Transforming
How Businesses Communicate Through Technology

Josh Brandau, Chief Executive Officer of Nota, brings a wealth of expertise in leveraging technology and strategy to drive growth and innovation. At Nota, Brandau leverages his extensive experience at top Los Angeles publications and his vast professional network to drive fundraising efforts and attract high-profile clients.

His earlier career was marked by transformative leadership across top organizations. As Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Revenue Officer at the Los Angeles Times, he drove growth through digital subscriptions, marketing, customer service, and ad operations. Additionally, through Brand Day Media, Brandau focused on providing strategic guidance to creative agencies and startups, reinforcing his reputation as a master of scaling platforms and unlocking growth potential. Before that, as Head of Strategy for North America at Essence, Brandau managed over $1 billion in media spend and spearheaded initiatives for major clients like Google, NBCUniversal, and Target, including the development of a proprietary AI tool and a global marketing playbook for Google B2B. With a unique blend of marketing acumen and technological insight, Josh Brandau continues to push boundaries in AI-powered content creation and beyond.

Evan Young, Chief Operating Officer at Nota, brings a wealth of expertise in business strategy, operational excellence, and client-focused execution. At Nota, Young leverages his extensive leadership experience to attract new clients and ensure seamless operations, expertly managing the complexities of running a 100% remote company.

Previously, as Chief of Staff at ServiceTitan's Revenue Organization, he led the go-to-market strategy for a $4M acquisition and oversaw implementation strategies for the company’s largest corporate clients, managing relationships with C-suite executives and ensuring successful onboarding and execution. At Community.com, Young served as Chief of Staff, where he honed his ability to navigate complex business landscapes and deliver results. Across his career, Young has demonstrated a talent for scaling operations, mentoring cross-functional teams, and managing multimillion-dollar revenue streams, positioning Nota as a leader in the AI-powered media space.

Ben Gerst, Co-Founder and Chief Product and Technology Officer at Nota, has a storied career at the intersection of media and technology, shaping the future of digital innovation. At Nota, Gerst spearheads the development of cutting-edge AI solutions, including advanced tools and custom LLMs, designed to revolutionize the media industry by enhancing creativity, boosting efficiency, and driving revenue growth.

Before Nota, Gerst made a transformative impact across prestigious organizations. As SVP and CTO of the Los Angeles Times, he redefined its digital presence by building a world-class technology team and launching a new CMS, websites, and mobile apps, ushering in a new era for West Coast journalism. At Tribune Publishing, he scaled his influence across markets like the Chicago Tribune and Orlando Sentinel, leading over 100 product and engineering professionals to unify their platforms and deliver a seamless digital experience. Earlier at The New York Times, Gerst held pivotal roles, including Executive Director of Technology, where he built the Platform Technologies Department and spearheaded initiatives like TimesOpen and beta620, fostering innovation and developer engagement. As a strategic advisor with BG3 Group, Gerst continues to guide companies ranging from Fortune 500s to startups on leveraging technology, e-commerce, and AI. Through his visionary leadership and technical expertise, Ben Gerst has continually shaped the media landscape, leaving an indelible mark on every organization he touches.

Milan Kordestani, Co-Founder and Chairman of Nota, is a visionary entrepreneur and best-selling author with a proven track record of launching impactful ventures that blend technology, storytelling, and design. At Nota, Milan Kordestani serves as Co-Founder and Chairman, providing strategic advising, fundraising support, and product development insights.

He brings years of experience in building impactful ventures, including his role as founder and Chairman of anKord Labs and anKord Media. Through anKord Labs, Kordestani incubates startups focused on societal good, while at anKord Media, he leads the creation of compelling brand strategies and designs. Kordestani also co-founded Audo, an AI-powered career concierge that helps Gen Z bridge the gap between upskilling and employment. Additionally, he co-founded Narratives, a nonprofit production house, where he serves as Chairman. Narratives, home to The Doe, uses innovative storytelling to foster human connection and elevate social impact. With his books I'm Just Saying and Moonshot Moments, Kordestani explores civil discourse, techno-optimism, and the transformative potential of humanity, embodying his commitment to pushing boundaries and creating meaningful impact across industries.