Meet Our Advisors

  • Senior Advisor

    Jai Verma is an internationally recognized advisor specializing in sovereign investment strategy, cross-border infrastructure development, and critical minerals policy. With over 20 years of experience working alongside sovereign wealth funds, royal families, multinational corporations, and global financial institutions, Mr. Verma is a vital bridge between capital, technology, and government leadership across emerging and frontier markets.

    Throughout his distinguished career, Mr. Verma has advised on multi-billion-dollar initiatives spanning Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and North America, helping structure sovereign wealth platforms, energy transition projects, and strategic asset monetization plans. His network of high-level relationships extends across heads of state, sovereign fund governors, and global C-suite executives, positioning him as a trusted intermediary in complex, high-stakes negotiations.

    Mr. Verma’s reputation for discretion, sound judgment, and delivering results has made him a sought-after advisor for transformational initiatives aligned with national development goals and international investment priorities. His expertise strengthens 144 Advisory’s commitment to helping governments and corporations realize visionary projects that are both commercially viable and globally significant.

    As a Senior Advisor at 144 Advisory LLC, Jai Verma leads sovereign and strategic advisory efforts, offering unparalleled access, geopolitical insights, and operational excellence to our global clientele.

  • Senior Advisor – Waste Management and Mining

    Dr. Theodore "Ted" Topolski brings over 35 years of expertise in developing environmentally sustainable mining techniques and providing comprehensive reclamation and remediation services to the mining industry. His extensive experience encompasses work in environmentally sensitive areas subject to EPA regulations, ensuring that mining operations adhere to the highest environmental standards. ​

    In the public sector, Dr. Topolski has consulted for both the U.S. and U.S.S.R. governments, notably contributing to the development of remediation protocols for metals in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone following the 1986 reactor explosion.His international experience underscores his commitment to addressing complex environmental challenges on a global scale. ​

    Dr. Topolski is a principal of The Tanne Group, a Swiss conglomerate with worldwide interests in extractive industries, and serves as an officer of GoldCorp Switzerland, GmbH, overseeing precious metal mining properties throughout the American West. ​

    As Senior Advisor for Waste Management and Mining, Dr. Topolski provides strategic guidance on sustainable mining practices, environmental compliance, and innovative waste management solutions, ensuring that projects not only meet but exceed environmental and regulatory standards.​

  • Special Legal Advisor

    Judge Eugene R. Sullivan is a distinguished legal expert with a career spanning over five decades in both military and civilian sectors. Nominated by President Ronald Reagan and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, he served as a Federal Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces from 1986, including a term as Chief Judge from 1990 to 1995. In 2002, he assumed Senior Status. ​

    Prior to his judicial service, Judge Sullivan held significant positions including General Counsel of the U.S. Air Force and the National Reconnaissance Office. He also served as a White House lawyer during the Watergate era and as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice.

    A graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point and Georgetown University Law Center, Judge Sullivan is a Vietnam combat veteran, having served as an Army Ranger Instructor and Airborne Ranger. His military honors include induction into the U.S. Army Ranger Hall of Fame in 2010. ​

    In the private sector, Judge Sullivan is a co-founder and senior counsel at the law firm Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan LLP.

    As Special Legal Advisor to 144 Ventures LLC, Judge Sullivan provides strategic counsel on legal and regulatory matters, leveraging his extensive experience to guide the firm's initiatives with integrity and legal excellence.​

  • Craig Allen is a distinguished expert in international trade and Asian markets, with a career spanning over three decades in both public service and private sector leadership. From 2018 to 2024, he served as President of the US-China Business Council (USCBC), representing over 270 American companies engaged in business with China. In this role, Craig successfully guided the organization through a period of significant challenges and opportunities in US-China relations.

