Kendrick D. White (48), has extensive venture capital fund management experience as well as corporate finance consulting and direct executive management experience, accumulated during his 19 years of full time work in Russia. In 2005, Mr. White founded Marchmont Capital Partners, LLC, an investment advisory firm focused on VC and PE finance raising in various innovation sectors. This US registered enterprise is based in Nizhny Novgorod and has developed a wide network of consulting partnerships in key cities across the RF. In 2007, Mr. White created the Marchmont Media division which published the Marchmont Investment Guide to Russia journal and currently operates the www.Marchmontnews.com website which covers regional investment news for finance professionals. Since 2008, Marchmont has been responsible for organizing the “Business Leaders Investment Forum”, a monthly event held in key regional capital cities across the RF. This event brings together scientific innovators, business owners, investors and political leaders – together with a wide range of expert speakers from Moscow and abroad - with the aim of promoting regional manufacturing investments into modernization. Marchmont’s General Partner for the 2010 program “Innovation for Business” is the Russian Venture Company, (RVC), and Official Sponsors include; RUSNANO, UBS Bank, the US Russia Center for Entrepreneurship, Hellevig, Klein & Usov, LLC, and others. Mr. White is an expert in the field of early stage innovation project commercialization and was appointed in 2006 as one of the five private sector members of the US Russia Innovation Council on High Technologies, (ICHT), a Presidential Commission focused on developing policy proposals for the Russian government aimed at promoting Russia’s innovation economy and improving commercial business ties between the US and Russia technology sectors. Mr. White is also a member of the Independent Directors Association, (IDA), and Marchmont also holds membership in the US Russia Business Council (USRBC), the Russo British Chamber of Commerce, (RBCC) as well as many other regional Trade Associations. From 1998 to 2005, Mr. White was Director of the Quadriga Central Russia Regional Venture Fund (CR RVF), a USD $50.0 million private equity fund financed by the EBRD and the German KfW. He oversaw the implementation of numerous successful investment projects during this time, including Nizhpharm, now part of the STADA Group, Bridgetown Foods, a top FMCG snack food producer, and Multiflex, the leading flexible packaging producer in Russia. Other co-investments made by the CR RVF included; ROC, ERA Trading, Speech Technology, Pekar and Morion electronics. Between 1995 and 1998, Mr. White worked in the Corporate Finance Division of Price Waterhouse Coopers, where he was specifically seconded as a Senior Advisor to the Russian Privatization Center (RPC) and its Volga Vyatsky branch division in Nizhny Novgorod. Mr. White was responsible for training 22 Russian consultants in three provincial regions of Central Russia on the development of a self sustainable investment advisory center for SME businesses seeking market expansion and growth capital. Between 1992 and 1995, Mr. White worked as an advisor to the Nizhny Novgorod Oblast Administration and the “EPI center” think tank, where he focused his efforts on developing post privatization SME development programs, and establishing one of Russia’s first training centers dedicated to emerging entrepreneurs. This work resulting in numerous new company formations and helped to establish the region as a leader in Russia’s reform process and conversion from a command to a market driven economy. Prior to arriving in Russia, Mr. White worked from 1985 to 1992 at ABN/Amro - LaSalle Bank, in Chicago, IL, in various management positions in Strategic Planning, Cash Mgt and M&A. Mr. White holds an MBA in Finance & Int’l Business from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management (1990), Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, and a BA degree in International Economics from Stetson University (1985), DeLand, FL. Mr. White lived full time in the city of Nizhny Novgorod and is married with two children.

