founder’s message

The Ekkobar Founders have been developing technical solutions and businesses in the entertainment industry since the dot-com era. They have achieved successful exits for three of their ventures. Their notable accomplishment is scenechronize, which has become Hollywood's most widely used production management system for scripted TV shows and films. Their extensive experience has equipped them with the skills to effectively build, market, sell, and support small and large entertainment enterprises like HBO, Disney, CBS, NBC/Universal, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and many more.

Led by Rhys Ryan, the CEO & Chief Engineer, he began his career with Fortune 500 tech giants like Microsoft, HP, and Tandem. His computer science and math degrees helped him create innovative computing techniques for cryptography, security, and early-day data science. Once the startup bug bit him, there was no looking back. His award-winning patented technology brought audio, video, telephony, natural language processing, and data science into entertainment. Rhys gained next-level growth cloud-computing experience while taking a break by working for Google and P&G. On the business side, he completed an advanced analytics degree at Harvard, attended two startup accelerator programs, and continues to work closely with his business advisors to perfect his skills.

Amber Dodson, Co-Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Ekkobar, brings over 20 years of experience in entertainment, media, and startups to her role. She spearheaded the New Mexico Film Office as Director, achieving a landmark $3.3B in direct industry spend and elevating the state to international acclaim.  Amber's career began with documentaries in Bolivia and France, followed by impactful roles in marketing and TV at DISH Network and film production with industry veterans like Larry Kasanoff (Lightstorm Entertainment). Transitioning to tech startups, she played a pivotal role in scenechronize's success and market share; it was later acquired by Entertainment Partners. Amber holds a B.A. from Colorado College, and in her role as Co-Founder of Ekkobar, leverages a special blend of business, fundraising, marketing and sales, grit, and love of visionary tech that helps us make better decisions and live better lives.  

our board & investors

  • Robert Mayer

    Investor and Board Member, with expertise in finance and business management. CEO of Great Lakes Glads.

  • Isaac Nuriani

    Investor, Financial expert and leader with extensive experience in the investment and insurance industries. CEO of Augusta Precious Metals.

  • Devlyn Steele

    Investor, Financial expert with extensive experience in finance, AI, blockchain, startup mentoring and behavioral development.

  • Connor Boundy

    Investor, Startup Mentor, and Blockchain Advisor with extensive experience in business development and sales strategy. Co-Founder at Atlantis Capital, LLC.

  • Luke Pillarella

    Investor, with experience in privacy, data protection, compliance, AI risk management, and startup mentoring. Co-Founder at Atlantis Capital, LLC.

  • Joe Pillarella

    Investor, Global Supply Chain Advisor and Implementation Specialist with extensive experience in crisis management and sales operations planning. Co-Founder at Atlantis Capital, LLC.

our trusted advisors

  • Bob Nelson

    Bob is an experience CEO and entrepreneur with multiple successful ventures in his past. He has a background in finance, sales, and business management. He is also the Co-Founder & CEO at The Venture Mentoring Team.

  • Terence Bentley

    Terry spent most of his career successfully spearheading M&A deals. His has a background in finance, marketing, and startups. He’s a Founding Mentor, of The Venture Mentoring Team and teaches entrepreneurial classes at local schools.

  • Aaron Eisman

    Aaron Eisman is a social media veteran with 12+ years working for top sports brands like Turner Sports, Bleacher Report and the NFL . He currently runs Eisman Digital, where they work with startups, athletes and more. Aaron published a book titled "The Evolution of Sports Social Media" in 2021.

  • Gregg D. Fienberg

    Gregg is one of the top Film & TV Producers in Hollywood for such shows as True Blood, Deadwood, Twin Peaks, Big Little Lies and more. He also has a strong entrepreneurial spirit having founded CallPlease, a top call log management system for busy executives.

  • Kourtney Hahn

    Kourtney is a finance and strategy professional who brings expertise in strategy, financial modeling, data analysis, & M&A. Additionally, Kourtney provides transformational leadership to bring about operational changes to a company.

  • Dave Lawon

    Dave is an operationally focused, entrepreneurial CFO with demonstrated success in driving the financial strategy in small to mid-sized companies. His expertise includes developing strategic plans, financial models and best practices during high growth periods and economic downturns.

our close friends

  • Stew Lyons

    Film & TV Producer, background in entertainment, finance, and education.

  • Brian O'Leary

    Domestic & International Entertainment Law and Tax, background in finance and legal.

  • Adrian Pruett

    Producer, background in production and cinematography.