Executive Chairman Webit Foundation
Dr. Plamen Russev is the initiator and focal connector of one of the world’s largest impact networks and curator of the global Webit community, reaching out to over 800,000 digerati, policy makers, innovators and media. His success stories include creating the global Webit brand from scratch, supporting founders and brands in establishing and growing a successful marketing strategy, creating meaningful relations with potential partners, customers and media. Plamen supports causes which impact the achievement of the UN’ SDGs.
He is an investor, philanthropist and serial entrepreneur and proven success record in developing business ventures in multicultural and challenging business environments.
Plamen Russev is B.Sc in Marketing and Management, M.Sc in Electronic Education/Mathematics and Physics, and Ph.D in Healthcare Management.
Plamen Russev has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Digital Affairs of his home country – Republic of Bulgaria and a member of European Commission’ BOF.
Dr. Russev’ work and impact have been recognised and awarded by governments, associations and NGOs along with 2 honorary doctorates from Universities in Europe and South America. Plamen Russev is featured in hundreds of international and local media including The Economist, Bloomberg, CNBCe, Forbes, Venture Beat, CNN to name a few.
Dr. Russev is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Webit Foundation and host of Webit Virtual.
He is happily married to the most wonderful girl in the world and father of 2 boys.
Founder & Chairman Solar Impulse
Born into a family of scientific explorers, Bertrand Piccard has made history by completing two
round-the-world flights: non-stop in a balloon and more recently without any fuel in the Solar
Impulse airplane.
With this last achievement, Bertrand’s goal was to demonstrate how clean technologies and
renewable energy can achieve the impossible. As a second phase of his vision, and with the
Solar Impulse Foundation, he launched the challenge of selecting 1’000 profitable solutions that
protect the environment in order to encourage decision-makers to adopt more ambitious
environmental targets and energy policies.
One of the first to envision ecology through the lens of profitability, he urges for the uptake of
clean and efficient technologies because they are logical rather than just ecological. Even if
climate change didn’t exist, they would make sense, as they represent the biggest industrial
market of the century. According to him, innovation and pioneering spirit are key to solve the
most pressing challenge of our times: ensuring the quality of life on Earth.
Co-founder and Executive Chairman Lime
Brad co-founded Lime in 2017, the leading Urban mobility platform that’s currently operating scooter & bike share services in over 100 markets in 30 countries globally, with a vision of re-imagine future urban living and making it more sustainable and enjoyable, starting with Micro-Mobility.
Prior to Lime, Brad co-founded Kinzon Capital as the managing partner and managed the fund in the last fund cycle. Before that, Brad established Tencent (0700.HK)’s US presence, built the team and operation from ground up and managed Tencent US for over 8 years. Brad holds MBA degree from UC Berkeley Haas School of Business.
Lex Correspondent Financial Times
Louise Lucas is a Tech correspondent for more than 20 years at the Financial Times with experience in a variety of roles based in London & Asia. These include Asia tech correspondent; Asia Lex writer, based in Tokyo; consumer industries editor and Asia news editor in Hong Kong. Currently Lex writer in London. BA from Oxford University.
Special Panelists
Host
Q&A Moderator
Executive Chairman Webit Foundation
Dr. Plamen Russev is the initiator and focal connector of one of the world’s largest impact networks and curator of the global Webit community, reaching out to over 800,000 digerati, policy makers, innovators and media. His success stories include creating the global Webit brand from scratch, supporting founders and brands in establishing and growing a successful marketing strategy, creating meaningful relations with potential partners, customers and media. Plamen supports causes which impact the achievement of the UN’ SDGs.
He is an investor, philanthropist and serial entrepreneur and proven success record in developing business ventures in multicultural and challenging business environments.
Plamen Russev is B.Sc in Marketing and Management, M.Sc in Electronic Education/Mathematics and Physics, and Ph.D in Healthcare Management.
Plamen Russev has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Digital Affairs of his home country – Republic of Bulgaria and a member of European Commission’ BOF.
Dr. Russev’ work and impact have been recognised and awarded by governments, associations and NGOs along with 2 honorary doctorates from Universities in Europe and South America. Plamen Russev is featured in hundreds of international and local media including The Economist, Bloomberg, CNBCe, Forbes, Venture Beat, CNN to name a few.
Dr. Russev is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Webit Foundation and host of Webit Virtual.
He is happily married to the most wonderful girl in the world and father of 2 boys.