Eduard Arkadievich Fiyaksel - Doctor of Science, Economics 2005 till present Professor, venture management Department Chairman, Higher School of Economics, Nizhny Novgorod Branch 2000 till present Group of companies ``Nizhegorodsky Proekt``, President (Nizhny Novgorod) 2006 till present President of Privolzhsky Federal Okrug Business Angels Association ``Start Invest`` Education 1974 graduated from Radiophysical Faculty of Gorky State University named after Lobachevsky N.I. 1990 PhD, physics & mathematics 1996- Financial Academy affiliated to the RF Government, ``Banking business`` 2008 – Doctor of Science, Economics Eduard Fiyaksel has a profound theoretical knowledge of venture investments` peculiarities, business angels activity, formation of their unions, peculiarities of formation and functioning of National and regional innovation systems. He is an initiator, founder and President of “Start Invest” first regional Association of business angels of Povolzhsky Federal Okrug. He is engaged in venture business more than 10 years. He is a business angel himself, manager and consultant of venture products. He has several successful venture projects in IT and telecommunication area; experienced in formation and training of innovation managers teams. Participated in expert and judicial committees during Venture Fairs, Business-Angels and Innovators Fair, different innovation projects competitions. Eduard Fiyaksel is a member of expert committee commission on selection of subjects of Nizhny Novgorod innovation business incubator (NIBI), member of jury of ``Start`` program that is conducted by the Fund of assistance to the development of small forms of companies in the scientific-technical sphere of PFO. The author of books, monographs and training manuals. He published more than 100 articles in Russian scientific journals``. Entrepreneurship activity of Eduard Fiyaksel includes realization of the IT, telecommunication, real estate development and restaurant activities projects. Eduard is a President of ``Nizhegorodsky Project`` group of companies. He has 20 years experience in business. He was a head of more than 30 successful companies in banking, retail, real estate development, production, telecommunication, IT spheres etc. Eduard Fiyaksel received an award as a winner in nomination ``Best leader of business angels group in Russia`` during the second All-Russian Conference of business angels in 2009.

Graduated from Lomonosov Moscow State University; degree in PR and economics; the University of Colorado; specialization: communications

Organized and participated in the Regional Sessions of Practical Consulting held by Russian Venture Company. The sessions were targeted at seeking innovators and entrepreneurs and teaching them skills to create and commercialize venture investment projects. Involved in the implementation of the Building Innovative Education System national project. An expert in venture financing, general management, business planning, creation of business models, strategic development, team building and marketing, Kirill Bulatov has a wide experience of founding companies and consulting Russian companies on venture projects and building management teams for startup projects. He has carried out several venture projects in trading, IT, new materials, jewelry industry and transport. His areas of expertise include strategic management, venture company setup, theory and practice of commercialization of scientific research results, team building and marketing.

 

Education: 1997, St. Petersburg Higher Military Command School; 2005, Russian Academy of Public Administration under the President of the Russian Federation. Work-experience: Period: 12.2009 to present - Organization: CJSC "Technopark" Sarov " - Position: Chairman of the Board of Directors; Period: 08.2010 to present - Organization: Foundation for Development of conversion plants - Position: Chairman of the Board of management; Period: 03.2011 to present - Organization: NAO "Youth Innovation Centre "Sistema-Sarov" - Position: Chairman of the Board of management.

Higher education, LETI (St. Petersburg) Previous experience: started in 1990 and still is a shareholder in a company designing Automated Process Control Systems for RAO Gazprom, innovation projects (1990 – present), 1980-1990 – Russian Federal Nuclear Center - The All-Russian Research Institute of Experimental Physics (RFNC – VNIIEF), head of laboratory. Possesses a wide experience in successful realization of different innovation projects. Charismatic leader, successful entrepreneur, result-oriented manager. Has large experience of collaboration with the enterprises of defensive complex, academic and branch institutes and production companies. Supports steady partner relationships with state organizations and industrial companies in the USA, Ukraine and some other countries. Specialized in the field of administrative consulting, innovative projects management, and analytical works. Has an experience of organizing large international projects in area of high-tech. Has an experience of difficult science intensive projects management on order of the Russian and foreign companies and organization of advancement of Russian technologies to the export market.

