Founders & Board
Jan Horsfall - Founder, Chairman, CEO
Jan Horsfall is the visionary founder and CEO of Sparq Inc. With decades of experience across marketing, technology, and gaming, Jan has a proven track record of transforming businesses and driving innovation. As the former CMO of Turbine Games, he introduced the first Free-to-Play (F2P) premium gaming model in North America, revitalizing iconic franchises like Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online. His leadership led to Turbine’s $150 million acquisition by Warner Bros. Jan’s career includes senior/CEO roles at Valvoline, Lycos Inc., Gemini Voice, Universal Energy, Turbine/Warner Bros., and Maxletics, Inc. He sits on the board of Northwestern Energy (NASDAQ: NWE) and runs their Safety, Environmental, Technology and Operations committee, while also sitting on their audit committee. He has completed his RMM Cert requirement in cybersecurity from Carnegie Mellon and at the start of 2024 he spent two months with MIT’s Computer Science & AI Lab (CSAIL) working on Sparq’s white paper relative to the integration of AI into every facet of their business ecosystem from game building to customer service to human resources productivity. Jan’s a blockchain and AI veteran in two categories with few long-ranging executives.
Tony Dye - Founder, President - Product, BOD
Tony Dye, Co-Founder and President of Sparq Inc., brings a unique blend of athletic and business expertise to the company. A former NFL player with the Cincinnati Bengals and Oakland Raiders, Tony is passionate about bridging sports and gaming through Web3 technology. He plays a crucial role in developing platforms that empower athletes to capitalize on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL). Tony’s leadership and focus on athlete representation shape Sparq’s core mission.
Sean Embree - Founder, BOD
Sean Embree, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development, leverages 27 years of coaching experience and deep ties to the NFL and collegiate sports. As a former National Champion with the Colorado Buffaloes, Sean has dedicated his career to fostering athlete development and representation. His business acumen and relationships within the sports world position Sparq Inc. to become a leader in athlete-centric gaming solutions.
Mark Rodgers - BOD
Mark Rogers brings extensive legal and strategic advisory experience to Sparq’s Board of Directors. A graduate of Princeton University and the University of Georgia School of Law, Mark’s expertise includes high-profile negotiations and corporate strategy. His leadership ensures Sparq operates with strong governance and legal oversight.
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