European lead Volvo Cars Technology Fund
Andreas is the European lead for the Volvo Cars Technology Fund (VCTF), Volvo Cars’ new investment fund aimed at investing in high potential technology start-ups around the globe. The aim of the Volvo Cars Tech Fund is to invest in strategic technology trends that are transforming the industry, such as artificial intelligence, electrification, autonomous driving and digital mobility services. Before joining VCTF, Andreas was Head of Research- and Automotive Strategy for Volvo Cars.
Global Head Airbus BizLab
Prior to joining Airbus, Christian Lindener worked as Managing Director for Wayra Germany, a technology innovation hub. In this role, he oversaw the strategic direction of the organisation, as well as, the selection of startups and young technology corporations for integration into the Telefonicà investment portfolio. As an independent tech consultant, he has created and advised more than 20 incubator and accelerator programs. As Director of TechFounders, a high-tech hardware accelerator based in Munich, he was responsible for the development of more than 50 high-tech startups. Lindener has co-founded several companies, one of which--a virtual reality startup—was sold to booking.com in 2014. Most recently, he co-launched D3 Technologies AG, an open digital operations platform for the urban air mobility market. Lindener was born in Brazil--and grew up in Mexico. He studied international business administration and economics at the Leopold-Franzens-University in Innsbruck, the University of New Orleans and the University of Barcelona.
Investment team Maniv Mobility
A member of the Maniv Mobility investment team since 2019, Meir is among those responsible for the fund’s Israeli and European deal flow. Prior to joining Maniv, Meir worked within a boutique consulting firm advising governments on innovation inventive policies and scouting technologies for corporate clients in insurance and enterprise software. Meir graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pennsylvania and holds an MBA from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Partner, Automotive & Manifacturing Oliver Wyman
Andreas has spent the past 10 years focusing on strategy development for automotive OEMs and Mobility Service Providers.
He’s a Partner in Oliver Wyman's Automotive & Manufacturing practice, based in the Frankfurt Office and is fiercely excited about the developments in his field:
Andreas is involved in designing new strategic business models for emerging mobility solutions and services. Further, digitizationin the automotive space is making up a big part of his daily work, especially in the field of automotive sales and aftersales.
Andreas’ clients value his collaborative working style and the trustful relationships he builds with them.
Andreas holds a Bachelor of Science from the European Business School as well as the Pontificia Universidad Católicade de Chile, Chile, and a Master of Science from the Justus-Liebig-University, Gießen. He also completed his doctoral studies at the Goethe University, Frankfurt. He speaks German, English, and Spanish.
Managing Director and Board Member Toyota AI Ventures
Jim Adler is the founding managing director of Toyota AI Ventures, and an executive advisor at Toyota Research Institute (TRI). He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Toyota Financial Savings Bank and the Investment Committee of JetBlue Technology Ventures, and he is a member of the Department of Homeland Security Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee.
Jim joined Toyota AI Ventures from TRI, where he served as vice president of data and business development. Prior to that, Jim was vice president of products and marketing at Metanautix, a big data analytics startup funded by Sequoia Capital and Workday that was acquired by Microsoft.
Hyper Poland develops the next generation of High-Speed Railways, based on magnetic levitation, linear motor and autonomous control systems, which can be subsequently transformed into a vacuum version. It is the only company globally able to gradually implement hyperloop-inspired solutions as an upgrade for the railway industry.
Hyper Poland's unique magrail system introduces a passive magnetic levitation train on existing conventional tracks to operate at speeds of up to 300 kph and 415 kph on HSR lines. It keeps the functionality of conventional rolling stock.
Lightyear is the electric car that charges itself. They are a high-tech company developing long-range solar electric vehicles. Founded in 2016 by world champion solar car racers from the Netherlands and grown by industry veterans. Currently 120 fte, 22 patents filed, 14 nationalities €34M raised, €6M pre-orders and a 3000m2 facility. Their car has a range of 725km WLTP, can re-charge 300-400km in one night with a normal power outlet and is able to harvest 7000 (AMS) - 18000 km (SF) per yearly purely through its own solar roof. It can also be charged with fast chargers or normal 11kW or 22kW chargers.
UAT is developing a smart sensor network with an AR system for aircraft wiring that improves fuel economy, decreases the occurrence of Repetitive Strain Injuries, simplifies maintenance through 3D fault location, and reduces the impact of CO2 emissions.
Executive Chairman Webit Foundation
Dr. Plamen Russev is the initiator and focal connector of one of the world’s largest impact networks and curator of the global Webit community, reaching out to over 800,000 digerati, policy makers, innovators and media. His success stories include creating the global Webit brand from scratch, supporting founders and brands in establishing and growing a successful marketing strategy, creating meaningful relations with potential partners, customers and media. Plamen supports causes which impact the achievement of the UN’ SDGs.