Chairman of the Management Board of National Factoring Company President of The East European Factoring Association (EEFA) Member of IFG`s board of directors Chairman of IFG Born in 1971 Michael Treivish graduated from Moscow State Aviation Institute, Department of Applied Mathematics, and Central Economico-Mathematical Institute, RAS. From February 1999 Mr Treivish worked at Incorporate Bank Investment and Banking Group NIKoil. In June 2001 he became President of The East European Factoring Association (EEFA). In August 2002 he was appointed the CEO of Incorporate Bank. n April 2004 Mr Treivish was appointed Chairman of the Management Board of National Factoring Company UralsibNIKoil, the first specialised factoring company in Russia. Since October 2004 Mr Treivish is a member of the board of directors of the oldest international factoring association International Factors Group (IFG) as well as President of the East European Division of IFG. As of June 2007 he was Vice-Chairman of IFG`s board of directors. In June 2008 Mr Treivish was appointed Chairman of IFG. Mr Treivish can be considered one of the pioners in Russia`s factoring business. He is the author of over 30 books and publications. Mr Treivish has participated as a speaker in many international conferences and seminars.

Mikhail Subbotin is director of business development for PwC Russia’s Capital Markets Group (CMG).

Education: Graduated from Moscow Engineer Physics Institute Master of Economics, International University, Moscow Experience: Mar 2010 – present Regional Project Manager, Russia Partners - Director, Raiffeisen Investment - Investment Project Manager, Russia Partners - Consultant in Audit & Corporate Finance Department, Price Waterhouse, Moscow

Darya was born in Sarov and graduated from Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 2001. In 2009 graduated from Great Britain high economical school with MBA degree in strategic management. In 2009 Darya got an expert certificate of Business Process Improvement Office for Lean Six Sigma methodology and now is working on a doctor degree in Moscow Physics University. In 2003 Darya joined Intel Corporation as a project manager in corporate services in Sarov, then held a position of corporate services manager for 2 sites in Sarov and Nizhny Novgorod, in 2007 Darya was promoted to Operations manager and became a Branch manager right away in Sarov, the first Research and Development center opened in Russia. Darya is responsible for all aspects of the site’s functionalities including the center development.

Education - Lobachevsky State University of Gorky, graduate, Physics Department, Gorky.
Career stages: 1974-1996 -  processing engineer, the chief of scientific-production complex, the director of the company “Microelectronics”, affiliated with the Public corporation "Production Association Proton” of Electronic Industry Ministry; 2000-2005– Deputy general director of consulting firm "Region-Center" Co Ltd.; Since 2006– the director of the Center for Innovation Planning of Financial Group “Nizhegorodsky Project "and director of the Non-profit company" Business Angels Association "Startovye Investitsii"(“Start Investment”).

Field of activity: Preparation of innovation projects and small innovation companies for business angel and venture capital investment, post-investment support; Providing Non-profit company" Business Angels Association "Startovye Investitsii" functioning; Providing the functioning of Non-profit company" Business Angels Association "Startovye Investitsii", an official venture partner of the Russian venture company(RVK) Seed Fund  Ltd.; Support in functioning of Regional venture fund Closed Joint Stock Company “VTB Upravlenie aktivami”( VTB Asset management) that invest into SMEs in the scientific and technical spheres in    the Nizhny Novgorod region.

Born in 1950. Sergey Ershov graduated from Physical Department of the NNSU (at the time – the Gorky State University) in 1972. Ever since he has been working in the NNSU in all position levels – starting with engineer and finishing with the professor. In 1978 Mr. Ershov got the Candidate of Sciences degree, in 1997 – PhD, in 1983 – associate professor, in 2000 – professor. Mr. Ershov has published 120 science works and holds four authorship certificates. Since 2000 Sergey Ershov has been working as the director o the Innovation and Technology Center of the NNSU. Mr. Ershov is a member of the Council for Science and Technology and Innovation Politics under Nizhny Novgorod regional Government. He regularly advises the Office of the Plenipotentiary Representative of the RF President in the Volga Federal District.