    Prior to his tenure at USCBC, Craig had a distinguished 33-year career as a U.S. diplomat, culminating in his role as U.S. Ambassador to Brunei from 2014 to 2018. His extensive experience includes six Foreign Service tours focused on China, notably serving as Deputy Assistant Secretary for China in the Commerce Department’s International Trade Administration, and as Senior Commercial Officer and Commercial Attaché in Beijing.

    Craig holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Asian Studies from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Foreign Service from Georgetown University.

    As Asian Advisor to 144 Ventures LLC, Craig leverages his profound expertise and extensive network to provide strategic guidance on market entry, regulatory navigation, and partnership development across Asian markets, enhancing the firm's initiatives in the region.​

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  • Special Advisor to the United States Government

    Drew Horn is a highly experienced national security leader with extensive management experience in federal service, the private sector, and active duty military service. He has served in the highest leadership assignments at The White House, Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and the U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense.

    In his role as the presidentially appointed Director of Afghanistan Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, Mr. Horn was instrumental in the design and implementation of the administration’s South Asia Strategy.

    Prior to his government service, Mr. Horn was a strategic management consultant at a Big Four consulting firm. He also served with distinction as an Officer in the U.S. Army Special Forces and the U.S. Army Infantry. ​

    As Special Advisor to the United States Government at 144 Advisory, Mr. Horn leverages his extensive experience and strategic insights to provide guidance on national security, policy development, and intergovernmental affairs, enhancing the firm's capabilities in navigating complex governmental landscapes.​

  • Advisor on African Affairs

    Tewodros Ashenafi is a distinguished entrepreneur, investor, and advisor specializing in African markets, serving as Advisor on African Affairs for 144 Ventures. With over three decades of experience leading major companies across Africa, Ashenafi brings unparalleled expertise in strategic investments, government relations, and cross-border business development.

    Mr. Ashenafi is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of SouthWest Holdings Ltd., a diversified conglomerate operating in oil exploration, logistics, real estate, and hospitality services across Ethiopia and beyond. He has served as Chairman of Japan Tobacco International Ethiopia (formerly National Tobacco Enterprise), overseeing the country’s largest tobacco manufacturing and distribution monopoly, and was previously Chairman of Ambo Mineral Water, Ethiopia’s leading mineral water producer and a Coca-Cola Beverages company.

    Recognized globally, Ashenafi has been a speaker at the World Economic Forum in Davos, The Economist forums, and is a regular commentator on Bloomberg and CNBC, with articles published in the Financial Times and Wall Street Journal. His extensive network among African business leaders and government officials, combined with his international business ties, uniquely positions him to guide 144 Ventures’ African strategy.

    Mr. Ashenafi is a graduate of Columbia University (B.A., Economics) and holds an Executive MBA from Harvard Business School’s OPM Program. He is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and a Young Global Leaders (Davos) alumnus. His memberships also include The Travellers Club, The Sloane Club, The Brook, The Harvard Club, and The China Club.

    An avid collector of art and manuscripts, Mr. Ashenafi’s interests also include scuba diving, squash, and boxing. His vision, leadership, and deep understanding of the African business landscape make him an invaluable advisor to 144 Ventures as it expands its global footprint.

  • Dr. Anthony J. "Tony" Tether brings over five decades of experience at the forefront of science, technology, and defense innovation. Best known for his tenure as Director of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) from 2001 to 2009, Dr. Tether led transformative research initiatives that reshaped national security and advanced commercial technologies.

    Prior to DARPA, he founded and led The Sequoia Group, advising Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and emerging tech ventures. His career also includes senior leadership roles at Ford Aerospace, SAIC, and Dynamics Technology Inc., where he focused on advanced systems and strategic innovation.

    Dr. Tether holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University. His achievements have earned him numerous accolades, including the National Intelligence Medal and the DoD Civilian Meritorious Service Medal.

    As Special Advisor for Innovation at 144 Ventures LLC, Dr. Tether guides our research and development strategy, ensuring that breakthrough ideas are translated into scalable, real-world solutions. His expertise empowers our teams to lead at the cutting edge of technology, defense, and sustainability.