From The Business Journal, November 16, 1998.
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The Business Journal serving San Jose and Silicon Valley
November 16, 1998.
TV Exec resigns to lead candy startup
by Alastair Goldfisher, Business Journal staff writer.
Al Abrahams has left broadcasting for a sweet startup. He has resigned his position as Director of Corporate Support for KTEH-TV, Channel 54 in San Jose, to devote his energy full time to his new candy making business. Mr. Abrahams is President and CEO of Silicon Valley Confection Company in San Jose. He co-founded it with Rich Yacco, who serves as Vice President and Chief Creative Officer. The partners are developing their first product and meeting with prospective investors.
Mr. Abrahams wouldn’t disclose how much private financing the startup is looking to secure, but he did describe its unique confection. The chocolate motherboard includes a CPU chip consisting of a 4-ounce piece of solid chocolate surrounded by 8 RAM chips, which are actually truffle-filled Belgium chocolates. Mr. Abrahams, who has been a chocolatier since 1975 when he started making fudge on the East Coast, said customers will be able to order the chocolate motherboard with company logos imprinted on it. He has begun to take orders. The company has a website at www.svc2.com.
Mr. Abrahams said he expects to begin fulfilling orders nationwide in January. Soon after investors come aboard, the chocolate will be available through a few retail outlets as well. Schurra’s Candy Factory on the Alameda in San Jose is making the candy.
“In the tradition of most valley startups we’re outsourcing our manufacturing,” Mr. Abrahams said. His first career was in hospitality. In 1980, he moved into sales working for an insurance company until he joined KTEH in 1992. Viewers of the public broadcaster became familiar with his face during the station’s fundraisers and auctions. Most recently, he was responsible for all corporate fundraising. He said he would remain involved with the station, adding that he would probably end up donating one of his chocolate creations to a KTEH auction.