Was born on May 8, 1961 in the town of Arzamas-75 (presently – Sarov), Gorky region (presently – Nizhny Novgorod region). Education: 1978 – 1983 Gorky State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky, Radiophysics department; 1985 – 1987 Nizhny Novgorod University of Design; 1988 – 1989 Nizhny Novgorod School of Efficient Management, Professional record: 1983 – 1985 – fellow researcher at IAP RAS; 1985 – 1989 – engineer at IAP RAS; 1989 – 1992 – junior science researcher at IAP RAS; 1992 – till present – science researcher at IAP RAS, the general director of MEDUZA; 2004 – till present - Head of Innovation Programs Sector at IAP RAS; 2008 – till present – the member of the Committee of Innovations and Industrial Politics of the Nizhny Novogorod regional Chamber of Industry and Commerce.

In 2003 Konstantin Fokin graduated from Cranfield University School of Management, Great Britain. In 2003 – 2004 he founded one of the first Russian business-angels network. In 2005 – 2006 he worked in RF Ministry of Economic Development, where he developed and carried out small businesses state support programs. Several dozens of public-private regional venture funds and business-incubators were created under those programs. In 2007 – 2008 Mr Fokin is the general director of STROGINO Technopark, Moscow. In 2009 – 2009 Mr. Fokin is the President of the Russian Tech Tour 2009. In 2009 Konstantin became the co-founder and the President of the All-Russia sector association of individual VC investors – Russian Business-Angels Association.

Born August 25, 1949 in Prague, Czechoslovakia. Father Olli Vallila a Finnish diplomat there. Mother, Rose a Czech national. Emigrated to the USA in 1956 with mother and younger sister. Naturalized US citizen in 1961. Attended public schools in DC (something no Congressman or President will allow for his children!) Attended Stanford University, California 1967-71. Graduated in Anthropology. MBA from University of Chicago Booth. Graduated in 1976 with specialization in International Business. Professional Experience: International Business Machines (IBM): 1977 to 1992. New account sales representative for the General Systems Division selling small computers to businesses in downtown Chicago. Followed by management jobs in International operations that includes positions in New York, Paris, Research Triangle Park, NC. Established own consulting company Virtual Pro Inc. 1992 to specialize on Russian technology commercialization, via Finland. Subsequent founder of Buddha Biopharma Oy Lt. (Finland), 2007; HeywusUSA (US) 2009; Fuzzy Chip LLC (Singapore) 2010. Written numerous articles and reports available on www.marttivallila.com. Written a book Bannana in Russia also available on www.marttivallila.com.

Education: Graduated from The State University of Gorky, physical department in 1986. Since 1989 worked as a physicist-engineer in a closed research institute in Gorky. In 1993 obtained a degree in state and municipal management in Volgo-Viatsky Personnel Center (State Service Academy of Volga-Viatsky region afterwards). In 1997 obtained a degree of candidate of juridical science in the graduate course of Russian Academy of government service by the President of Russian Federation in Moscow. Took part in the program of the Management center “de Baak” “From planned economy to dynamic management ”, Netherlands, June 1999, certificate; worked on probation in a private company “Egorov, Puginsky, Afanasiev and partners” Philadelphia, USA, 1994, may – June, program “Business for Russia”; upgraded professional skills, taking a course of Jurisprudence for stock and broker business in Nizhny Novgorod, February, 1991, certificate. Work Experience: Julia Kruse is a general director of a Juridical Stock Company of a Closed type “T.M. Service”, mainly specializing in legal consulting and juridical practice in such spheres: legal defense and support of business on all the stages of its development, including geographical expansion, purchasing and sale of business, reorganization, representative and defense of the corporative clients in the court and state power organs, local self-government, taking part in negotiation with foreign investors, clients, preparation of normative acts’ projects on demand of governmental and local authorities. Apart from current juridical practice Julia Kruse regularly organizes and takes part in regional and international entrepreneur seminars and conferences. She has prepared an author course “Legal base of business”, “Defense of assets” and other courses for corporative clients, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, advanced Universities of Nizhniy Novgorod (MBA – State University – in the Nizhny Novgorod’s brunch of The High School of Economy, Nizhny Novgorod Technical University, Education Consortium of Nizhny Novgorod). Was published abroad. General Achievements: Legal researches of Julia Kruse regularly appear in the Press or on Television of Nizhny Novgorod. For the share in the development of entrepreneur is awarded various certificates and commendations from the plenipotentiary of the President of Russian Federation in Volga Federal Region (in 2004). Juridical Company “T.M. Service” is a partner and a participant of the program “Business leaders of Volga region”, 2004 – 2005, got an award “the elite of Nizhny Novgorod’s business” (in 2004) and is a corporative member of Nizhny Novgorod Professional Consultants’ Guild, and a participant of federal ratings of Russian juridical companies (since 2003 until now), and a participant of international conferences. In 2008 on the base of quotation enquiry the managing company “T.M. Service” was an executor of a governmental contract of a creation of a draft of the concept of the development of small and medium entrepreneurship in the Nizhny Novgorod’s region till the year 2020. And a juridical company “T.M. Service” was an executor of a governmental contract of the preparation the draft of the law “of the development of small and medium entrepreneurship in Nizhny Novgorod’s region”. The concept and the law were passed and came into effect in the end of the year 2008.