He is an investor, philanthropist and serial entrepreneur and proven success record in developing business ventures in multicultural and challenging business environments.
Plamen Russev is B.Sc in Marketing and Management, M.Sc in Electronic Education/Mathematics and Physics, and Ph.D in Healthcare Management.
Plamen Russev has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Digital Affairs of his home country – Republic of Bulgaria and a member of European Commission’ BOF.
Dr. Russev’ work and impact have been recognised and awarded by governments, associations and NGOs along with 2 honorary doctorates from Universities in Europe and South America. Plamen Russev is featured in hundreds of international and local media including The Economist, Bloomberg, CNBCe, Forbes, Venture Beat, CNN to name a few.
Dr. Russev is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Webit Foundation and host of Webit Virtual.
He is happily married to the most wonderful girl in the world and father of 2 boys.
Lex Correspondent Financial Times
Louise Lucas is a Tech correspondent for more than 20 years at the Financial Times with experience in a variety of roles based in London & Asia. These include Asia tech correspondent; Asia Lex writer, based in Tokyo; consumer industries editor and Asia news editor in Hong Kong. Currently Lex writer in London. BA from Oxford University.
Chief Editor, Technology & Telecoms The Economist Group
Matthew Kendall is Chief Editor at The Economist Group. Matt manages telecoms coverage for the Industry Briefing team and creates worldwide technology- and telecoms-related content for the Industry Briefing website. A key element of his role involves editing reports that provide market-sizing information for the telecoms sector in 60 countries, as well as detailed market analysis and five-year forecasts within these key markets. He is also responsible for working closely with Consulting teams in various countries, collaborating on research projects that involve using qualitative and quantitative data collection, general macroeconomic analysis, index building and policy analysis to advise clients on their telecoms and ICT-related investment strategies.
Matt is an experienced editor who has previously spent time specialising as a financial services analyst, as well as more recently contributing to healthcare, telecoms, automotive and energy sector coverage within Industry Briefing. Before joining the Industry Briefing team he was a sub-editor covering Latin America, and he has contributed to economic and political country coverage for Barbados, Curaçao and Sint Maarten.
Senior Space Correspondent Business Insider
Dave Mosher is a Senior Space Correspondent at Business Insider. He reports news and features stories about science and technology, with human and robotic spaceflight as the primary focus of his 15-year multimedia career. He joined Business Insider and Insider (i.e. Insider Inc.) in April 2015 as a deputy editor of science coverage to help the company launch Tech Insider. Prior to that, He directed Popular Science's website, was a Wired contributor, and worked for or with Scientific American, Popular Mechanics, Discover, Space.com, National Geographic News, Discovery.com, Nature, Science, and other media outlets. Mosher has training and experience in investigative reporting, so he welcomes confidential leads and leaks. Mosher also has many years of experience in video, audio, and in-person media appearances and engagements. He moderates panels, presents talks, judges contests, gives podcast/radio interviews, and makes live and pre-recorded television guest appearances. (Past credits and bookings include The Today Show, CBS This Morning, 'What on Earth?' on the Science Channel, Fox & Friends, CNN, CNBC, PBS, Pix11, AP, Reuters, BBC News, Al Jazeera America, Cheddar, ABC Radio, BBC Radio, Marketplace Radio, Texas Public Radio, and more.)
Columnist Barron's
Jim Motavalli is a Auto Columnist at Barron’s. He also writes for The New York Times, Media Village, Sierra,Autoblog.com, National Public Radio’s Car Talk and others. Jim has written for many other editions as well and he is also a contributor to the Environmental Defense Fund publications, and to the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Jim was also a syndicated “green” auto columnist, writing “Wheels” for 25 years. Motavalli hosts a radio program on WPKN-FM in Connecticut, and lectures widely.
He is author or editor of nine books, including Forward Drive: The Race to Build Clean Cars for the Future, High Voltage: The Fast Track to Plug in the Auto Industry, Green Living and Feeling the Heat: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Climate Change and Naked in the Woods: Joseph Knowles and the History of Frontier Fakery. His book The Real Dirt on America’s Frontier Legends, was published August 2019 by Gibbs Smith. Its sequel, The Real Dirt on America’s Frontier Outlaws, was published in April of 2020.
