CODA

Our Team

We’re an international team of experienced professionals, blockchain experts, and artists dedicated to creating an equitable entertainment ecosystem.

Our skills and backgrounds have allowed us to build the perfect foundation for Coda and we are excited to advance our mission and grow our team.

Arun Govada

Co-Founder & CEO

Arun has 10+ years of experience in brand-building and marketing across real estate, tourism, and entertainment. He currently holds a Real Estate Salesperson license with Keller Williams NYC with a focus on Commercial Properties, and previously led Weave Co-Living from inception to $180m acquisition.

He was recently Director of Asia-Pacific tourism for New York City, executing marketing campaigns with iconic entertainment venues like Madison Square Garden, Barclays Center, Hudson Yards, Broadway, etc. Arun performs stand-up on stages like the NY Comedy Festival, Caroline’s on Broadway, Gotham Comedy Club, and Hyderabadass Comedy Club – a venue he built and operated in India. He has produced hundreds of comedy shows worldwide.

Brian Li

Co-Founder & CTO

Brian has 10+ years of experience in technology, entertainment, and blockchain. He is the Founder of RHIZOME, an ICON block producer where he manages network infrastructure and contributes to the Balanced DeFi protocol. Brian is also Co-Founder of Studio Mirai, an NFT studio focused on cross-chain storytelling.

He previously worked as a content manager at Kinsta, a managed WordPress host. Brian is also an Electronic Music Designer for theatrical productions: The Lion King, Aladdin, Le Rêve at The Wynn Las Vegas, and more.

Drew Forde

Advisor – Marketing & Artist Relations

Drew is one of classical music’s most accomplished violists and is a social media expert with a following of over 117,000 @ThatViolaKid and partnerships with brands like Apple and Marriott. Drew has a large artist network and frequently shares the stage with Alicia Keys, Ariana Grande, Camila Cabello. He’s recorded on John Legend’s Grammy Award-Winning album, Bigger Love, and the late Mac Miller’s The Divine Feminine.

Trevor Bumgarner

Advisor – Research & Operations

Trevor has 10+ years of experience in music and education. He oversees all course releases as Head of Post-Production at music ed-tech startup, Tonebase. He previously taught composition and theory at Juilliard and The NY Philharmonic. As Co-Founder of Concertize, Trevor has helped artists self-produce 30+ shows. Trevor’s music has been heard from Off-Broadway and the NYC Ballet to a #2 film on Netflix.