Mr.Pigalov is an expert in management consulting and advanced IFRS financial modeling. He has built extensive corporate finance, investment and management consulting experience, working on over 100 specific consulting engagements during the past 15 years in a wide variety of manufacturing, industrial, retail and other sectors. During this time, Mr. Pigalov has built an outstanding reputation in his field and a wide network of specialists and consultants in different fields with whom he collaborated in various consulting engagements.

Nadezhda Butryumova graduated from the Higher School of Economics with Master’s degree in Innovation Management. In 2007 – 2009 she worked in Business-Angels Association “Start Investment”. Since 2008 Ms. Butryumova has been working in Nizhny Novgorod Regional Venture Fund. Since 2009 she has been teaching in Venture Management Department and working in Innovation Systems Management Laboratory in Nizhny Novgorod branch of Higher School of Economics. Ms. Butryumova has practical experience in selection of innovation projects for investment and preparation of investor proposals. Her scientific interests include small innovation companies’ problems, regional innovation system, innovation elevator system in the region.

Education: 1999 – Nizhny Novgorod Agricultural Academy, Economics Department; 2005 – Higher School of Economics, Practical Marketing; 2006 – Academy of National Economy, Innovation Projects Management Program; 2007 – Innovation Promotion Program (USA); scientific study on market relations; 2007 – Finland, technoparks and business-incubators operation. Professional record: In 2000 Mr. Cherkasov was appointed the head of Marketing Department in Nizhny Novgorod Metropolitan. In 2004 he founded and headed Inside firm. In 2005 – 2007 Mr. Cherkasov chairs Small Businesses Development Programs Department in the Ministry of Support and Development of Small Business, Consumer Market and Services of the Nizhny Novgorod Region. He also participated in development of the regional Small Businesses Development Program to run over 2006 – 2010. In 2007 Mr. Cherkasov was appointed the director of the Nizhny Novgorod Innovation Business-Incubator. In three years under Mr. Cherkasov‘s management the business-incubator has entered the list of the five best business-incubators in Russia. NIBI promotes cooperation between Universities, science and research institutes and businesses. To date, NIBI has established partnerships with a number of European organizations, including Hermia Technological Center and Consulate in Tampere (Finland). NIBI regularly participates in the federal and international professional events.

Mr. Sidorov is a Master of Management (Higher School of Economics, 2008) and Master of Physics and Mathematics Sciences (Nizhny Novgorod State University named after N.I. Lobachevsky, 2007). Mr. Sidorov teaches at Venture Management Department in Nizhny Novgorod branch of the Higher School of Economics. Mr. Sidorov has vast experience in innovation projects development within Synthetic Crystals group of companies, building relations between key participants of innovation projects.

Adrien Henni, 39, is the co-founder of East-West Digital News, the first international information site dedicated to Russian IT. After 10 years of experience in the Internet and mobile businesses in France, he became Senior investment manager at Direct Group, a Western investment company operating in Russia, where he contributed to the development of leading Russian web projects until 2010. Mr Henni lives in Moscow where he represents FaberNovel, a French-American consulting and engineering innovation agency. He advises a variety of startups and IT-related organizations.