Special Panelists
Host
Executive Chairman Webit Foundation
Dr. Plamen Russev is the initiator and focal connector of one of the world’s largest impact networks and curator of the global Webit community, reaching out to over 800,000 digerati, policy makers, innovators and media. His success stories include creating the global Webit brand from scratch, supporting founders and brands in establishing and growing a successful marketing strategy, creating meaningful relations with potential partners, customers and media. Plamen supports causes which impact the achievement of the UN’ SDGs.
He is an investor, philanthropist and serial entrepreneur and proven success record in developing business ventures in multicultural and challenging business environments.
Plamen Russev is B.Sc in Marketing and Management, M.Sc in Electronic Education/Mathematics and Physics, and Ph.D in Healthcare Management.
Plamen Russev has been appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Digital Affairs of his home country – Republic of Bulgaria and a member of European Commission’ BOF.
Dr. Russev’ work and impact have been recognised and awarded by governments, associations and NGOs along with 2 honorary doctorates from Universities in Europe and South America. Plamen Russev is featured in hundreds of international and local media including The Economist, Bloomberg, CNBCe, Forbes, Venture Beat, CNN to name a few.
Dr. Russev is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Webit Foundation and host of Webit Virtual.
He is happily married to the most wonderful girl in the world and father of 2 boys.
Global Leader, Future of Mobility Practice Deloitte
Scott Corwin is a Managing Director with Deloitte Consulting and leads Deloitte’s Global Future of Mobility Practice. Over the past three decades, Scott has worked closely with senior leaders of global organizations to successfully undertake strategy-based transformations to address disruptive change.
He and his Future of Mobility team are working closely with corporations, governments, academia, communities and NGOs to actively shape the emergence of the mobility ecosystem. They are systematically researching how converging forces are giving rise to the emergence of seamless, intermodal mobility that offers the possibilities for people and goods to move faster, safer, cleaner, cheaper and offer greater accessibility and equity.
Scott is co-leading The World Economic Forum’s Seamless Intermodal Mobility Program and serves as a Member of the Autonomy and Urban Mobility Council for the WEF’s Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He is also a primary author of many of Deloitte’s Future of Mobility thought leadership – two pieces we will be discovering today include (1) “Leading Practices to Activate Seamless Integrated Mobility” published this past January in partnership with WEF, and (2) “The Futures of Mobility after Covid-19” which was just released in May and features a look at four possible scenarios on how mobility will be impacted by the pandemic.
Scott lives in New York City for forty years, but has been quarantining with his wife, and two grown children on the east end of Long Island. He earned his BA from Brandeis University and his MBA from New York University Stern School of Business.
Head of Airbus Group Demonstrators, CEO of Airbus UpNext
Dr. Sandra Bour Schaeffer is the Head of Airbus Group Demonstrators and the CEO of Airbus UpNext. In these roles, Sandra helps shape the future of aerospace by using flying demonstrators to evaluate, mature and validate new technological breakthroughs in space, aviation, helicopters and urban air mobility.
Dr. Bour Schaeffer is highly focused on Airbus’s efforts to both reinvent and accelerate aerospace research and prototype development to achieve proof of concepts at scale and speed. To achieve this she supports her team as they work with internal and external partners, identify and hire industry-leading talent, and boldly experiment to build the future of flight. Her passion for aerospace innovation is long-standing, having spent nearly two decades focused on flight test engineering, development and execution at Airbus.
In addition, Dr. Bour Schaffer is an experienced fluid mechanics and aerodynamics engineer. She holds multiple degrees and licenses, including Flight Test Engineer License from EPNER, a PhD in fluid dynamics from ISAE SUPAERO, an engineering degree from ISAE ENSMA, as well as a private pilot license.
Columnist Barron's
Jim Motavalli is a Auto Columnist at Barron’s. He also writes for The New York Times, Media Village, Sierra,Autoblog.com, National Public Radio’s Car Talk and others. Jim has written for many other editions as well and he is also a contributor to the Environmental Defense Fund publications, and to the Initiative for Global Environmental Leadership at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School. Jim was also a syndicated “green” auto columnist, writing “Wheels” for 25 years. Motavalli hosts a radio program on WPKN-FM in Connecticut, and lectures widely.
He is author or editor of nine books, including Forward Drive: The Race to Build Clean Cars for the Future, High Voltage: The Fast Track to Plug in the Auto Industry, Green Living and Feeling the Heat: Dispatches from the Frontlines of Climate Change and Naked in the Woods: Joseph Knowles and the History of Frontier Fakery. His book The Real Dirt on America’s Frontier Legends, was published August 2019 by Gibbs Smith. Its sequel, The Real Dirt on America’s Frontier Outlaws, was published in April of 2020.
Special Panelists
Host
Q&A Moderator
