Team
Bao Tran
Managing Partner – AI LegalTech Operator, ex- Invisalign
Bao Tran is a Silicon Valley-based investor focusing on early-stage technology ventures. He is also the founder of PowerPatent, a SaaS company streamlining IP workflows with AI, and a partner at PatentPC, where he advises startups on patent strategy and IP monetization. As a lawyer and graduate of Columbia University MBA, Bao blends technical depth with legal and entrepreneurial insight to help startups scale strategically.
Ben Dubin
Venture Advisor
Ben Dubin is a veteran Silicon Valley venture capitalist and technologist, currently Managing Partner at Health Gap Ventures, who has invested over $100 million in nearly 100 startups focused on health tech and life sciences; he’s also a serial entrepreneur, former Sun Microsystems engineer, and Harvard MBA known for backing innovations that make healthcare more affordable and accessible for underserved communities.
Jeff Smith
GTM and Sales Advisor
Jeff Smith is a go-to-market and sales advisor with deep expertise in scaling early-stage startups. At Tran.VC, he helps portfolio companies in refining their sales strategies, building high-performing teams, and accelerating revenue growth. With a track record of driving GTM success across tech ventures, Jeff brings practical insight and executional rigor to founders navigating competitive markets.
Ping Gu
IP Law Expert
Ping Gu is an intellectual property law expert with over 20 years of experience across top U.S. and Chinese law firms. A partner at Zhong Lun Law Firm, she splits her time between Beijing and New York, leading high-stakes patent litigation and trade secret cases for global clients like TSMC, Google, and Sony. Recognized by Chambers as a leading IP lawyer, Ping has handled more than 40 patent litigations and 337 investigations before the U.S. ITC and federal courts, with several cases honored by China’s Supreme Court and major legal publications.
John Huynh
Technology Advisor
John Huynh is a software developer and startup founder with over a decade of experience building scalable mobile and enterprise platforms. As the founder of a mobile customer engagement software company, he has helped numerous startups white-label and deploy community-driven solutions. A UC Berkeley graduate in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, John brings deep technical expertise and a passion for creating impactful digital products. His past ventures include co-founding JobTree, a mobile recruiting platform, and leading product development at Ontelix.
Adhip
Adhip Ray helps VC-backed startups and professional firms scale efficiently. With expertise in marketing, data analytics, and corporate law, he has been recognized by Forbes, HubSpot, and StartupNation and specializes in corporate and IP law.
Mary Kimani
Platform Lead – Founder Community
Mary Kimani is a recruiting and workforce development leader with a strong foundation in tech operations. She has championed initiatives to attract, retain, and advance diverse talent in STEM and skilled trades. Mary has led employee resource groups, and mentored early-career tech professionals. Her passion lies in building inclusive pipelines and empowering the next generation of women in manufacturing.
Kathi vidal
Advocate
Kathi Vidal is a former Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), serving from 2022 to 2024. A seasoned IP litigator and engineer, she previously led litigation teams at Fish & Richardson and was Managing Partner of Winston & Strawn’s Silicon Valley office. During her USPTO tenure, she championed AI policy, international IP collaboration, and diversity in innovation. Kathi holds degrees in electrical engineering and law from Binghamton, Syracuse, and the University of Pennsylvania, and now advises on AI, IP, and regulatory strategy at Winston & Strawn.