Van West

Mentor

Techstars

Sep 2021 - Current (5 years 2 months)

Mentor & advise early-stage startup founders focused on innovative and creative solutions to address painful industry, society, and economical problems. Provide counsel on strategy, go to market, enterprise business development, SaaS, AI/ML, marketing, and product development.

Techstars UnitedHealthcare ‘21
Techstars Digital Health ‘22, '23, '24
Techstars Future of Longevity “23
Techstars Baltimore AI Health '25
Techstars Workforce Development '25
Techstars USC Digital Economy '25

Founder, CEO

Vocalytics AI

Nov 2019 - Current (7 years)

Vocalytics is an AI-driven technology company specializing in real-time ambient sound analysis to enhance patient experiences and optimize operational efficiency in healthcare. Leveraging advanced AI algorithms, Vocalytics transforms auditory data into actionable insights that improve care, enhance safety, and streamline operations. The platform is trusted by major health systems and government entities, positioning Vocalytics as a leader in AI-driven healthcare innovation.

As Founder & CEO, I led Vocalytics from inception through product development, market launch, and revenue growth. I evolved the company’s AI platform during the COVID-19 pandemic to meet the critical need for improving patient experience and operational workfl

Guest Lecturer

UC Irvine

Feb 2019 - Current (7 years 9 months)

Supported lectures for Paul Mirage School of Business: Business Analytics, UCI School of Law, Continuing Education in Entrepreneurialism, and CALIT2 VR Programs.

Topics discussed include: AI, VR/AR/XR, IoT, Startups, Leadership Development, Entrepreneurship, and general philosophy around innovation.

Guest Lecturer

University of Southern California

Jan 2019 - Current (7 years 10 months)

Topics & classes include (but are not limited to): Entrepreneurship, Business, Artificial Intelligence

Founding Member

Open Voice Interoperability Initiative

Jan 2019 - Current (7 years 10 months)

• Spearheaded the development of global standards for voice technology, focusing on user trust, choice, and inclusivity.
• Collaborated with industry stakeholders to define ethical guidelines for voice technology, ensuring privacy, security, and ease of use.
• Led initiatives to promote inclusivity and accessibility in voice technology, creating a foundation for commercial differentiation and value.

Chief Strategy Officer

Reality Smash

Dec 2018 - Oct 2019 (11 months)

• Invented and developed VR training solutions for hotel and resort front desk staff, revolutionizing how teams interact with guests and elevating service standards.
• Spearheaded the go-to-market strategy for VR training products, driving adoption within the hospitality industry and positioning the company as an innovator in immersive learning.
• Collaborated with the team to raise $500K in angel funding, securing the financial backing necessary to scale product development and market entry.
• Designed and launched an innovative listening and coaching tool to measure real-world performance, enabling organizations to track the impact of VR training on in-person guest interactions.
• Worked cross-functionally to align pro

VP of Partnerships and Event Strategy

CXC

May 2018 - Feb 2019 (10 months)

ChainXChange was a groundbreaking AI, blockchain, and innovation conference held at Mandalay Bay, bringing together thought leaders, innovators, and industry giants for an immersive experience in education, networking, and collaboration.
• Designed and executed the end-to-end strategy for partnerships, sponsorships, and exhibitors, driving revenue and brand alignment.
• Secured major sponsors and exhibitors within a compressed timeline of less than 90 days, ensuring high-impact participation and industry credibility.
• Delivered 1/3 of the entire event’s content and experience, playing a pivotal role in its successful launch and execution.
• Navigated complex logistics to produce a large-scale event at Mandalay Bay, seam

Founding Head of Strategy, GTM, and Business Development

StrataVision

Jun 2016 - Jul 2018 (2 years 2 months)

StrataVision is an innovative technology company specializing in scalable solutions for the Commercial Real Estate, Retail, Grocery, and Technology sectors. Focused on driving enterprise growth, we deliver strategic insights, product development, and go-to-market strategies tailored to Fortune 50 organizations.

As a growth-stage company, StrataVision successfully:
• Secured $5M in initial revenue by establishing strategic verticals with Fortune 50 clients.
• Built and maintained a $40M sales pipeline, ensuring long-term, sustainable growth.
• Spearheaded $50M+ in funding across venture capital, private equity, and government grants.
• Executed global go-to-market strategies that accelerated adoption and expand

O

SVP Marketing

Oomba Inc

Apr 2016 - Sep 2016 (6 months)

Oomba, Inc. was an early-stage startup specializing in tournament management platforms and media production, designed to streamline operations and enhance engagement across esports, gaming, and event management sectors.

