Bill Placke
Advisory Board Member at Unknown Cyber Inc- Claim this Profile
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Dutch Limited working proficiency
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English Native or bilingual proficiency
Topline Score
Bio
Michael Sullivan
I've had the pleasure of working with Bill on various complex commercial litigation matters over the past several years. Bill is extremely bright, easily and quickly grasps the issues, and is able to develop solutions to every challenge. Bill is a talented and very effective attorney. Bill has a unique ability to dig into the details of litigation, from pleadings, to discovery, to dispositive motions, while at the same time the ability to detach from the battle and objectively assess the merits of various factual and legal arguments. My team and I have greatly enjoyed his leadership style and his ability to assess immediate and future issues at hand to ensure the business is best being served.
Tom Pease
I've known Bill for more than two decades and have worked with him on a wide range of issues from preparing for and litigating patent and other types of IP cases, implementing strategies to mitigate IP litigation risk, through more general business litigation and licensing issues. Bill is a quick study who knows how to get to the heart of key issues and make the right decisions. He brings a passion and base of both litigation and business experience to his work that is unparalleled.
Michael Sullivan
I've had the pleasure of working with Bill on various complex commercial litigation matters over the past several years. Bill is extremely bright, easily and quickly grasps the issues, and is able to develop solutions to every challenge. Bill is a talented and very effective attorney. Bill has a unique ability to dig into the details of litigation, from pleadings, to discovery, to dispositive motions, while at the same time the ability to detach from the battle and objectively assess the merits of various factual and legal arguments. My team and I have greatly enjoyed his leadership style and his ability to assess immediate and future issues at hand to ensure the business is best being served.
Tom Pease
I've known Bill for more than two decades and have worked with him on a wide range of issues from preparing for and litigating patent and other types of IP cases, implementing strategies to mitigate IP litigation risk, through more general business litigation and licensing issues. Bill is a quick study who knows how to get to the heart of key issues and make the right decisions. He brings a passion and base of both litigation and business experience to his work that is unparalleled.
Michael Sullivan
I've had the pleasure of working with Bill on various complex commercial litigation matters over the past several years. Bill is extremely bright, easily and quickly grasps the issues, and is able to develop solutions to every challenge. Bill is a talented and very effective attorney. Bill has a unique ability to dig into the details of litigation, from pleadings, to discovery, to dispositive motions, while at the same time the ability to detach from the battle and objectively assess the merits of various factual and legal arguments. My team and I have greatly enjoyed his leadership style and his ability to assess immediate and future issues at hand to ensure the business is best being served.
Tom Pease
I've known Bill for more than two decades and have worked with him on a wide range of issues from preparing for and litigating patent and other types of IP cases, implementing strategies to mitigate IP litigation risk, through more general business litigation and licensing issues. Bill is a quick study who knows how to get to the heart of key issues and make the right decisions. He brings a passion and base of both litigation and business experience to his work that is unparalleled.
Michael Sullivan
I've had the pleasure of working with Bill on various complex commercial litigation matters over the past several years. Bill is extremely bright, easily and quickly grasps the issues, and is able to develop solutions to every challenge. Bill is a talented and very effective attorney. Bill has a unique ability to dig into the details of litigation, from pleadings, to discovery, to dispositive motions, while at the same time the ability to detach from the battle and objectively assess the merits of various factual and legal arguments. My team and I have greatly enjoyed his leadership style and his ability to assess immediate and future issues at hand to ensure the business is best being served.
Tom Pease
I've known Bill for more than two decades and have worked with him on a wide range of issues from preparing for and litigating patent and other types of IP cases, implementing strategies to mitigate IP litigation risk, through more general business litigation and licensing issues. Bill is a quick study who knows how to get to the heart of key issues and make the right decisions. He brings a passion and base of both litigation and business experience to his work that is unparalleled.
