Arif Gursel

Arif Gursel is a creative and technical executive who effortlessly transitions between left- and right-brain duties, showcasing his adaptability and versatility. He is currently the founder and managing director of 8genC (pronounced 'agency') Inc., a dynamic agency that empowers influential content creators, brands, technology companies, and high-net-worth entertainers. Through fractional leadership and strategic executions, the agency captures new opportunities in the rapidly expanding creator economy.

Mr. Gursel's influence transcends borders, as evidenced by his multiple global roles at Fortune 500 companies such as Microsoft, Salesforce, Netflix, and Google. He was the global head of YouTube Music & Premium product partnerships and a global partnership leader at Netflix, where he fostered international relationships with other large enterprise companies. His extensive product and business development career, which began as a software engineer at Microsoft, working on Xbox and culminating in leading global media & entertainment partnership strategy at Microsoft, is a testament to his international reach and impact. 

After a long and successful career at Microsoft, where he shipped numerous impactful products in various roles, including engineering, product management, and business development, he graduated from the Executive MBA program at The University of Chicago's Booth School of Business, where he was the youngest member of an international cohort. Upon completing his MBA, he ventured into the startup ecosystem as a multiple-time founder, early-stage advisor, and investor.

Mr. Gursel's investments are not passive but driven by his active involvement. He is a general partner at Unified Capital, a VC firm investing in Seed to Series-A startups established in 2024. His specialization in technology strategy, creative direction, and business development for enterprise and venture-backed companies is a testament to his commitment. He also leads music, film, and fashion ventures through his holding company, VIBEHEAVY Inc., and its subsidiaries, which he founded in 2012.