As SVP of Marketing, I led Oomba from pre-launch to first revenue, driving strategic growth and marketing execution. Key achievements included:
• Developed and executed customer acquisition strategies, leading to Oomba’s first revenue milestones.
• Enhanced product marketing and infrastructure, resulting in a 130% increase in weekly output and accelerated product development cycles.
• Supported a $40M+ Series A-2 capital raise through innovative investor relations strategies, contributing to the acq

Director of Channel Marketing

Weedmaps

Sep 2015 - Apr 2016 (8 months)

Weedmaps is a leading technology and SaaS platform for the cannabis industry, providing comprehensive listings, business solutions, and marketing services to connect consumers with licensed retailers and brands. The company empowers cannabis businesses with tools for growth, compliance, and engagement while offering consumers a trusted, educational resource.

As Director of Channel Marketing, I led the transformation and scaling of the global channel marketing team, driving strategic growth, operational efficiency, and measurable business impact.

Key Achievements:
• Scaled the department to 13 international direct reports within 30 days—60 days ahead of forecast.
• Achieved 140% weekly national account sales g

West Region Channel Manager

Lookout

Apr 2014 - Aug 2015 (1 year 5 months)

Lookout Mobile Security is a leading provider of endpoint security solutions, protecting mobile devices from advanced cyber threats, ensuring data privacy, and enabling secure enterprise operations.

As West Region Channel Manager, I led strategic growth initiatives, deepened channel partnerships, and drove national and regional revenue expansion across key accounts, including T-Mobile.

Key Achievements:
• Drove 300% increase in national channel activations through strategic partner engagement, sales enablement, and targeted relationship-building strategies.
• Expanded T-Mobile channel revenue to $22M nationally ($13M regionally) within 12 months through optimized activation strategies and tailored partner eng

G

Co-Founder, VP Business Development & Marketing

GiftyOne

Jan 2013 - Dec 2015 (3 years)

Achievements
• Venture Capital and Angel Investment closed in excess of $500,000 led launch of mobile experience gifting platform.
• More than 100 of customer development interviews led product through successful launch & revenue growth.
• Financial forecasting, agile modeling & strategic analysis saved over $235k planned spend across departments.
• Corporate tax, accounting, and all legal counsel negotiations saved company over $175k in services.

Responsibilities
• Go-to-market plan development, implementation, and execution.
• Pipeline sourcing, negotiation of partnerships and sales channels.
• Braintree partnership establishment, implementation, and PCI regulatory compliance.
• Social &

West Region Sales Manager

Argo Tea

Oct 2012 - May 2013 (8 months)

Achievements
• Effectively grew sales in region from $1M to $3M & expanded distribution from 318 accounts to 654.
• Grew regional merchandising team to 18 reps across 6 states on the west coast with focus on major markets.
• Established national partnerships across 3 major CPG chains: Whole Foods, Safeway, and Costco.
• Incorporated regional sales promotions with placement driving sales lift in excess of 150% during periods.
• Leveraged regional distributor & broker networks to exploit sales growth 120% quarterly.

Responsibilities
• Category management, analysis, planning and execution of all sales distribution channel facets.
• Sales focus on large accounts & small independents with management

Sr. Events Director

Wireless Lifestyle

Apr 2011 - Mar 2013 (2 years)

• Booking, coordination and execution of local radio remotes, catering, and contract event staff.
• Holds company record for activations & accessories at 68 activations & over $4,000 in accessories.
• Training of sales associates, managers, and directors leading up to Grand Openings.
• Local market channel outreach to promote all events. Strong attention to detail.

Member of the Board of Advisors

Various Companies

Jun 2010 - Current (16 years 5 months)

Member of Board of Advisors: SXSW, National Energy Installers, TruPower, EnerG Fund, Possible Reality (AR), Reality Smash (VR), Foreknow (AI), Rugby Stars (Sports League), Edlore (AR), Fight Cancer Global
• Lean startup customer validation and growth hacking for technology startups.
• Validation & Customer Development via business model canvas, lean canvas.
• Focus on marketing infrastructure, growth hacking, and the customer factory blueprint.
• Conducted hundreds of customer interviews with various startup concepts.
• Concept validation/invalidation along with KPI establishment for all experiments.
• Go to market strategy and marketing plan coaching, development, and modeling.
• Financial forecasting, fo

Sr. Territory Manager - West Region

TMA

Mar 2010 - Oct 2012 (2 years 8 months)

Achievements
• Consistently grew regional sales volumes for various clients by more than 400% while broadening distribution reach.
• Analytical account leadership for six consistent west coast portfolios across national B2B & B2C channels.
• Designed & maintained all facets of $10M nationwide experiential tour for Air Force client.
• PR goals & initiatives exceeded with 5-star generals, Air Force Thunderbirds, and Navy Blue Angels.