Experience
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Unknown Cyber Inc
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United States
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Computer and Network Security
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1 - 100 Employee
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Advisory Board Member
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Jul 2023 - Present
UnknownCyber is an industry leading polymorphic and unknown malware detection and response system deployed across government and commercial enterprises. The problem solved by UnknownCyber is that with generative AI like ChatGPT, malware is being created and obfuscated at unprecedented rates resulting in exponential more alerts and potential breaches. UnknownCybersolves the problem through its automated risk engine which breaks apart code (and encryption) and remediates within 10 minutes what currently takes hours. Show less
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TruU, Inc.
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United States
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Computer and Network Security
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1 - 100 Employee
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Executive Vice President of Operations & Corporate Development (and Investor)
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Apr 2022 - Present
TruU is a leader in the identity and access management industry with cutting edge technology in passwordless identity and continuous authentication enabled through its risk management engine that continuously learns (machine learning) to identify authorized users and prevent unauthorized access. More than 80% of all hacking comes through user name and password breaches. It's not if, but when, enterprise will migrate to passwordless authentication and TruU is well positioned to win. TruU is a leader in the identity and access management industry with cutting edge technology in passwordless identity and continuous authentication enabled through its risk management engine that continuously learns (machine learning) to identify authorized users and prevent unauthorized access. More than 80% of all hacking comes through user name and password breaches. It's not if, but when, enterprise will migrate to passwordless authentication and TruU is well positioned to win.
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GlenMartin
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United States
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Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals
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1 - 100 Employee
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Strategic Advisor
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Oct 2021 - Present
Strategic Advisor to Venture Capital Fund focused on Telecom Infrastructure and Luxury Real Estate. Lead efforts in defining investment thesis and criteria, sourcing deals, diligence, M&A, negotiations, board representation and managing toward successful exits. Work closely with management teams in executing on profitable business opportunities. GlenMartin Infrastructure has more than fifty years investment experience across the globe with much success in North America and LatAm. GMIP I exited at more than 10X return. GMIP II is focused on Telecom Infrastructure (fibers and tower) in the Southwest US, Mexico and LatAm. Show less
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ToughBuilt
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United States
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Manufacturing
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1 - 100 Employee
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Board Member & Chair of the Compensation Committee and Member of the Audit Committee
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Jun 2021 - Present
NASDAQ: TBLT. ToughBuilt is an advanced product design, manufacturer and distributor with emphasis on innovative products. Currently focused on tools and other accessories for the professional and do-it-yourself construction industries. ToughBuilt markest and distribute various home improvement and construction product lines for both the do-it-yourself and professional markets under the TOUGHBUILT brand name, within the global multibillion dollar per year tool market industry. NASDAQ: TBLT. ToughBuilt is an advanced product design, manufacturer and distributor with emphasis on innovative products. Currently focused on tools and other accessories for the professional and do-it-yourself construction industries. ToughBuilt markest and distribute various home improvement and construction product lines for both the do-it-yourself and professional markets under the TOUGHBUILT brand name, within the global multibillion dollar per year tool market industry.
