David Elliot
Director, International Business Development, Natural Capitalism Group

Background
David Elliot is an experienced entrepreneurial manager with a strong background in technology start-ups on both sides of the Atlantic.  Educated in economics at George Washington University, Elliot is fluent in French and Spanish.  He was previously Vice President of International Business Development for Ask Jeeves International, Inc.  responsible for the establishment of joint-venture partnerships and sales and distribution of enterprise software solutions in Europe.  Before that, he served as Vice President of Direct Hit Technologies, Inc., which was acquired by Ask Jeeves for $560m in 2000. 

David Elliot was a co-founder of Smart-mail Systems, Inc., a smart card based Internet access solution that was acquired by Ericsson Telecommunications in the Netherlands.  In the United States Mr.  Elliot was the founder and President of USAssist, Inc., a global call center network that handled over a million medical emergency calls per year for clients such as AT&T and American Express.  Mr.  Elliot is a qualified Adizes management consultant and was also a member of YPO, SVN, and an MIT/Inc.  Entrepreneur Award winner. 

Professional Experience: 
Ask Jeeves International, Inc.  Paris
Vice President International Business Development: Responsible for European joint ventures for consumer portal business as well as sales and distribution of Jeeves' Enterprise software solutions.  Partners include major European media and Telco portals such as Carlton Communications, SOL, British Telecom, El-Mundo, Focus Online, and Vodaphone.

Direct Hit Technologies, Inc.  Paris
Vice President International Business Development: Responsible for international development of leading venture backed Internet search engine.  The company was acquired by Ask Jeeves in February, 2000 for $560 Million.  Clients included Microsoft, Lycos Europe, UK Max, Multimania, Italia Online, Catcha, PPR Interactive, and Telstra.

Smart-mail Systems, Inc.  Amsterdam

Vice President, Chief Marketing Officer: Co-founder of smart-card software company providing Internet access solution for wireless operators.  Raised initial capital, directed marketing and product development, and created launch partnership with ITU Telecom99, Swisscom and Compaq. In 1999 the company became a joint venture with Ericsson.

Professions Online, S.A.  Paris
President: Independent management consultancy in Internet strategy, marketing, and international development. Principal telecom and smart-card assignments with Cap Gemini, Global One Telecommunications, and Ericsson. Developed new business plans and set up alliances for European Internet and e-commerce initiatives.

USAssist, Inc.  Washington D.C.
President: Founder of international call-center company acquired by AXA insurance group. Raised initial financing and led company from start up through integration with AXA Europe.  1993 revenues of $21 million with 225 employees and subsidiaries in Mexico and Argentina. Clients included American Express, AT&T, MCI, and European and Japanese insurance companies

General Health, Inc.  Washington D.C.
Vice President of Marketing: Joined founding team of Inc 500 start-up medical software company as Assistant to the President.  Initiated distribution programs with major insurance groups such as Blue-Cross & Blue-Shield which contributed to 300% revenue growth three years in a row.  Company was acquired in 1987 by Beech Street Group.

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