Tom Kippola is a venture partner at Silicon Valley Data Capital known for helping software and data companies build strategy ahead of major exits, including deals like ChargePoint, Interwoven, and Tealeaf, as well as his earlier work helping shape the strategy behind Nextel's growth before its $35B acquisition by Sprint. He co-founded The Chasm Group alongside Geoffrey Moore's Crossing the Chasm approach, co-authored the bestselling book The Gorilla Game, and continues applying that strategic thinking to new areas like healthcare adoption, while emphasizing the value of clear mission statements for companies looking to scale.