We’re sitting in a conference at Sequoia Capital in Menlo Park watching Disrupt companies rehearse and it’s reminding me, Disrupt NYC is almost here! (Also, I think I just stole somebody’s food.)
Other than the fact that I love and miss New York, I am really psyched about this the third annual NYC Disrupt; We’ve already announced many amazing speakers and judges, and today we are announcing a few more rock stars on our speaker lineup.
We are pleased to announce Tumblr’s David Karp, Buzzfeed’s Jonah Peretti, and Churchkey’s Adrian Grenier (yes the Entourage guy), Justin Hawkins and Ryan Soward. Maybe they’ll down some Pilsners onstage?
And in case you want to be there for it, tickets for Disrupt NYC are still on sale. Don’t miss out and get tickets now.
Jonah Peretti
Founder & CEO, Buzzfeed
Jonah Peretti is Founder and CEO of BuzzFeed, the first true social news organization that provides a pioneering mix of breaking news, entertainment and shareable content. Mr. Peretti, known for creating viral hits, tracking online social behavior and building technology to amplify buzz is also a co-founder of The Huffington Post. He has been called a “viral marketing hotdog” by the New York Times, “the poster boy of guerrilla media” by AlterNet and a “computer-whiz” by The New Yorker. Fast Company named Mr. Peretti one of the “New Faces of Social Media” and Business Insider listed him as one of the “11 Rising Tech Stars to Watch in 2012.”
Mr. Peretti is a graduate of the MIT Media Lab and has taught at NYU and the Parsons School of Design. His work has been covered by Time, the Economist, Fortune, and Business Insider and he has appeared as a guest on the Today Show, Good Morning America and CNN.
David Karp
CEO, Tumblr
David Karp is a high school dropout and the founder and CEO of Tumblr. Karp grew up on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, the son of Barbara Ackerman and Michael Karp. He attended The Calhoun School from 3rd to 8th grade, where his mother taught science, until high school when he briefly attended Bronx Science before dropping out at the age of 15 and being homeschooled. Karp began interning for animation producer Fred Seibert at 14, and from there went on to work as a software consultant for UrbanBaby, an online parenting forum. Karp left UrbanBaby in 2006 and began working on Tumblr later that year. The site launched early in 2007 and has since gained major traction on the Web.
Adrian Grenier
Founder, Churchkey Can Co.
Adrian Grenier is an actor, filmmaker, musician and social entrepreneur. A creative person with an entrepreneurial spirit, he is always searching for new projects, keeping an eye out for those ideas that challenge conventional wisdom and add positive values to our culture. While some never leave the idea phase, others–like Churchkey Can Co–prove to be spot on.
In search of a symbol for the craft and community lifestyle, Churchkey came forward as an opportunity to connect to the collective experience. Passionate about creating something from nothing, Adrian is dedicated to the value system based on hard work and giving that Churchkey offers. His ability to overcome obstacles by being bold and aggressive, while also knowing when to be delicate and graceful, make him a great asset to Churchkey Can Co.
Adrian grew up in Manhattan and now resides in Brooklyn – with plenty of travel in between. When not working on one of his many projects – including Churchkey Can Co. and SHFT.com – he can be found cooking and playing music, both of which offer him an escape, entertainment, and way to connect with friends and family.
Justin Hawkins
Co-Founder & Creative Director, Churchkey Can Co.
A passionate designer and fair weather artist from Portland, Justin Hawkins has worked as graphic designer for more than 10 years. With experience at creative Pacific Northwest companies such as Nike, Weiden & Kennedy and Peetkegler, Justin thrives on working with others to make interesting projects or products come to life.
On a mission to discover his passion in life, Justin developed a keen interest in business, branding and marketing. After three years of researching and brainstorming projects that might be worth quitting his job over, he stumbled into the opportunity to create Churchkey Can Co. With the endless opportunities for collaboration and connecting with the community, it was the perfect fit. Justin has spent almost his entire life in the Pacific Northwest. Originally from Salem, Oregon, Justin attended school in Seattle before settling in Portland where he’s been for the past 10 years. When not enjoying great beer and food at one of the many amazing restaurants in Portland, he can be found exploring the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest. He makes a point to get out of the city and connect with nature for at least a few hours every weekend.
Ryan Sowards
CEO, Churchkey Can Co.
An expert in his field, Ryan Sowards joined the team with more than 15 years of experience in the beverage industry. With past roles including sales and marketing for companies such as Red Bull and vitaminwater, it’s his passion for cultivating business that makes him as asset to the team.
Known for his ability to pull resources and teams together, Ryan was an early adopter of the Churchkey concept and finds himself passionate about the brand because of how unique it is. With no boundaries, plus a creative and exciting team, there are new challenges and new experiences to be had every day – and never a dull moment.
Ryan, who grew up in Seattle and still considers it home, now lives in Pleasanton, California. For him, the perfect Sunday is a combination of his kids and recreation– maybe the park and a hike, rounded out by a delicious dinner on the grill.