Founder & CEO/CTO Gianluca De Novi, PhD

Dr. De Novi is a highly accomplished expert in high performance computing, with deep knowledge in areas such as 3D real-time graphics, Physics Simulation, Robotics, and Blockchain technology. Holding a Masters Degree in Electronics and Computer Science and a PhD in robotics from the University of Bologna, Dr. De Novi is currently serving as Director of the Medical Device and Simulation Lab at the prestigious Massachusetts General Hospital, Dr. De Novi is also a respected faculty member at both Harvard Medical School and Harvard Extension School since 2011 where he has been working on US Department of Defense funded research in the Med-Tech Industry. Dr. De Novi has received a lot of recognition during his career and he was nominated one of the Top 10 Professionals Under 40 in 2013 by the PrimiDieci Society. In addition to his impressive academic and technical credentials, Dr. De Novi has a track record of success as a serial entrepreneur. He has been a co-founder or affiliate in several companies, bringing his expertise to bear in a variety of industries. Dr. De Novi is the initial founder of Circular and he has designed and led the development of Circular architecture, inspiring and bringing Circular team where it is today.

Co-Founder Salvatore Pugliese

Salvatore Pugliese is an experienced fund lawyer based in Luxembourg. With a focus on the structuring and setting up of Luxembourg-regulated investment fund structures. Salvatore's impressive academic background includes an LL.M. in Banking and Financial Law from the Boston University School of Law, an LL.M. in European Private Law from "Sapienza" University of Rome, and a Master of Law in International Law from the University of Naples. With experience working as a fund legal counsel in leading financial institutions and top-tier law firms in Luxembourg, Salvatore is a highly regarded legal expert in the industry. Salvatore is admitted to Luxembourg bar (2019) and the Italian bar (2016), and he is currently working towards admission to the New York Bar. As a key member of our team, Salvatore brings his wealth of knowledge and experience to help us navigate the complex legal and regulatory landscape of the investment industry and to ensure the success of our business.

Co-Founder Paolo De Novi

Paolo De Novi is an accomplished marketing strategist and expert in industrial photography. Based in Italy, Paolo has gained valuable experience through his work running a successful marketing firm in the fashion industry. With a deep understanding of building effective marketing and communication strategies, Paolo is a valuable addition to our team. As we work to develop and promote our business, Paolo's expertise in industrial photography and marketing strategies will be invaluable in helping us to reach our target audience and build our brand. We are excited to have Paolo on board as a key member of our team.

Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer Shaun Ogilvy

Shaun is a co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Circular Labs. Previously, he has led product at companies in spatial web, web3, and AI sectors. He's also spearheaded design for notable collaborations working alongside Nintendo, L'Oreal, and Musée du Louvre. Shaun is deeply committed to restoring trust and transparency in vital sectors, including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and financial services.

Co-Founder Edward J. Gildea

Edward J. Gildea is a partner in the law firm Fisher Broyles LLP, a position he has held since 2014. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Marimed Inc. (MRMD) a multi-state cannabis operator in the United States. From 2006 to 2013, Mr. Gildea was President, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Converted Organics Inc., a publicly held green technology company that manufactured and sold organic fertilizer made from recycled food waste. Mr. Gildea's executive business experience includes serving as the COO and General Counsel of QualityMetric Inc., a healthcare technology company, and serving as Vice President Legal for Kellogg Company. Mr. Gildea received a B.A. from The College of the Holy Cross and a J.D. from Suffolk University Law School.

Co-Founder David Cutler

David Cutler is a Sales & Marketing specialist based in Boston and NYC. David adds the most value where innovation provides a competitive advantage. He has extensive experience across industries and media, with a focus on B2B sales strategy and tactics that optimize product design and creative marketing communications for both customer success and company revenue. David has worked with large corporations like Pepsi, Oracle, Marriott, Hasbro, Ogilvy, and Disney, as well as disruptive startups seeking to align with customer needs. David Cutler is enthusiastically translating the benefits of integrating new technologies like AI and Blockchain for Web3-empowered opportunities.

Co-Founder Giro DiBiase

Giro DiBiase is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience in the real estate and video media production industries. Throughout his career, he has produced primarily technological and educational media content in his digital TV studios, working with prestigious universities such as MIT and Harvard. In his new role with Circular, Giro will be responsible for creating and publishing digital content to support users and developers in working with the platform. Leveraging his wealth of experience in the industry, Giro will bring a unique perspective to Circular and help drive the growth and success of the platform.

