Stephen Zarrilli, CEO of Radnor-based venture capital firm Safeguard Scientifics, faces each day with an endless supplies of patience and nerves of steel, writes Jane Von Bergen for the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Safeguard suffered a major hit when the technology bubble burst in 2000. As a result, Zarrilli, who became the CEO four years ago, today makes deals in the tens of millions, compared to the hundreds of millions in its pre-crash heyday.

Zarrilli recently discussed the process and risk in buying and selling companies, and the area’s chances of becoming a tech center like Silicon Valley.

When asked how he gets people to sell their projects, Zarrilli said that each of them carries its own risks, which Safeguard takes on after the purchase, while securing returns for the original owners.

“The way we have more regular profits is to have more companies sold in any given year,” said Zarrilli. He added that he is looking for two to four times on a return to secure a good profit for the company.

Agreeing that Philadelphia still has some issues in becoming a major tech center, he sees light at the end of the tunnel.

“Comcast could be a game-changer here,” he said. “Filling that second tower with their innovation focus is going to draw talent to the region.”

Read more about Stephen Zarrilli in the Philadelphia Inquirer by clicking here.