded in 2018 by Venkat on the insight that an emerging wave of embedded devices would demand significant on-board intelligence, driven by the advantages of privacy, low latency, power efficiency, and bandwidth optimization. The company’s diverse and highly knowledgeable team partners with clients to take products from concept to production, either forming or augmenting engineering teams with deep technical expertise. With access to on-premise Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lines, tinyVision has helped multiple clients transform their ideas into real, manufacturable products. The team’s core strengths span product-oriented system design, hardware, embedded firmware, AI/ML, and FPGA RTL. tinyVision exists to give its clients the embedded intelligence edge — delivering the technical depth and end-to-end partnership needed to bring sophisticated products to market.
Ramesh Rao, Sr Director- Technology & Product Management, QTL at Qualcomm
Experienced Mobile SOC and Wireless Communications Engineering professional with expertise in both HW/SW and a focus on ASIC Product Support, Project Management, and Technical Marketing. Demonstrated ability in leading worldwide Engineering teams, working extensively with customers in commercializing state-of-the-art mobile devices(Smartphone, Computing, IoE, Wearables) across global carriers and open markets, launching new modem technologies like CDMA/UMTS/LTE using Qualcomm’s ASIC products.
A creative builder and executive leader, he thrives on solving meaningful problems alongside smart, driven people. He brings deep expertise in Product Management — crafting Whole Product experiences that customers love and buyers pursue — backed by a strong operations background that keeps teams aligned and focused on business outcomes. His leadership philosophy centers on vision and strategy, adaptive execution, and relentlessly scaling organizational capability through constant learning and a genuine embrace of challenge. Outside of work, he serves on the founding boards of the BYU Rollins Center for Entrepreneurship and the SDSU Lavin Entrepreneurship Center, sings Tenor with the San Diego Saints Choir, and is active in his faith community. He and his wife of 20 years are proud parents to five children, navigating family life with love, intention, and a healthy sense of humor.
Join us for 1st Mondays presented by TIPA on May 4th!
Whether you’re building or scaling, learn how you can build faster, better, and smarter with AI. Hear from panelists with deep expertise in hardware, fintech, software, and wearables. This is going to be an unforgettable evening, bringing the startup community together and up-skilling AI knowledge for practical use. Grab tickets to 1st Mondays before we sell out!
