Paul Ford (@paulford) is a globally recognized big data expert, serial entrepreneur, technology evangelist, innovator, strategist and startup advisor serving as the Vice President of Community Development and Chief Ecosystem Builder at SoftLayer Technologies in Dallas TX. SoftLayer is the worlds largest and most advanced independent Infrastructure as a Service Company. Paul is responsible for SoftLayer’s Catalyst startup incubator program, as well as other strategic development and partner initiatives. In this role, Paul works with hundreds of startups, investors and technology incubators/accelerators worldwide, and is very much in-tune with the needs and issues of startups everywhere. He is also a Mentor at TechStars Cloud, 500 Startups, Tech WildCatters and SeedCamp Europe. Prior to joining SoftLayer, Paul raised millions of dollars from angel, seed, venture capital and private equity companies as a Co-Founder of several software technology companies. Paul has almost 20 years experience in the technology space, has a passion for seeing young companies succeed and enjoys helping them position their products and services for world domination. Most recently, Paul was chosen as one of five Entrepreneurs in Residence of the United States of America. This Executive Branch appointment is designed to help the US Administration understand how to better shape Visa policy and guidelines to allow more foreign entrepreneurs to work in and stay in the United States. More info on Paul is also available (HERE)