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Ericsson
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Sweden
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Telecommunications
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700 & Above Employee
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Head of Strategic Partnerships and Business Development Ericsson Wireless Office
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Jun 2017 - Sep 2021
Following acquisition of StratusWorX, at Ericsson led strategy, ecosystem partner identification, business modeling and negotiations for SaaS, IaaS, and PaaS services. Develop partnerships in co-selling and sell-through with global Systems Integrators and cable/telco operators throughout Ericsson’s global footprint of 160 countries. Principal lead for team that negotiates “long tail” opportunities with large, Fortune 500 enterprises. Led negotiation and finalization of Group's first CSP sell through agreement in North America and first trial agreements in five Western European countries. Stratus Silver Lining, Inc., San Jose, CA (acquired by Ericsson, Inc. August 2020) EVP Strategic Partnerships & Corporate Development, June 2017 - July 2020 Led legal, strategic partnerships, capital raise/corporate finance, Patent filings, HR and compliance. Led all contract negotiations with Tier 1 cable and telco companies for IaaS, SaaS, PaaS, DaaS converged platform. Successfully led exit to Ericsson Inc. with positive return across Series A through C and convertible debt holders during COVID global pandemic. Fourth member of start-up and investor in SaaS operator. Performed a multitude of varied functions including corporate finance, product definition, sales and marketing. Successfully led and achieved commercial partnerships in US, Europe and Asia and 5X company valuation growth in one year. Led and negotiated debt and venture capital debt and capital raise activities through C Round in including leading investor presentations, valuation negotiations and preference stack issues. Show less
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Ho'ōla Nā Pua
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United States
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Civic and Social Organizations
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1 - 100 Employee
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Board Member
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Apr 2017 - May 2020
Multi-million dollar 501c3 with a Center of Excellence located in Hawaii focused on the renewal of child sex traffic victims through health, education, advocacy, renewal and reintegration. A critical mission to educate children on the means and methods used by criminals to gain entry to new victims to help prevent child sex trafficking at the front end of the recruitment process by criminals. Multi-million dollar 501c3 with a Center of Excellence located in Hawaii focused on the renewal of child sex traffic victims through health, education, advocacy, renewal and reintegration. A critical mission to educate children on the means and methods used by criminals to gain entry to new victims to help prevent child sex trafficking at the front end of the recruitment process by criminals.
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Console Connect, Inc. (acquired by PCCW)
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San Francisco Bay Area
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EVP Corporate Development, General Counsel & Company Secretary
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Jul 2016 - Jun 2017
Led HR, IT, Legal, Corporate Governance, IP protection and Corporate Development functions with budget and P&L responsibility for global operations in US, Canada, UK and Australia. Member of the Executive Team. Advised Board at all meetings on compliance, legal, fund raising, litigation and employment issues. NEA was lead investor. Managed the debt and equity capital raise activities in Silicon Valley including investor presentations. Enterprise software and interconnection platform which enables network-to-network and enterprise-to-enterprise global data exchange with a one-click to connect, first of its kind platform. Offices and operations in Silicon Valley, Toronto, London, Singapore and Brisbane. More than 170 PoPs across the globe. Show less
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Digital Globe Services
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United States
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Advertising Services
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1 - 100 Employee
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EVP Business Affairs, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary
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Jan 2010 - Jul 2016
Led legal side of London Stock Exchange (AIM) public listing after having been involved in the founding of the company and having worked with the company in various advisory matters since 2008. Created legal department and held budget and P&L responsibility for global legal, tax, compliance and investor relations. Oversaw legal, contracts, IP licensing, securities compliance, corporate development and HR functions. Member of the Board of subsidiary companies in Ireland, Netherlands and US. Led and managed more than ten legal, compliance and HR professionals across the US, Europe and Asia. Negotiated more than $100M in agreements with Tier 1 global cable and telco companies including Comcast, Charter, TimeWarnerCable, AT&T, Verizon, Vodafone, T-Mobile and Century Link. Lead member in creating tax efficient global structure including for operations in US, LatAm, Asia and Europe. Managed mergers and acquisitions including acquisition and integration of educational business unit in stock and cash share exchange. Originated and completed bank financing. Advised public company Board on director duties and board performance reviews, prepared Board agenda and quarterly board packs, lead drafter of Annual Reports and ran public Annual General Meetings in 2013-2015. Lead member of the team to IPO the company in 2013. Responsible for corporate development, business affairs, corporate governance, preparation of annual report, securities compliance, securities filings and board of directors matters for all group companies. Negotiate and prepare numerous international agreements. Additional responsibilities include employment, HR, litigation, software licensing, intellectual property, digital privacy, tax and global management. Geographic markets include North America, South America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pac. Offices in Denver metro, San Francisco, London, Amsterdam and Dublin. Show less
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Alpha Global Ventures
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Ashburn, VA
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Managing Director
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2008 - 2012
Advised telecom and technology companies on business development, Go-to-Market strategies, capital raise, finance, product development, legal and contractual issues. Led revenue growth and product advisory services for Charter Communications, Accelera Mobile Broadband, Sandvine, Xerocole and Namespace. Key member of team that launched wireless SON operator from start-up through successful Series A financing. Advised telecom and technology companies on business development, Go-to-Market strategies, capital raise, finance, product development, legal and contractual issues. Led revenue growth and product advisory services for Charter Communications, Accelera Mobile Broadband, Sandvine, Xerocole and Namespace. Key member of team that launched wireless SON operator from start-up through successful Series A financing.
