Paul Hynek conceived, named, raised the funds for, and co-founded Surf Monkey, the world's first online service for children. He created a partnership with Microsoft that led to receiving $1 million in free technology and he appeared with Bill Gates at the launch event for Microsoft IE 4.0; with Intel that led to a national television commercial; and with InfoSpace that led to an investment in Surf Monkey.

Mr. Hynek also created and leveraged partnerships with Sony, MediaOne, MindSpring, AT&T, Lycos, and others. While at Bandai Digital Entertainment, he conceived and produced the world's first online service for a set-top box, with browsing, chat, and e-mail, managing all aspects of this multi-million dollar effort. He also produced eleven software titles and was the primary evangelist for Bandais set-top box to over 200 developers.

Mr. Hynek won the 2002 Entrepreneur Magazine / Southwest Airlines national business plan contest, beating out over 250 other entries.

Mr. Hynek has served as CFO of Wild Sage Foods, Inc., Founder and Partner of Foglight Entertainment, and as Partner in Venture Spark, a venture catalyst firm.

Mr. Hynek holds a Bachelor of Arts in French from the University of Illinois, a Master of Business Administration in Strategic Management from The Wharton School of Business, and a Master of Arts in International Studies from the Joseph H. Lauder Institute of the University of Pennsylvania. He has lived and worked in Europe and Japan.

Mr. Hynek serves on the Board of Directors of the Santa Monica, California Chapter of the American Red Cross.