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.​

  • Senior Investment Advisor

    Mick Eddy is a seasoned investor and entrepreneur with a strong background in identifying and nurturing disruptive technologies and industries. As the co-founder and General Partner of Ethos, Mick has been instrumental in guiding early-stage companies toward scalable success.

    Prior to establishing Ethos, Mick was an early employee at Osterhout Design Group (ODG), a pioneering augmented reality company. During his tenure, he played a key role in scaling the business through multiple enterprise engagements and fundraising rounds, culminating in the sale of ODG's core intellectual property to Microsoft for $150 million.

    In 2014, Mick founded Night Owl Ventures, his personal venture fund dedicated to investing in and advising disruptive technologies and industries.  Through Night Owl Ventures, he has made over 20 angel investments, demonstrating a keen eye for innovative opportunities.

    Mick holds a degree from the University of Southern California and has furthered his studies at the London School of Economics. ​

    As an Investment Advisor at 144 Ventures LLC, Mick leverages his extensive experience and industry insights to provide strategic guidance on investment opportunities, helping to drive the firm's mission of fostering innovation and growth.​

  • Senior Global Advisor

    Oliver "Buck" Revell is a distinguished security expert with over three decades of experience in federal law enforcement and international security. He served as Associate Deputy Director for Investigations at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), overseeing critical areas such as criminal investigations, counter-terrorism, and counter-intelligence. ​

    During his tenure at the FBI, Mr. Revell was instrumental in managing high-profile operations, including leading joint efforts during the Los Angeles riots in 1992 and coordinating activities to suppress civil disorder. ​

    In the private sector, Mr. Revell is the President of Revell Group International, Inc., a global business and security consulting firm based in Rowlett, Texas. He also serves as Chairman of the Board for the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) in Washington, D.C., and as a Trustee of the Center for American & International Law. ​

    As Global Security Advisor to 144 Ventures LLC, Mr. Revell provides strategic guidance on security protocols, risk assessment, and crisis management, ensuring the firm's operations are safeguarded against emerging global threats.​

  • Intergovernmental Advisor

    Curt Weldon brings over four decades of experience in public service, intergovernmental relations, and international affairs. He served as a Republican member of the United States House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007, representing Pennsylvania's 7th district.

    During his congressional tenure, Mr. Weldon held influential positions, including Vice-Chair of the Armed Services Committee and the House Homeland Security Committee. He was instrumental in founding the Congressional Fire Services Caucus, advocating for increased support and resources for first responders nationwide.

    Prior to his time in Congress, Mr. Weldon served as Mayor of Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania, from 1977 to 1982, and as Chairman of the Delaware County Council from 1981 to 1986. His early career also includes experience as an educator and executive in the insurance industry.

    As Intergovernmental Advisor to 144 Ventures LLC, Mr. Weldon leverages his extensive network and expertise to foster strategic partnerships, navigate regulatory landscapes, and enhance governmental relations, contributing to the firm's mission of driving innovation and growth.​

Dr Anthony Teither

Special Advisor for Innovation

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.

  • Senior Asian Advisor

    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.​

  • 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.