Transformative Tech Entrepreneur; Inclusive Innovation Expert; The "Robin Hood of Technology" by Voice of America; Author, Differences That Make a Difference
Pedro David Espinoza is a tech entrepreneur, venture investor, and author operating at the intersection of Silicon Valley and global equity. Recognized by Voice of America as the “Robin Hood of Technology,” he helps leaders build high-growth businesses that expand opportunity rather than concentrate it.
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Social
Pedro bridges Silicon Valley innovation with global social impact. He founded SmileyGo at 19, scaling a platform that connected companies with high-impact NGOs across 30 countries, and later launched Pan Peru USA, empowering Andean women entrepreneurs, expanding STEM access for thousands of children, and leading large-scale reforestation initiatives.
A World Economic Forum Vice Curator, YPO member, TED speaker, and 30 Under 30 honoree, Pedro has delivered more than 300 bilingual keynotes for Fortune 500 companies, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and global institutions. His work focuses on the future of work, inclusive entrepreneurship, and unlocking underrepresented talent. He is the author of Differences That Make a Difference.
At 19, while at Stanford, he founded SmileyGo—a tech platform born from design thinking principles that helped companies identify and invest in high-impact opportunities, reaching 30 countries and attracting investment from 1517 Fund, Frank Baxter, and Berkeley Haas Seed Fund. In 2017, Janet Napolitano named him the University of California Entrepreneur Winner.
In 2018, Pedro launched Pan Peru USA, applying user-centered design and product ideation workshops to empower Andean women as entrepreneurs—teaching skills in innovation, marketing, and business building while creating lasting value through community-driven projects.
He co-authored the award-winning book Differences That Make a Difference (2020 Latino International Best Business Book), featuring insights from tech leaders like Eric Schmidt and Reed Hastings on leadership, creativity, and growth mindsets. Pedro has since lectured in entrepreneurship and engineering at Tecnológico de Monterrey and invested in 20+ startups as Founder & General Partner of PDE Ventures (including Robot.com, Mocafi, and Happioh).
A YPO member, Silicon Valley honoree, and board member for organizations like Notre Dame de Namur University, Pedro has delivered over 300 keynotes worldwide. He offers audiences an inspiring, actionable perspective on entrepreneurship: how empathy drives better problem-solving, design thinking accelerates innovation, and resilience turns setbacks into breakthroughs—blending his immigrant founder story with proven tactics for building high-growth ventures in uncertain times.
Pedro Espinoza – McDermott + Bull San Diego Diversity + Inclusion Symposium
Pedro Espinoza – Build the Bridge
Pedro Espinoza – Connect Silicon Valley
Pedro Espinoza – McDermott + Bull San Diego Diversity + Inclusion Symposium
Pedro David Espinoza’s Speech Topics
The Future of AI and Businesses
The last five years have seen breakthroughs in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at an unprecedented rate, with a host of new systems and applications emerging that go far beyond what was possible only a decade ago. Voice commands can now be used to perform actions and retrieve information using a conversational tone across multiple devices. Self-driving cars are a reality for commuters on the highway. With continuous and accelerating improvements in AI, this talk will address new ways of thinking about AI and ways to prepare your business for the continuing AI revolution.
From Young Entrepreneur to Boardroom Leader: Pedro’s Journey
This keynote will chronicle Pedro’s ascent from a startup founder to a board member of nine organizations. He will share the core strategies that fueled his success and provide valuable insights for leaders at any stage of their career.
Subjects: Technology and Networking, The Role of Emotional Support, Continuous Innovation, Global Brand
Building and Empowerment for Latinos.
Design Thinking: Innovation 101
Learn tangible steps to think like an entrepreneur within a large corporation. Pedro is a Silicon Valley tech entrepreneur who’s raised capital, formed teams, and executed product roadmaps. He will teach you intrapreneurship and how to embrace design thinking (problem-solving mindset) in your org to surpass your OKRs, KPIs, and goals. Be a risk- taker! Embrace & innovate.
Embrace Cultural Intelligence in Workplace Environments
Gain a new perspective on how to start your inclusion journey in the 21st-century era. Get inspired by our award-winning CEO on how to embrace cultural intelligence while leading manufacturing and product teams. Receive training on cultural & emotional intelligence for your leadership and mid-management teams to be ready for the future of work. Pedro will explain what works and doesn’t when it comes to cultural intelligence from his experience with his clients, such as Oracle & Applied Materials.
ChatGPT and The Rise of Conversational AI
How will your business handle the conversational AI revolution? Generative AI programs like ChatGPT are poised to be the most disruptive technology since the Internet itself. With the ability to create articles, answer queries, and write code, ChatGPT can do many things with language that were not possible before, affecting jobs and how we do our work. In this engaging talk by the founder of SmileyGo, Pedro will discuss the implications of conversational AI programs for business. Audiences will learn about the capabilities and limitations of conversational AI, as well as how your business can stay ahead of the curve.
Build The Bridge
Pedro’s goal with his ventures is to close the opportunity gap for minorities by building relational bridges. When Pedro was volunteering 12,600 feet above sea level in the Andes, he met a teenager in Pampas Grande who aspired to be an engineer. This keynote highlights Pedro’s mind-shift toward his realization that it’s better to give than to receive, his venture, Pan Peru. Learn how to become powerful by helping others achieve their goals.
What other organizations say about Pedro David Espinoza
Pedro inspired and delighted our organization with his well-documented collection of best practices, igniting newconversations and guiding the team in the exploration of new avenues to accelerate and deepen the inclusion journey.
Manufacturing
What other organizations say about Pedro David Espinoza
Pedro hit it out of the park as a guest speaker for our recent event! Thank you for bringing your authenticity, passion, and energy, making our event a memorable one. Your ability to intertwine your lived experience as a person of color and your research for your book was well-received and appreciated on the topic of inclusion and diversity! Great job!
Health Care
What other organizations say about Pedro David Espinoza
It was a pleasure listening to Pedro speak. He has a very impressive background and has been able to create real impact with his entrepreneurial spirit and eagerness to always do more. Pedro’s energy could be felt through the computer, and he delivered an eye-opening presentation on the importance of developing relationships beyond your direct peers.
Retail
What other organizations say about Pedro David Espinoza
Pedro spoke of his experiences with passion, purpose, and authenticity. He has surrounded himself with such a diversegroup of people who have all played a role in making him who he is. A lesson for everyone…to embrace and celebrate all that makes us different and unique.