Net Element is an online media and technology company that develops properties and technologies, incubates cutting-edge emerging businesses, and is creating a network of unique digital assets, rich with HD video content and social media.
Our goal is to use the most innovative and powerful tools on the web to bring communities together, enrich lives, and improve relationships. In other words, we aim to transform the online experience. Check us out.
We're an eclectic mix of geeks, entrepreneurs, creators, and developers. Take a closer look at who we are and what we do.
The Net Element team is comprised of individuals equipped with years of experience in the various fields of technology, marketing, architecture, intellectual property, law, creative writing, product design and all forms of new, digital and print media. Our senior leadership team possesses the acumen to guide our properties to success having excelled at top companies such as Microsoft, Ener1, Goldman Sachs, Google, DG Capital Partners, Universal Music Group and Sony Pictures.
Each member of our team is dedicated to driving the latest and most vital information ahead in ways that are leading-edge.
At Net Element, we believe in helping people excel at doing what they love. Although we thrive on the latest-and fastest-technology, community and fun is paramount to us. Our energy and funds go toward connecting people to their passions. And we love doing it.
Co-founder, Chairman & CEO
Mike Zoi serves as the Chairman and CEO of Net Element, Inc. A pioneer in the development of advanced technologies, Mr. Zoi brings an outstanding track record of prospering green tech and high tech companies to our organization. He co-founded Ener1, Inc. Mr. Zoi also founded EnerFund, a privately held investment group with interests in a variety of high-growth sectors. In addition, Mr. Zoi is chairman of 8 Motor, a U.S.-based electric vehicle company. Earlier in his career, Mr. Zoi worked in international finance and business development.
President & COO
Richard Lappenbusch is President & COO of Net Element. Richard is a highly accomplished executive with 20 years' experience in strategic development, product development, intellectual property, digital facility operations design & management, technical policy, Internet, web and cloud computing services. He brings a proven ability to analyze an organization's critical business requirements, identify deficiencies and opportunities, and drive development through partnerships and leadership to enhance competitiveness, increase revenue, and decrease costs. Over the course of his career, Mr. Lappenbusch has been a key player in providing products and services to thebroadcast, cable, film, Internet, media, software and web services industries. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lappenbusch was Founder and Managing Partner of Novus Ordo LLC, a professional media and technology consulting company from 2009 through 2011. Richard worked in various executive roles at Microsoft Corporation and its affiliate companies from 1993 to 2009, where he directed the strategic planning efforts of Microsoft Windows, was Director of Microsoft Entertainment & Devices, and conceived, designed and launched MSNBC.
Co-founder & SVP of Business Development
Dmitry Kozko is a Co-founder & SVP of Business Development of Net Element, as well as Co-founder & CEO of Openfilm. Dmitry is dynamic entrepreneur who possesses a sharp analytical mind and a unique ability to lead within varying operational environments. Prior to helping shape Net Element into what it is today, Dmitry co-founded Openfilm.com, a company dedicated to aspiring filmmakers and fans of independent films, where Dmitry still remains as the CEO. A hands-on executive, Dmitry is involved in all aspects of Net Element's operations, from strategy to execution. Dmitry also manages all global operations, marketing and sales initiatives for Net Element. Previously, he also worked with an investment group, where he learned the ins and outs of incubating start-up companies and taking them to market.
Chief Financial Officer
Jonathan New serves as Chief Financial Officer for Net Element and its subsidiaries. Jonathan brings a keen business sense and an unrivaled accounting acumen to our company. In the past, he has served as Chief Operating Officer of Ener1, Inc. Additionally, he has provided counsel to public companies on a variety of corporate accounting, reporting and audit related issues. Jonathan has also served as CFO for various other large organizations, such as Haagen-Dazs, RAI Credit Corporation and Prudential of Florida. Jonathan obtained his BS in Accounting from Florida State University and is a member of the Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Chief Technology Officer
Ivan Onuchin is Chief Technology Officer for Net Element and its subsidiaries. A technology guru and industry trailblazer, Ivan brings an outstanding record of pioneering work in software development, architecture, and programming to our company.
Among Ivan's achievements are groundbreaking software advances in the areas of sonar imaging systems, browser-less navigation on the web, and three dimensional visualization. Prior to joining Net Element, Ivan developed a radical 3D imaging software while serving as CTO for Splinex Technology Incorporated (a former subsidiary of Ener1 Inc. Additionally, he has authored various patents based on his software development work across various industries.
The algorithms developed by Ivan can have far-reaching implications in building new video experiences on the web. Ivan has a post-graduate degree from the Russian Academy of Science, where he has also taught classes in computer science, and is currently a PhD candidate. An innovative technology professional with more than 15 years' experience in software development, Ivan is the epitome of the spirit that is embedded in Net Element's culture.
Chairman & CEO of LegalGuru.com
Curtis Wolfe serves on the Board of Directors for Net Element and also provides his expertise as an "Idea Guru" for all of our properties. Mr. Wolfe brings a rare blend of legal expertise, business acumen, and creative capabilities to our organization. Previously he has served as Chief Operating Officer, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of private equity company Ener1 Group, Inc., the largest shareholder of alternative energy company Ener1, Inc. Prior to Ener1 Group, he was a partner in an international law firm based in Miami where he focused on mergers and acquisitions, startup company financing, franchising, and intellectual property. His experience also includes equity and debt offerings and compliance with reporting requirements for publicly traded companies. Mr. Wolfe served for 11 years in the United States Air Force. He has a BIS in English, Mathematics and Latin American Studies from Weber State University and a JD from the University of Iowa College of Law, where he graduated with distinction.
Founder and President of Arlive
Steve Strother is a Founder and President of A&Rlive. Previously, he was CEO and founder of A&R Music Live, LLC, and has more than 22 years of experience in the music industry and corporate America. He is a graduate of Auburn University with a major in psychology. Strother was also a four-time NCAA Track and Field All-American. Strother has held positions that include Consultant and Entertainment Recruiter for Turner Broadcasting, HR Consultant, Regional Recruiting Manager and U.S. Diversity Consultant for Hewlett Packard, Systems Analyst and Customer Service Shift Supervisor for IBM and Caseworker for Big Brother Big Sister. As a prep student, Strother was President of the Spike Shoe Society and a Board Member of the Academic Honesty Committee. Today, Strother consults and connects artists, producers and songwriters to record and publishing companies for deal consideration through the A&R LIVE HOOKUP program. Some of the industry's most notable talents that used his company products and services in pursuing their deals include India Arie, TLC, Zane, Kris Kross and J-Pat Management for Usher.
VP of Operations, Openfilm
Brenda Nieborsky is VP of Operations for Openfilm. Brenda has seen first-hand how the dreams of young filmmakers can come true. In fact, she's played a role in making that happen. Early in her career while Associate Director for Scenarios USA, she partnered teenage script writers with Hollywood filmmakers to produce films that were seen by millions of people on Showtime, BET and other distribution channels.
While there she worked with acclaimed director David Frankel. Brenda later joined the Miami Short Film Festival (MSFF) as Director of Marketing and recruited Frankel to serve as a judge. That's where Frankel met Rob Meyer, a MSFF winner. Frankel is now set to executive produce Meyer's first feature film, which is based on his winning short. That success story helped Brenda increase MSFF submissions by 20 percent. While at MSFF, she reorganized the festival, bringing in a programming director and increasing funding from sponsors. Brenda got her start in the business the way many filmmakers do, she got the chance to work on a film and was hooked. She has worked with many of the industry's best, including producer Michael Waxman, and directors Michael Apted, Doug Liman, Griffin Dunne, David Koepp, Gina Prince-Bythewood and others.