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Charter Communications
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United States
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Telecommunications
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700 & Above Employee
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Vice-President, Business Development
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2004 - 2008
Brought deal making, legal and finance expertise in equity and debt financing to an initial role in the Corporate Legal group and promoted cross-functionally to lead the Business Development group. Sourced, analyzed and negotiated strategic partnerships, joint ventures, technology licenses, wholesale fiber and telecom infrastructure. Formulated and executed revenue growth/cost reduction strategies (portal deals, premium content, joint marketing, off-shore and on-shore call centers) that impacted $1.2B annual operating expenses. Exceeded all revenue growth and cost savings targets over two fiscal years. Managed equity, debt and securities filings. Oversaw Sarbanes-Oxley compliance and ensuring “best practices” incorporated across enterprise reporting systems. Responsible for SEC Filings including 10Ks, 10Qs, 8-Ks, Form 4’s and 424B. Led legal team in $8.5 billion NASDAQ debt offering and exchange. Show less
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Liberty Global
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United Kingdom
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Telecommunications
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Corporate Counsel (Investments, M&A, Corporate Governance)
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2000 - 2004
Managed the strategic investments, evaluating deal flow and lead investor investment thesis and valuation. Later promoted to lead attorney within corporate division, which encompassed all investments and joint ventures through Europe and America, including in Europe’s largest cable Internet provider, media entities, network hardware companies, cable companies, satellite company and Europe’s largest broadcaster. Held accountable for revenue and expense targets, budgets, SOX compliance, SEC filings, commercial transactions, contract negotiations, licensing, labor and employment issues. Following telecom crash, led distress workouts and closures, including divesting Israeli digital cable and Internet operations (valued over $1B in 2000) and $100M sale of interest in broadcast company. Led $2 billion public tender offer on NASDAQ and AEX for Europe’s largest broadcaster. Appointed to subsidiary boards in Ireland, France, Spain and Netherlands. Show less
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Clifford Chance
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United Kingdom
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Legal Services
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700 & Above Employee
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Senior Associate, Corporate (Cross-border M&A, Corporate Transactions)
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1997 - 2000
Specialized in multi-billion dollar mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financing, debt financing and cross-border joint ventures mainly focusing on EU-US joint ventures and investments. Led public and private share acquisitions, U.S. securities issues and asset purchases for Fortune 500 companies and sophisticated financial investors. Key member of cross-border team on public company M&A and investments. Specialized in multi-billion dollar mergers and acquisitions, venture capital financing, debt financing and cross-border joint ventures mainly focusing on EU-US joint ventures and investments. Led public and private share acquisitions, U.S. securities issues and asset purchases for Fortune 500 companies and sophisticated financial investors. Key member of cross-border team on public company M&A and investments.
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Roberts, Sheridan & Kotel LLP
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New York, New York
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Associate Attorney
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1995 - 1997
(Firm merged into Dickstein Shapiro) SEC filings, securities filings, M&A, venture capital investments, debt financing and corporate governance. (Firm merged into Dickstein Shapiro) SEC filings, securities filings, M&A, venture capital investments, debt financing and corporate governance.
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Education
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Harvard Business School Online
Other; Certificate in Data Privacy and Technology -
King's College London
Diploma, European Union Law -
Saint John's University School of Law
Doctor of Law - JD, Law -
University of Dayton
Bachelor of Science - BS, Business Administration, Management and Operations