Ela is a blockchain investor, philanthropist, and creative professional with extensive experience in digital media and technology. She focuses on driving positive change through strategic investments and philanthropic initiatives, leveraging her unique blend of skills in technology, media, and Eastern philosophy.
Current Roles and Initiatives
As a blockchain investor, Ela is interested in technologies addressing scalability and interoperability challenges within the evolving crypto landscape. She is a shareholder in Chorus One AG, a top 10 blockchain validator, and a Limited Partner in the Cayman Islands-based Frachtis Investment Fund.
In the philanthropic sphere, Ela is currently in collaboration with Founders Pledge. With its 2,000 members from over 40 countries, Founders Pledge has facilitated an impressive $10.2 billion in charitable pledges.
Ela is also a thought leader and content creator, focusing on cross-cultural understanding and universal wisdom. She co-produces the podcast 'A Buddhist View' with Ringu Tulku Rinpoche, a highly-renowned Tibetan teacher, offering insights on applying timeless Eastern philosophies to modern lifestyles. Additionally, she produces and hosts the YouTube series 'Nonconventional', which explores diverse perspectives through engaging interviews and has garnered over one million views in just three seasons.
Education
Ela holds an MSc in Cognitive & Perceptual Brain Sciences from University College London, and an MA in Film & Digital Media.
Notable Past Experiences
In the early 2000s, Ela produced a documentary in Kenya aimed at raising awareness for children living with HIV. This project, funded by the MAC AIDS Fund, contributed to raising $251.76 million (2024 equivalent) for hospital renovations, orphanage support, and combating the global stigma associated with HIV and AIDS.
In 2013, Ela founded Mash Stories, a non-profit platform that supported over 2,200 emerging writers and was managed by 69 volunteer staff. Under her leadership, Mash Stories achieved second place in the social media category at The 19th Annual Webby Awards and was listed among the Top 50 Websites by Grey Goose Vodka in 2015.