Co-Founder Francesco Pagano

After graduating in Political Science at the University of Bologna, he moved to New York, where he obtained a Master of Arts in International Affairs at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA). Over the course of his 20+ years' career, he has held various roles, at a global, regional and national level, in the Marketing Department of large consumer and fashion corporations, such as Barilla, Kraft Foods - Mondelez International and Fossil Group, where he was CMO for the EMEA Region. He then joined qiibee, a Swiss startup specialized blockchain technology, as Global Head of Sales, while working as a Contributor & Author for Il Sole 24 Ore. As of summer of 2022 he is a Senior Partner at Jakala, besides having many advisory roles across various industries globally.

Chief Marketing Officer Adil Ashfaq

Adil Ashfaq is a Dubai-based Web3 marketer dedicated to empowering innovative blockchain initiatives aimed at creating a brighter future. With a background in software engineering, he has a passion for impactful algorithms. His experience includes enhancing the marketing strategies of renowned brands such as Sandbox, Axie Infinity, Lumishare, and various NFT collections.

Lead Community Manager Iyi Franklin Chinemerem

Franklin has been deeply involved in the Blockchain domain for the past two years. In this period, he has diligently served in community moderating roles and collaborated with several notable companies. His expertise predominantly centers on community management and the creation of online community platforms, notably Discord. A natural communicator, Franklin took on a significant role as a Sales Manager at Latoken Exchange, where effective dialogue was of the essence. Highlighting his dedication to the domain, Franklin achieved a certification as a web3 moderator after successfully completing a pertinent course. Moving forward, Franklin aspires to expand his expertise in community management and craft a rewarding career in communication. He is enthusiastic about leveraging his skills and zeal to benefit the teams he collaborates with.

Chief Puppy Officers Zeus and Nero

Zeus and Nero, our dynamic duo of brothers, possess an extraordinary talent for inspiring developers to craft remarkable algorithms and software. Their cheerful and entertaining demeanor is complemented by an endearing penchant for chewing on shoelaces and a knack for being exceptionally efficient foot warmers. Mirroring Circular's journey, these two adorable siblings, who share a similar age to our beloved Circular, have become our cherished mascots. As we nurture them to grow into happy and healthy companions, we are equally committed to fostering the flourishing technology and community within Circular.

Advisor Marwan Al Zarouni

Dr. Marwan Alzarouni is an internationally recognized blockchain technology advocate, keynote speaker and strategic advisor. Dr. Alzarouni is the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), an impact business and a strategic partner to Dubai Future Foundation. The center was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum under the Area 2071 initiative in May 2018. It aims to create a fertile ground and a holistic ecosystem for blockchain companies and projects to thrive in. DBCC regularly hosts a number of blockchain startups within Area 2071 and also conducts educational classes and seminars around blockchain use cases in government and private sector. Dr. Marwan is currently heading the Digital Asset Task Force (DATF), a research and advisory team that reports to the Dubai Future Council for Blockchain. The purpose of the task force is to conduct a comprehensive study to provide clear guidance on how digital assets can be encouraged and regulated. The council establishes Dubai as a global blockchain capital, offering a prominent platform for decision-makers from various local and international governments and private sector entities to explore futuristic, blockchain-based solutions.

Advisor Enrico Perfler

Enrico Perfler is a serial entrepreneur in the medical device industry, known for his comprehensive expertise and significant contributions to support medical technology innovation. Holding a Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering, Enrico has accumulated over 20 years of professional experience in the field, particularly specializing in regulatory affairs of medical device technology. Enrico's anticipation of the evolving landscape of medical technology, with a focus on the integration of digital tools and artificial intelligence for clinical data management, positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the MedTech industry. His advice to emerging entrepreneurs in the contract research space to prioritize patient benefit and societal impact over profits highlights his commitment to the advancement of medical technology that is both effective and sustainable. In 2014, Enrico established 1MED SA, an innovative international company that provides a broad spectrum of services including regulatory support, digital solutions, and comprehensive Clinical Research Organization (CRO) services. The company caters to the medical device and pharmaceutical industries, with a focus on In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) and medical products. Under his leadership, 1MED SA has been at the forefront of overseeing the development and regulatory approval of over 500 medical devices in Europe, thereby cementing Enrico's status as a pivotal figure in the MedTech sector. In 2020, 1MED, under Enrico’s direction as CEO, was recognized among the top 10 pharma and life science outsourcing consulting/service companies in Europe. Enrico's dedication to the industry is further highlighted by his role as a contract professor of "Regulatory Affairs" at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Pavia. His contributions extend beyond academia to significant roles in standardization bodies, including his participation in the ISO/TC 194 technical committee for the biological evaluation of medical devices, showcasing his commitment to advancing industry standards and ensuring the safety and efficacy of medical devices.