Plamen Russev

Dr. Plamen Russev is an entrepreneur, investor, futurist, and philanthropist with more than 30 years of experience in technology and investments. Russev is the founder of Webit, which has developed into a significant platform for establishing cities and countries as global innovation hubs and attracting international talent. As executive chairman of the Webit Foundation, Russev leads the Founders Games, a $6 million award for impact innovation held annually at Grand Finals in Davos and the United Nations' COP.

Russev has built the Webit community, which includes over 1 million digital professionals, founders, policymakers, investors, and entrepreneurs focused on technology, innovation, and positive societal impact. He is also the founder and executive board member of the publicly listed investment company Webit Investment Network (BSE: WIN). Under his leadership, Webit Investment Network has enabled hundreds of retail investors to become impact investors, introducing financial tools designed to support a sustainable and resilient future.

Russev invests in technology companies across healthcare, finance, blockchain, and eSports, collaborating with co-investors such as Mark Cuban and Ashton Kutcher. His portfolio includes companies specializing in methane reduction (CH4 Global), precision pollination (BeeHero), digital heart twins (InHeart), and AI education in the Middle East (ISchool).

Russev is the author of the book "Power to the People," which examines social media's influence on society and brand communication and is recognized in the business literature category. As a thought leader in regional development strategies, Russev developed a concept for the intelligent specialization of Central and Eastern European countries, published by the World Economic Forum. He is a founding member of the European Commission's Blockchain Observatory and Forum and has served as an evaluator and faculty member at the Medical School of Harvard University. Russev holds a PhD in healthcare management, with research focused on the application of AI and digital solutions for health and social issues.

Russev advocates for inclusive societies and women's empowerment, demonstrated by his initiative "No Woman – No Panel," adopted by the European Commission. The Government of the Republic of Bulgaria appointed him as the first Ambassador of Goodwill of Digital Issues of Bulgaria and the third such ambassador globally. He has partnered with governments in Bulgaria, Turkey, Dubai, Singapore, and India to advance entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation, and technology transfer.

Russev's work has been recognized with awards from governments, universities, and NGOs, including two Doctor Honoris Causa titles from universities in Europe and South America, recognition as one of the top 100 innovators of New Europe by Financial Times and Google, and awards from the Government of New Zealand. His achievements have been featured in media outlets such as The Economist, Monocle, Bloomberg, CNBCe, Forbes, Venture Beat, Arabian Business, Al Jazeera, and CNN. Russev is a frequent speaker on topics including artificial intelligence, impact investing, entrepreneurship, futurism, and data-driven predictions.