Responsibilities
• Responsible for portfolio recruiting across 6 major markets on the west coast.
• Independent account management and representation for six consistent west coast portfolios.
• Bi-weekly expense reports, quarterly POS budgets & weekly event recaps pro

S

West Region Market Manager

Sweet Leaf Tea

Jun 2009 - Mar 2010 (10 months)

Exited to Nestle Waters in 2010.

Achievements
• 400% brand growth throughout region spurned acquisition by Nestle Waters Corporation in 2009.
• Built & scaled regional team to 12 in under 6 months with focus on sales support and brand awareness.
• Promotional programs, retailer incentives, and community engagement increased sales growth in excess of 300%.
• Implementation of grassroots marketing & local community event sponsorship gained 10x reach at zero cost to brand.

Responsibilities
• Responsible for full event process - from sponsorship to concept to execution.
• Direct responsibility for all sponsorships, donations, and all community outreach programs.
• Development of promotion

Tour Manager

TurnKey Marketing Promotions Inc

Feb 2009 - Mar 2009 (2 months)

Demo tour empowering consumers to ride Ultra Motor’s A2B electric bicycle. (Freelance)
• Expos/tradeshows, guerrilla marketing, and corporate demo days executed on a weekly basis.
• EmCee’d all contests and giveaways at large events.
• Training and management of local staff.
• Daily reports, photos, and videos submitted timely.

Sr. Field Manager

MAG

Jan 2009 - Jun 2009 (6 months)

Various campaign supervision, management, and local market development for clients such as "Wicked" The Musical. (Freelance)
• Logistics, planning, and operations for numerous experiential campaigns throughout California.
• On site coordination for guerrilla execution and PR stunts.
• Field team leadership, coaching, and team building to deploy extensive live marketing productions.

Sr. Field Coordinator

GMR Marketing

Nov 2008 - Jun 2009 (8 months)

Freelance position assisting with coordination & execution for various clients throughout NorCal.
• Local venue coordination for local execution of T-mobile’s “Mobile Makeover” campaign.
• Responsible for staff and campaign logistics, as well as event wrap up & branded vehicular maintenance.
• Local management of holiday campaign to drive usage of Visa Signature awareness & benefits.
• Hired, trained and developed team of 8 full-time staff + 5 temp staff throughout 4 locations daily.
• Maintenance of “Visa Signature Suites”, budgets, and all logistical aspects.

Tour Manager

Alloy Media Marketing

Aug 2008 - Oct 2008 (3 months)

10 week US Cellular "Believe in Your Cell" national tour generating awareness of brand to Gen Y consumers, 65 events in 23 markets. (Freelance)
• Activities included an array of cellular focused activities including IMAGEplay (photo taking activity), MUSICplay (a ringtone generator), and WORDplay (a text2T-shirt activity program).
• Multiple premiums distributed, with all logistical aspects maintained.
• Daily reports, photos, and vehicular maintenance performed.
• Monthly hotel, venue, tour (Amex) budget maintained.
• Training and management of local staff.
• Daily submission of reports and event photos.

Tour Manager

Mktg Inc

Mar 2008 - Jun 2008 (4 months)

Three month Jamba Juice “Whirl’d Tour” throughout Northern California encouraging consumers to take the “21 Day Challenge”. (Freelance)
• Direct relations with client, venues, and contacts.
• Performed event setup / breakdown, coordination, scheduling and training.
• Created daily photo reports, event recaps and store orders.
• Transported premiums/samples via branded vehicle and maintained vehicle.

T

Field Market Manager

TH Outdoor Events

Jan 2008 - Dec 2008 (1 year)

Managed numerous campaigns for various clients of TH while maintaining budgets. Staffing to production and execution. (Freelance)

F

Experiential Leadership Consultant

Freelance Consultant

Jun 2005 - Jun 2009 (4 years 1 month)

Achievements
• Executed countless multi-million-dollar integrated branding, ad campaigns, events, and sales promotions.
• Verizon “Deck the Holidays” grew 30 day regional sales 600% while. ROI positive within 15 days of execution.
• User acquisition costs consistently reduced more than 30% via on-site partnership activation models.
• HTML/CSS experience with heavy focus on process automation drove Nike conversions 300%.

Responsibilities
• Recruiting and human capital asset to startups and Fortune 500 organizations.
• Travel and accommodations for short term and long-term assignments.
• Satellite & direct leadership in the field and in the office.
• Developed and implemented specialized ROI

About

Detail

Timeline

Résumé

Van West

About

Detail

Behavioral traits