Friday, December 27, 2019
Reflections on 2019: Scott Alderton, Preccelerator
Every year, at the end of the year, we share some reflections on the past year from our readers, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, sponsors, and others in the local technology community. Today, we share the thoughts of Scott Alderton, Managing Partner of Stubbs Alderton & Markiles LLP (www.stubbsalderton.com), which also runs the Preccelerator (www.preccelerator.com) startup incubator. Stubbs Aldertson & Markiles LLP also has been a longtime sponsor of this publication. We'll be featuring contributions all through the holiday season.
What was the biggest news for you/your company this year?
I’ll answer this on behalf of the Preccelerator, since no one wants to hear boring news about a law firm! In late 2018 we shifted the model to include a cash investment in cohort companies. As the Preccelerator has grown, we have continually seen stronger and stronger early stage ventures, led by better and better entrepreneurs. We are working hard to improve the Preccelerator, but it is really a testament to how strong the start-up ecosystem has become in Los Angeles. I’m also super excited for our future growth, as our really big late year news is that Len Lanzi, the Executive Director of LAVA for the past 12 years, is leaving to join us as our new Managing Director of the Preccelerator!
What new technology area, startup, service, or app did you find most interesting or useful this year, and why?
AI, hands down. We’ve all been hearing for years about how AI is going to change our lives. In 2019 we have begun to see it actually affecting us, with voice assistants, and navigational devices, calendaring assisting, suggestive actions, etc. It is finally beginning to spread its way across so many apps and devices, and I believe it holds the promise of tremendous quality of life improvements.
What was the biggest lesson you learned this year?
People are amazing. As I serve in multiple leadership roles, I am amazed how people rise to the occasion when given an opportunity and proper motivation It translates directly to what we are trying to do in the Preccelerator. We are hoping to continue to discover amazing entrepreneurs, give them resources and strategic guidance, and watch them take off. It is incredibly exciting!
What are you most looking forward to in the technology/startup world in 2020?
The rapid acceleration of consumer devices, using AI, that improve our quality of life. I think we are sitting on the precipice of rapid acceleration of life-changing technologies and innovations. What a great time to be a witness, and better yet, a participant in these times.
Scott Alderton is a Founding Partner of the Firm, Managing Partner, and a member of the Firm’s executive committee. Scott is also co-chair of the Firm’s Venture Capital and Emerging Growth practice group. Scott advises clients across a number of industries, including software, technology, digital media, interactive entertainment and video games, cyber security and life sciences.