John Valentine

From Aerospace, Space and Defence to Security and Transportation, Thales helps its customers to create a safer world by giving them the tools they need to perform critical tasks. World-class technology and the combined expertise of 64,000 employees and operations in 56 countries have made Thales a key player in keeping the public safe and secure, guarding vital infrastructure, and protecting the national security interests of countries around the globe. Thales’ US-based innovation practice, xPlor, is responsible for conceptualizing, developing, and commercializing new businesses for Thales Group. xPlor will provide valuable technology and business insights to its global stakeholders along with shaping – from the ground up – new lines of business that will add measurable value to Thales within a 5 year time horizon. In my role as Manager, Technology Discovery and Communications, I: 1.) Develop and maintain deep relationships with VCs, incubators, accelerators, start-ups, and leading academic institutions in the U.S. 2.) Conduct research and identify early-stage companies with attractive investment or synergistic profiles 3.) Implement and manage prospect database to feed both investment and project needs 4.) Build and maintain external digital presence for all xPlor activities (website, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. 5.) Conduct monthly debriefing sessions with Thales corporate stakeholders to report on scouting activity and xPlor project developments