Silicon Valley Guy
Bret Waters
I’ve been in Silicon Valley my whole life (mostly because the fish tacos here are excellent). Today I teach entrepreneurship at Stanford, serve as an Executive Mentor at Miller Center for Global Impact, and do private 1:1 coaching for startup founders.
Previously, I was Founder/CEO of three Silicon Valley software companies, spent six years on the advisory board of the Stanford University Graduate School of Education, was interim CEO at Stanford New Schools, and have served as Chief Mentor with the European Innovation Academy. I received my MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (great school, mediocre fish tacos).
Upcoming:
Bret’s Classes, Talks, and Events:
Saturday, November 21, Noon to 5:00 pm, Silicon Valley
Storytelling, Pitching & Presenting: A Half-Day Workshop
Tell a story that inspires action. In this interactive half-day workshop for founders, investors, and executives, you'll learn to explain what you're building and why it matters, make your message land with different audiences, and develop your own tone and style. $200, including food and beverages.
Register now →Stanford Continuing Studies
BUS-217: Accelerate your Startup Idea, on campus at Stanford University.
My flagship course will run eight Wednesday evenings this winter, beginning on January 20. This course covers the process of getting from a startup idea to a launched and funded venture. We’ll delve into the operational details of the startup process, from legal structures to financial models, along with financing options such as venture capital, angel capital, and impact capital. Additionally, we’ll explore how new AI tools can help startup founders develop and launch startups more efficiently and effectively. The course culminates in a “pitch night,” where students can present to Silicon Valley executives and investors for feedback and coaching.
Registration →Friday–Saturday, January 29–30, Half Moon Bay, California
Product Design Strategy Workshop: A Two-Day Retreat
Two focused days on the coast, overlooking the waves, on designing and developing successful products in the AI era. For startup founders and product executives, co-led with Sinem Ergunay (formerly Apple and Google; Parsons School of Design). You'll leave with a stress-tested concept, a customer journey and test plan, and a four-slide strategy deck. $790, all meals included. Early bird: save 20% when you register by November 30.
Register now →Executive Coaching.
Private 1:1 Coaching
I take on a few select startup founders for 1:1 coaching. We have weekly calls, working together to achieve your goals. Contact me to discuss cost and structure.
Email me to discuss →Stanford Continuing Studies
New for 2026-2027: A three-course series on startup success, on campus at Stanford University.
For the first time, I'll be doing a 3-course entrepreneurship series at Stanford University in the Stanford Continuing Studies program. BUS-211 (new this year, begins in the Fall) is about the ideation and innovation process, BUS-217 (Winter quarter) is about getting from a startup idea to a launched and funded venture, and then BUS-219 (Spring quarter) is about successfully getting a startup through the scale stage and into escape velocity. My students have gone on to raise hundreds of millions of dollars in capital and go on to success all over the world. Plus we have a lot of fun.
Registration →
The Launch Path
Getting from a Startup Idea to a Launch-Ready Venture
My new book is for anyone who wants to follow an effective and efficient path from a startup idea to a launch-ready, funding-ready venture.
Whether your goal is launching the next billion-dollar tech "unicorn," a rock-solid mid-sized business, or a social venture focused on global impact, The Launch Path will help to get you there safely and successfully. The book comes with a companion website that has additional resources and tools for entrepreneurs and innovators.
Speaking
Custom Talks
I've delivered lectures at more than 20 university business schools all over the world as well as startup accelerators in Europe and Latin America. I've also done talks for various groups and conducted 2-day corporate innovation workshops for leading brands.
Topics Include:
Connect.
I’m easy to find.
My username on all the socials is simply bretwaters.
Or you can email me as bretwaters at gmail.
I’m also easy to subscribe to.
I write a weekly email missive for entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors.
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