Alex Mashinsky, Founder & Managing Director

Born into Communism, reared under Socialism, and now thriving under Capitalism, Alex Mashinsky has become one of the most recognized figures in the New York entrepreneurial scene. As the Managing Partner of Governing Dynamics, an early stage venture capital firm, Alex founded several companies including GroundLink in 2005, Transit Wireless in 2002, Elematics in 2000, and Arbinet in 1996. Combining the unique talents of business strategist and technological innovator Alex is continuing to invent new web & communications technologies. A featured speaker at over 120 international communications conferences and TV interviews, and the author of over 50 patents relating to exchanges, VOIP, messaging and communication, Alex has received numerous awards for innovation including Entrepreneur of the Year (2010) and the prestigious 2000 Albert Einstein Technology medal and the Technology Foresight Award for Innovation (presented in Geneva at Telecom 99).

Alex is considered to be one of the pioneers of VOIP, with foundational patents dating back to 1994 many of today's hardware and software designs originated from these early ideas. As the leading evangelist of web based exchanges Alex authored patents that cover aspects of the Smart Grid , Ad exchanges,  Groupon, Twitter, Skype and many other top performing web companies.

Alex has proven his ability to identify winning trends, build a powerful intellectual property portfolio and bring together winning teams to build world-class companies. He has raised over $250m in venture and private equity funds to help position his startups as leaders in their fields.

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Bob Barbiere, Advisor

Executive leader with broad experience in a variety of strategic, transactional, and operational roles. Successfully led organizations in highly diversified business environments ranging from early-stage startups to mature businesses. Demonstrable ability to see market opportunities, identify solutions, and develop strategic business and go-to-market plans delivering growth, profits, and shareholder value.

Built and led product, sales, marketing, and business development teams growing five company's annual revenue from $4 million to over $600 million. Distinguished by a dynamic 360 results-oriented approach combining effective analytical disciplines, outside-the-box thinking, and seamless tactical execution.

Trusted advisor and consultant to Governing Dynamics providing pre-investment management team evaluation and business model analysis and post-investment executive team coaching, strategic planning, go-to-market guidance, and operational leadership.

Designed, marketed and managed numerous landmark products and services including RIGHTSROUTER (first global e-platform enabling independent music labels to control their content, distribution, and rights); THEXCHANGE (world's largest electronic trading platform in the telecommunications space handling over a billion trades per month and managing 5% of the world's voice and data traffic); and DUGOUT DERBY/PIGSKIN PLAYOFF (the first national fantasy baseball and football games).

Panelist and presenter at media, marketing, mobile, and entertainment trade shows including Digital Hollywood, MIDEM, Adweek, American Association of Advertising Agencies, CTIA, PTC, ECTA, GTM, and ComVentures.