top of page
Official Venture Studio
Our Team
Butterpie Leadership
John Paukulis
Chairman, Managing Director
John Paukulis is an investor, speaker, entrepreneur and visionary digital marketing expert with a proven track record of building and scaling companies to successful exits. As the founder of Butterpie Venture Studio (funding creators), he leverages over 30 years of expertise in marketing, innovation, entrepreneurship, and operations to empower creators and transform the creator economy.
John began his career as a studio executive at Paramount Pictures, where he played a pivotal role in bringing the studio into the digital age. As a motion picture studio executive, he pioneered groundbreaking campaigns, including the first-ever integration of a movie URL in a TV ad during the 1997 NBA Playoffs (missionimpossible.com). His innovative marketing strategies, which included some of Hollywood’s first interactive websites and branded games for blockbusters like Mission Impossible, Star Trek and Titanic, earned him industry acclaim, including the prestigious 1st Place Hollywood Reporter Key Art Award.
These achievements solidified John as a leader in leveraging technology to redefine audience engagement and brand positioning.
As an entrepreneur, John founded TestSpin, a SaaS market research platform that evolved into Worldwide Panel, serving Fortune 500 clients and culminating in a successful exit. He followed this with Giftz, a blockchain-powered loyalty and rewards platform recognized winner of the "Most Investable Companies in the U.S." award under his leadership. Both ventures showcased John’s ability to identify emerging trends, build scalable operations, and deliver value to stakeholders (Giftz acquired in 2022).
At Butterpie, John focuses on creating a steady pipeline of creator-led brands and driving high-value exits. While delegating day-to-day operations to his Studio Manager and Fund Manager, he provides strategic oversight, ensuring the venture studio remains at the forefront of innovation. His experience managing teams of hundreds and scaling companies across multiple industries positions Butterpie for sustainable growth and success.
John Paukulis is an investor, speaker, entrepreneur and visionary digital marketing expert with a proven track record of building and scaling companies to successful exits. As the founder of Butterpie Venture Studio (funding creators), he leverages over 30 years of expertise in marketing, innovation, entrepreneurship, and operations to empower creators and transform the creator economy.
John began his career as a studio executive at Paramount Pictures, where he played a pivotal role in bringing the studio into the digital age. As a motion picture studio executive, he pioneered groundbreaking campaigns, including the first-ever integration of a movie URL in a TV ad during the 1997 NBA Playoffs (missionimpossible.com). His innovative marketing strategies, which included some of Hollywood’s first interactive websites and branded games for blockbusters like Mission Impossible, Star Trek and Titanic, earned him industry acclaim, including the prestigious 1st Place Hollywood Reporter Key Art Award.
These achievements solidified John as a leader in leveraging technology to redefine audience engagement and brand positioning.
As an entrepreneur, John founded TestSpin, a SaaS market research platform that evolved into Worldwide Panel, serving Fortune 500 clients and culminating in a successful exit. He followed this with Giftz, a blockchain-powered loyalty and rewards platform recognized winner of the "Most Investable Companies in the U.S." award under his leadership. Both ventures showcased John’s ability to identify emerging trends, build scalable operations, and deliver value to stakeholders (Giftz acquired in 2022).
At Butterpie, John focuses on creating a steady pipeline of creator-led brands and driving high-value exits. While delegating day-to-day operations to his Studio Manager and Fund Manager, he provides strategic oversight, ensuring the venture studio remains at the forefront of innovation. His experience managing teams of hundreds and scaling companies across multiple industries positions Butterpie for sustainable growth and success.
Paul Shrater
Founding General Partner, Chief Executive Officer
Paul Shrater brings over two decades of entrepreneurial expertise in e-commerce, third-party logistics, and contract packaging to Butterpie. As co-founder and COO of Minimus.biz, launched in 2004, he propelled the company to rank among Internet Retailer's Top 1000 highest-grossing B2C e-commerce businesses in the U.S.
In 2008, Paul expanded his ventures by co-founding Minimus Products, an organic and kosher-certified contract packaging company specializing in both food and non-food items; and a 3PL fulfillment business.
His ventures operate across multiple facilities totaling approximately 100,000 square feet, reflecting his capacity to manage large-scale operations effectively.
Paul has a roster of Influencer brands, influencers interested in becoming entrepreneurs, and a vast network in the creator space, supply chain, and various chemists, food scientists, and inventors who have developed unique product innovations.
Paul's academic foundation from the Wharton School of Business, combined with his practical experience, has established him as a thought leader in the industry. He has shared his insights at national conferences and has been featured in various media outlets, including CNBC, Forbes, and USA Today.
At Butterpie, Paul as CCPO leverages his extensive background to oversee the development and management of non-digital consumer products, ensuring that creators have access to top-tier resources and support for their product lines.
Paul Shrater brings over two decades of entrepreneurial expertise in e-commerce, third-party logistics, and contract packaging to Butterpie. As co-founder and COO of Minimus.biz, launched in 2004, he propelled the company to rank among Internet Retailer's Top 1000 highest-grossing B2C e-commerce businesses in the U.S.
