LOS ANGELES—Andrew Conru, the founder and CEO of FriendFinder Networks, the internet-based social networking company that now operates Adult FriendFinder, Cams.com, Penthouse and other popular adult and dating-related websites, will provide the keynote address at the upcoming Internext Expo, taking place Jan. 11-14 at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Las Vegas.
Conru started FriendFinder in 1996 while finishing a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering design at Stanford. The company's mission was to create a one-stop shop for all types of relationships and it grew rapidly for the next twelve years. In December 2007, he handed over the keys to a private equity group for a small initial payment with the remainder in IOUs. Unfortunately, the company drifted from its core mission and the suffered. After a drawn-out restructuring, in December 2013 Andrew again became the majority owner and returned as CEO. As a hands-on software and design guy, he remains committed to the company's growth.
Conru was one of the earliest internet pioneers, having started one of the first web development companies in 1993, and was the first to build a working web-based shopping cart, a centralized ad server servicing a network of websites, an online matchmaking site (WebPersonals.com) and technologies to enable real-time website customization—all staples of today's websites. In addition to his entrepreneurial exploits, he has also taught a number of college courses in control systems and robotics.
"We're privileged to have an online entrepreneur with a track record as impressive as Andrew's address our Internext attendees," said AVN Media Network CEO Theo Sapoutzis. "Not only has he been a pioneer at the forefront of the online industry, but his non-profit and advocacy work sets him apart as an example for others."
Conru spends most of his time in Seattle and the SF Bay area. He loves keeping fit, traveling internationally, spending time outdoors and taking long road trips. He can be found on conru.com, where you can contact him anytime. He’s always looking for new friends!
The keynote address by FFN CEO Andrew Conru will take place Sunday, January 12, 2014, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Vinyl at Hard Rock.
For more information about Internext Expo 2014, go here.
