We are Bossa Nova veterans who built and scaled robots and cloud AI in 600 Walmart Supercenters. We learned hard lessons that we would have loved to avoid, if only we knew then what we know now.

So we created Special Ops to share lessons learned and best practices with other startups to help them see around the corner and better run their business.

Sarjoun Skaff is a technology entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in robotics, AI and retail. He is the founder and CEO of Bossa Nova, a company that pioneered the automation of on-shelf inventory management through the deployment of autonomous robots and cloud AI in retail stores. 

Bossa Nova's automated inventory solution comprised the deployment of robots in 600 Walmart Supercenters, where they scanned shelves daily to increase inventory accuracy, and guided associates in restocking missing items to increase sales. This was a seven year effort that comprised raising $120M of venture capital, generating $92M of revenue, and building a 230 employee-strong operation that delivered fundamental innovation and technical and operational excellence.

Skaff's pioneering foray in retail saw him collaborating with the world's top retailers and learning best practices in using data to increase on-shelf availability; integrating computer vision and location into perpetual inventory and automated replenishment systems; and weaving AI into store operations workflows.

In addition, Skaff has expertise in running several types of businesses and operations, namely cloud-based enterprise software, hardware, manufacturing, and field operations. He is also a technology leader in robotics, AI, and cloud operations.

His leadership philosophy embraces the leader-leader approach that empowers individuals and pushes them to operate one level up. He constantly seeks to maximise collective consciousness through extensive communication and clear goals. He leads by articulating a clear vision, creating empowered and high-functioning teams, and securing the resources they need to win.

Skaff holds a PhD in Robotics from Carnegie Mellon University, is fluent in English, French, and Arabic, has won numerous awards and is an inventor of more than ten patents.

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Jeff Hahn is a product leader and go-to-market strategist with over 15 years of experience in FinTech, Robotics, and AI. He has a proven track record of guiding customers to successful outcomes. Most recently, he led the Product team at Bossa Nova, where he deployed autonomous robots to over 600 locations and integrated AI solutions into enterprise workflows. Prior to that, he was responsible for bringing one of the first authenticated One Time Passcode solutions to market.

Jeff has managed products through every stage of their lifecycle, from ideation to launch and ongoing improvement. He is a master of aligning technology with user needs to drive value. His skill set and approach are honed in on finding product-market fit and establishing the right growth strategy that will enable startups to scale efficiently and profitably.

Jeff holds a Bachelor's degree in business from Robert Morris University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). He is a lifelong learner who is passionate about staying at the forefront of emerging technologies and business strategies. He now aspires to assist companies that have a vision to solve real-world problems and drive meaningful progress for society.

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