Dr. Ossama Hassanein is an entrepreneur, mentor, and venture capitalist based in Silicon Valley. Over the last 35 years, he has managed over $1 billion in international technology funds in roles such as EVP of Berkeley International, Chairman of Technocom Ventures, President of Newbridge Networks, Senior Managing Director of Newbury Ventures, and Chairman of the Rising Tide Fund. In the 1980s, he led the mezzanine financing of over 80 Silicon Valley IT companies, including Adaptec, Cirrus Logic, Atmel, PMC-Sierra, LSI Logic, Linear Technologies, and Oracle, with a combined market value exceeding $400 billion.

In the past 25 years, he co-founded or chaired seven high-tech startups in the U.S., UK, France, and Switzerland, including ACC (acquired by Ericsson), Algety (acquired by Corvis), HighDeal (acquired by SAP), HighWave (listed on Euronext), NetCentrex (acquired by Comverse), nCipher (listed on LSE), and Zong (acquired by eBay). He served as a Director at Bank of the West in San Francisco and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund in Dubai. He is a charter member of C100, supporting Canadian entrepreneurs.

Dr. Hassanein has served on several boards, including the University of British Columbia (UBC), Harvard University Center for Middle Eastern Studies, UCSF Department of Ophthalmology, and TechWadi. He is also a member of the LebNet senior advisory board. He has been involved with Relief International, PSD, and the American University in Cairo. He has lectured at Stanford, UC Berkeley, and other prestigious institutions and has spoken on entrepreneurship at the White House, State Department, MIT, Harvard, and Qatar Computer Research Institute.

Tell us about your journey to the US: Successes and challenges you faced while adapting to your new environment?

With my family's support in Alexandria, Egypt, I earned a B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering with First Class Honors from the University of Alexandria. I later pursued an MBA, M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. As Chairman of ACC in Santa Barbara, our routers led to an acquisition by Ericsson, expanding their remote access capabilities. Post-acquisition, I managed           $1 billion in international tech funds across roles like EVP at Berkeley International and Chairman at Technocom Ventures. I've co-founded and chaired seven startups globally, including Algety (acquired by Corvis) and NetCentrex (acquired by Comverse), while supporting life science ventures and mentoring through organizations like C100 and LebNet.

Throughout these endeavors, I faced many challenges but overcame them by surrounding myself with like-minded friends and business associates. One of my favorite quotes is, "Quiet the cautious voice and let excitement cheer you on!"

What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

I was inspired to pursue a career in technology by its profound ability to improve lives and solve real-world problems. The advancements in AI, autonomous vehicles, clean tech, and healthcare demonstrate technology's transformative power. Reflecting on the technological landscape from forty years ago, when I first became involved with startups and venture capital financing, I am amazed at the rapid progress and its immediate, enormous impact.

What led you to transition to the VC and the investment world?

My transition to the venture capital and investment world was driven by the desire to provide funding, counsel, and mentorship to startups and early-stage companies with tremendous growth potential. I enjoy working with teams that push the boundaries of technical feasibility to advance science and make a positive impact on society.

How does Rising Tide VC define and identify visionary companies that are breaking barriers and creating new markets?

Revolutionary companies are rare. At Rising Tide VC, we focus on innovations that can transform existing industries or create new markets. We seed-finance entrepreneurs in the information technology and healthcare sectors, aiming to make a significant positive impact.

When evaluating investments, we look for a minimum viable product (MVP) with early market traction and a scalable revenue model focused on positive unit economics. We prioritize management teams with experience, domain knowledge, and leadership qualities. Additionally, we seek companies targeting large market opportunities with a clear exit path within three to five years. We ensure they can return our capital at least ten times and have at least eighteen months' cash runway. Lastly, we assess the potential for Rising Tide to add substantial value. These criteria help us identify and define visionary businesses.

You have been involved in the growth of numerous successful companies. Which achievement are you most proud of and why? 

I have been part of the global startup community for decades, witnessing various investment opportunities across corporate and international venture capital, spinouts, joint ventures, seed and early-stage funding, pre-IPO, and mezzanine financing. I am proud of every investment I've made.

Two notable portfolio companies I engaged with during their pre-revenue stages are Aspect Biosystems and Precision Nanosystems. Both joined us at UBC's biomedical incubator. Aspect Biosystems, which prints human tissue on demand, recently partnered with Novo Nordisk in a deal worth over $2.7 billion. Precision Nanosystems (PNI), a leader in lipid nanoparticle genomic medicines, including mRNA vaccines, was acquired by Danaher Corporation’s Life Sciences platform. With commitment, teamwork, and a focus on outcomes, both companies are making a lasting positive impact on human health.

How did you become involved with LebNet? How would you like to see LebNet evolve?

My close business colleagues introduced me to LebNet, highlighting its focus on investing in businesses with unique intellectual property and a competitive edge, led by trustworthy and successful teams delivering high-impact value propositions. I fully endorse this mission and take great pride in seeing its growth and success. Looking ahead, I would like to see LebNet continue providing its esteemed members with the tools and resources needed to accelerate their growth.

What advice would you give to young entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the tech industry? 

I have seen many successful companies grow across Silicon Valley, North America, Europe, and the Middle East. These companies share a common trait: they are building innovative businesses that can transform the global economy.

For aspiring young entrepreneurs, my advice is to build dedicated, cooperative, and results-oriented teams. Partner with those who value your support and are eager to grow and make a positive impact. Focus on reviving underfunded, emerging, and outdated industries with innovative solutions. By surrounding yourself with passionate people, you can help develop new industries, technologies, and global opportunities.

What trends in technology and innovation do you find most exciting right now? What do you see as the future of venture capital and technology investments over the next decade?

The rise of clean tech, healthcare, autonomous vehicles, and artificial intelligence marks an exciting era, especially compared to my four decades in startups and venture capital. These innovations are making a profound impact by improving lives and livelihoods, particularly for underserved communities.

Success in venture capital requires continuous learning and venturing beyond traditional paths. VCs must swiftly identify startup challenges and make informed decisions. Looking forward, venture capital will increasingly rely on data and analytics over intuition and personal connections. Artificial intelligence and machine learning will be pivotal in this evolution. Moreover, investors will focus more on building relationships and fostering a community with the startups in their portfolios.

If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?

If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be encapsulated in the following quotations: "Don't compare yourself to others. Your strengths and weaknesses are your own, and you have your own path to pave. Enjoy the journey without comparing it to others' paths. Find your voice and don't be afraid to use it. Don't worry excessively about others' opinions or base your path on perceived expectations."

As Benjamin Franklin wisely said, "Diligence is the mother of good luck."

How do you envision the impact of your work on further generations of entrepreneurs and investors?

I aim to impact future entrepreneurs and investors by sharing experiences that inspire and guide. For partners, I stress investing in exceptional entrepreneurs to scale disruptive technologies, networking with global influencers, and maintaining rigorous due diligence for mutual value creation. In venture capital, continual learning and agile decision-making are crucial for success beyond conventional paths. For entrepreneurs, I promote a passion for technology and understanding its societal impacts. Staying ahead in scientific advancements and collaborating with innovative groups pushing technical boundaries are pivotal.

In essence,”The Future is Brighter Together”.