In 2008, Paul expanded his ventures by co-founding Minimus Products, an organic and kosher-certified contract packaging company specializing in both food and non-food items; and a 3PL fulfillment business.
His ventures operate across multiple facilities totaling approximately 100,000 square feet, reflecting his capacity to manage large-scale operations effectively.
Paul has a roster of Influencer brands, influencers interested in becoming entrepreneurs, and a vast network in the creator space, supply chain, and various chemists, food scientists, and inventors who have developed unique product innovations.
Paul's academic foundation from the Wharton School of Business, combined with his practical experience, has established him as a thought leader in the industry. He has shared his insights at national conferences and has been featured in various media outlets, including CNBC, Forbes, and USA Today.
At Butterpie, Paul as CCPO leverages his extensive background to oversee the development and management of non-digital consumer products, ensuring that creators have access to top-tier resources and support for their product lines.
Vishal Shukla
Founding General Partner, Chief Digital Officer, Head of AI
Vishal Shukla is a distinguished technology executive with over two decades of experience in AI, data, and digital innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Rysun Labs, Inc. (formerly Krish Compusoft Services), he has been instrumental in guiding Fortune 2000 enterprises and startups through digital transformation, particularly in high-tech, retail, e-commerce, and energy sectors.
Under his leadership, Rysun Labs has established strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Microsoft, Google Cloud, and AWS, enhancing the company's ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Vishal's commitment to quality and continuous improvement is demonstrated by Rysun’s appraisal at CMMI® Maturity Level 5, reflecting the organization's dedication to excellence.
At Butterpie, Vishal, the CDO leverages his extensive background to oversee the development and implementation of AI-driven digital products, enhancing our platform's capabilities and user experience. Vishal brings with him a team of over 400 skilled developers, further strengthening Butterpie's technical prowess and capacity for innovation.
His global perspective and commitment to excellence make him a valuable addition to the Butterpie team, where he will oversee the development and implementation of AI-driven digital products, enhancing our platform's capabilities and user experience.
Vishal Shukla is a distinguished technology executive with over two decades of experience in AI, data, and digital innovation. As the Founder and CEO of Rysun Labs, Inc. (formerly Krish Compusoft Services), he has been instrumental in guiding Fortune 2000 enterprises and startups through digital transformation, particularly in high-tech, retail, e-commerce, and energy sectors.
Under his leadership, Rysun Labs has established strategic partnerships with industry giants such as Microsoft, Google Cloud, and AWS, enhancing the company's ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions.
Vishal's commitment to quality and continuous improvement is demonstrated by Rysun’s appraisal at CMMI® Maturity Level 5, reflecting the organization's dedication to excellence.
At Butterpie, Vishal, the CDO leverages his extensive background to oversee the development and implementation of AI-driven digital products, enhancing our platform's capabilities and user experience. Vishal brings with him a team of over 400 skilled developers, further strengthening Butterpie's technical prowess and capacity for innovation.
His global perspective and commitment to excellence make him a valuable addition to the Butterpie team, where he will oversee the development and implementation of AI-driven digital products, enhancing our platform's capabilities and user experience.
Ronak Bhatt
Founding General Partner, Chief AI Officer
Ronak Bhatt is a Silicon Valley veteran with over 25 years of experience driving digital transformation, product innovation, and technology strategy for some of the world’s most renowned companies, including Meta, Netflix, Walmart.com and Cisco to name a few. Throughout his career, Ronak has held various leadership and executive roles, spearheading large-scale product and technology transformations that have delivered significant business impact. His expertise spans across AI, cloud computing, and digital commerce, making him a key contributor to the evolving digital economy.
Most recently, Ronak co-founded Ronlabs.ai with partner Vishal Shukla, where he has been instrumental in productizing and building an enterprise AI solution aimed at empowering organizations with intelligent automation and enhanced decision-making capabilities.
Beyond his corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Ronak is an active investor and advisor, with a strong track record of investing across multiple sectors. Over the last 15 years, he has strategically invested in and mentored early-stage startups.
With a wealth of experience working across startups, mid-sized firms, and Fortune 500 enterprises, Ronak brings a unique blend of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and deep technological expertise. His keen understanding of the digital economy and hands-on approach to building and scaling products make him a valuable asset to the Butterpie team.
Ronak Bhatt is a Silicon Valley veteran with over 25 years of experience driving digital transformation, product innovation, and technology strategy for some of the world’s most renowned companies, including Meta, Netflix, Walmart.com and Cisco to name a few. Throughout his career, Ronak has held various leadership and executive roles, spearheading large-scale product and technology transformations that have delivered significant business impact. His expertise spans across AI, cloud computing, and digital commerce, making him a key contributor to the evolving digital economy.
