Innovation: Startup vs. Growth

Panos Bethanis
Chief Executive Officer, nSphere

As Chief Executive Officer at nSphere, Panos is responsible for the strategic vision of the organization and M&A. He was instrumental in the technology acquisitions at the core of nSphere's current data platform. Prior to nSphere, Panos was the Chief Executive Officer of Interaction Media Group, an online content aggregator.  Panos is currently seated as Chairman of the Board for Alkemy Ltd., a green technology firm with multiple technology patents designed to provide the world's largest urban communities with a long-term alternative to landfilling. He is also on the Board of Directors for Opinion, a market-research company based in Southeast Europe and Hireyard, a revolutionary data aggregator for employment recruiting.

Panos received his BA from Brandeis University and his JD/MBA from Boston University. He visits Greece several times a year and is an avid soccer enthusiast. Panos enjoys reading history and spends his weekends with his wife and their loyal retriever Casper. In addition to being an active speaker at technology conferences and universities nationwide, he is also the Funding Angel in multiple startup companies. Panos fundamentally believes in the power of strategy and technology focus in the early development of a venture. He was recently awarded the prestigious Top 40 under 40 title from the Boston Business Journal for his endeavors.

Christopher Williams
Senior Vice President of Partner Operations and Head of Legal Affairs
nSphere

As SVP of Partner Operations, Chris is responsible for overseeing the Partner Asset Management and development of strategic growth initiatives for current and future distribution channels. Chris has successfully created, executed and scaled the company's domestic and international Partner Relations division since joining the team in September of 2009. In his role as Head of Legal Affairs, Chris provides the day-to-day legal support for the company, from US and international M&A, joint ventures and corporate formation to employment and HR concerns

Chris brings 10 years of large law firm experience from some of Boston’s most prestigious firms, including Bingham McCutchen and Goodwin Proctor. His has a vast knowledge of major negotiating and client-facing professional experience, having worked on several billion dollars worth of transactions in financial affairs, real estate acquisition and disposition, and real estate trust information. He earned his BA from Emory University and his JD from Georgetown Law. Chris has served on the Board of the YMCA of Greater Boston and is currently on the Board of the Possible Project, a youth education program teaching life skills and entrepreneurship through developing small local business.