NextMe

NextMe is a modern virtual waiting room that makes it simple for the service industry to manage their waitlist and serve more guests. Eliminate long lines and create amazing first impressions, all while saving money on outdated technology.

CEO / Co-Founder

Vault Innovation Group

Vault Innovation Group is an agency focused on building and growing mobile and web businesses through innovation.  We pride ourselves in delivering the entire software development cycles from beginning to end.  This includes research/consulting, user experience design, visual design, branding, development, and post launch services.

Business Development Executive

Shatkin Arbor

Shatkin Arbor, Inc., a futures brokerage and clearing company, provides trading tools and professional services to novice traders and hedge funds in the United States. It provides CBOT on-site trading, execution, and support and training services. The company was incorporated in 1990 and is based in Chicago, Illinois. As of August 2008, Shatkin Arbor, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Macquarie Futures USA Inc.

Analyst

I’m the son of a South Korean immigrant and entrepreneur. My single-parent mother taught me the value of hard work and resilience by involving me in her small dry cleaning and salon business, where I learned the ropes behind the cash register.

My entrepreneurial journey began early. Teaming up with my brother James, we launched our first business offering dog walking services to our mom’s customers. What started as a way to help out quickly turned into a thriving venture, serving 50+ clients and helping our mom pay off school tuition.

In college, my passion for entrepreneurship deepened during my internship as an analyst at the Chicago Board of Trade. Working closely with business owners and entrepreneurs, I saw firsthand the challenges and rewards of running a business, which further fueled my drive.

Today, I’m the Co-Founder and CEO of NextMe, a modern virtual waiting room designed to help the service industry, manage their waitlists and retain more guests. Whether it’s a busy restaurant, a packed event, or a delayed doctor's appointment, NextMe makes the waiting experience seamless so businesses can focus on delighting their customers. Since launching, we’ve been featured in Forbes, The Eater, EventMB, Food & Wine Magazine, and the Chicago Tribune for our innovative approach.

I’m also passionate about giving back to the entrepreneurial community. I serve as a mentor at DePaul University’s Coleman Entrepreneurship Center and at The Garage, Northwestern University’s hub for student entrepreneurship and innovation. Empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs to dream big and make their mark is something I care deeply about.

John Y.

Perkins Coie LLP

I counsel clients in a broad range of industries on complex technology-driven business deals with significant strategic impact. As a seasoned attorney with in-house experience, I'm able to provide practical and business-oriented advice to clients, with a focus on cost-effective solutions and achieving outcomes.

My clients include established global companies and early-stage ventures driving cloud computing, software, machine learning, interactive entertainment, video games, immersive technologies, blockchain and NFTs, big data analytics, and life sciences. I work closely with clients starting from research and development (R&D) activities through commercialization and distribution. As part of this work, I routinely structure, negotiate, and advise clients on complex agreements, including those for IP licensing and development, professional services, software, software as a service (SaaS), multimedia content, original equipment manufacturers (OEM), distribution, manufacturing, strategic alliances, go-to-market, and joint venture arrangements. Clients rely on me to help them navigate thorny issues and develop strategies relating to IP ownership, protection, and licensing, data privacy and security, open source software usage, monetization models, risk mitigation, and pre-litigation dispute analysis and resolution.

In the areas of life sciences, including biotechnology and medical devices, I'm able to leverage my molecular biology degree and industry experience in immunology-related research in advising clients on development and collaboration arrangements, patent and trade secret licensing, technology transfers, mergers and acquisitions, and investments.

I also help companies in traditionally less technology-focused industries as they undergo digital transformations and implement technologies to adapt and grow their businesses. My experience provides valuable insight into market trends and approaches which I use to help position clients for successful outcomes.

Partner - Technology Transactions 

WD, a Western Digital company

Commercial transactions counsel with a focus on IP and technology-related transactions. Responsible for providing IP and other legal and business-driven advice to WD's global engineering organization, procurement department, corporate development business team on M&A transactions, and internal general corporate legal function.

 - Independently reviewed, drafted, and negotiated a wide variety of agreements: inbound and outbound technology and software licensing, cloud computing, SaaS, data licensing, supply, joint development, non-disclosure, consulting, indemnification, services agreements, and related statements of work.

- Protected, legal, IP, and business interests by working directly with engineering and business teams on issues impacting product development, product roadmaps, collaborative business arrangements, and compliance. 

- Strategized business-oriented solutions with executive management and other stakeholders to reduce risk exposure on pre-litigation contract disputes with suppliers and other business partners.

- Served as lead IP transactions counsel on key M&A transactions, including the $19 billion acquisition of SanDisk, and conducted extensive IP due diligence and agreement analysis to provide solutions for post-closing business and operational risks.

- Collaborated with other attorneys in the department in advising clients on compliance issues and other commercial agreements.

Associate General Counsel, Commercial and Technology Transactions

O'Melveny & Myers LLP

Worked as senior-level attorney for a 700-attorney international law firm servicing privately and publicly held clients. Provided commercial, technology, and IP law advice to clients in a broad range of industries, including software, cloud computing, gaming, semiconductor, entertainment, consumer products, biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and other technology-driven areas. 

- Supported and led complex, multimillion-dollar technology transactions matters, including the structuring, drafting, and negotiation of numerous agreements for the distribution, sale, acquisition, licensing, and development of IP and technology.

- Directly advised clients on various commercial agreements, including cloud computing and SaaS, and on issues relating to risk management, IP portfolios, inbound and outbound sales and licensing, data privacy and security, warranties, limitations on liability, and indemnification. 

- Provided due diligence support and IP advice, including evaluation of open source software issues, on over 100 global M&A, investment, joint venture, and financing transactions for both domestic and cross-border deals.

- Registered patent attorney with prior patent litigation experience, which includes the successful representation of clients in both the assertion and defense of patent infringement claims.

Counsel, Technology Transactions

Anosys, Inc.

Collaborated with principal investigator and members of research and development teams to design and develop novel assays to measure bioactivity of the company's cancer immunotherapeutic product. Developed method to improve manufacture of the product and contributed to patented invention covering the manufacturing process.

Research Associate, Assay Development Group

Accomplished and business-minded attorney with extensive experience on a wide range of legal, intellectual property (“IP”), and business issues across various industries. Expertise and extensive experience reviewing, drafting, and negotiating technology-based transactions and developing solutions involving complex business, IP, and legal analysis to help business teams make key decisions. Served as a trusted advisor and business partner to leadership teams.

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The Battle

John Y.

Gilbert J. Villaflor

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