Most recently, Ronak co-founded Ronlabs.ai with partner Vishal Shukla, where he has been instrumental in productizing and building an enterprise AI solution aimed at empowering organizations with intelligent automation and enhanced decision-making capabilities.
Beyond his corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Ronak is an active investor and advisor, with a strong track record of investing across multiple sectors. Over the last 15 years, he has strategically invested in and mentored early-stage startups.
With a wealth of experience working across startups, mid-sized firms, and Fortune 500 enterprises, Ronak brings a unique blend of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and deep technological expertise. His keen understanding of the digital economy and hands-on approach to building and scaling products make him a valuable asset to the Butterpie team.
Sabastian Enges
Founding General Partner, Chief Sales Officer, Creator Mentor
Sabastian Enges is a distinguished entrepreneur, performance coach, and content creator with a substantial following across various platforms.
As the CEO and Founder of Fenix Consulting Group, established in 2011, he has been instrumental in driving significant revenue growth for Fortune 500 clients, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Amazon, generating hundreds of millions in lifetime value.
In his role at Butterpie, Sabastian leads third-party sales, overseeing teams such as Fenix and Cydor, and collaborates with the Chief Consumer Products Officer on product messaging strategies. His deep understanding of sales positioning and market dynamics ensures that Butterpie's creator-led brands are effectively introduced and sustained in the market.
As a creator himself, Sabastian empathizes with the challenges faced by fellow creators. Through his Quantum Academy, founded in 2021, he offers coaching programs focusing on health, wealth, and relationships, aiming to elevate individuals' personal and professional lives. Butterpie invests in this program for its creators, providing them with valuable resources to enhance their growth and success and deepen their connection to Butterpie. Sabastian's commitment to personal development and his extensive experience in sales and coaching make him a vital asset to Butterpie's mission, empowering creators to transform their influence into thriving enterprises.
Entrepreneurial Success: By the age of 21, Sabastian had raised $8.5 million for startups, and by 25, he earned his first million dollars, showcasing his early acumen in business development.
Media Features: His achievements have been highlighted in reputable news outlets such as Yahoo Finance and Fox Business, underscoring his influence in the business community.
Performance Coaching: Sabastian has worked with thousands of young professionals across North America, successfully training and developing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, further solidifying his role as a sought-after industry-leading mental conditioning and performance coach.
These accomplishments reflect Sabastian's dedication to excellence and his ability to drive success both personally and for those he mentors.
Sabastian Enges is a distinguished entrepreneur, performance coach, and content creator with a substantial following across various platforms.
As the CEO and Founder of Fenix Consulting Group, established in 2011, he has been instrumental in driving significant revenue growth for Fortune 500 clients, including AT&T, T-Mobile, and Amazon, generating hundreds of millions in lifetime value.
In his role at Butterpie, Sabastian leads third-party sales, overseeing teams such as Fenix and Cydor, and collaborates with the Chief Consumer Products Officer on product messaging strategies. His deep understanding of sales positioning and market dynamics ensures that Butterpie's creator-led brands are effectively introduced and sustained in the market.
As a creator himself, Sabastian empathizes with the challenges faced by fellow creators. Through his Quantum Academy, founded in 2021, he offers coaching programs focusing on health, wealth, and relationships, aiming to elevate individuals' personal and professional lives. Butterpie invests in this program for its creators, providing them with valuable resources to enhance their growth and success and deepen their connection to Butterpie. Sabastian's commitment to personal development and his extensive experience in sales and coaching make him a vital asset to Butterpie's mission, empowering creators to transform their influence into thriving enterprises.
Entrepreneurial Success: By the age of 21, Sabastian had raised $8.5 million for startups, and by 25, he earned his first million dollars, showcasing his early acumen in business development.
Media Features: His achievements have been highlighted in reputable news outlets such as Yahoo Finance and Fox Business, underscoring his influence in the business community.
Performance Coaching: Sabastian has worked with thousands of young professionals across North America, successfully training and developing their leadership and entrepreneurial skills, further solidifying his role as a sought-after industry-leading mental conditioning and performance coach.
These accomplishments reflect Sabastian's dedication to excellence and his ability to drive success both personally and for those he mentors.
Marc Benitez
President, Chief Business Development Officer
Marc Benitez is a consumer-brand operator and dealmaker who builds creator-owned companies from concept to shelf. As President, CBDO at Butterpie, LLC he leads the end-to-end revenue motion: originating and structuring creator partnerships, shaping category and product roadmaps with the studio team, opening retail and distribution, and turning momentum into investor-visible traction. Marc works cross-functionally with Operations, Technology/AI, and Sales to ensure what’s promised publicly can be produced, shipped, and scaled. Marc’s career spans two decades across brand building, licensing, and retail. He has held senior business development and partnerships roles working with global consumer names, including Coach (Tapestry), Authentic Brands Group (ABG) / Creative Artists Agency-GBG, Century 21, and Von Dutch, where he negotiated complex agreements, translated brand equity into sell-through, and led cross-functional teams through launch. His portfolio covers apparel, accessories, lifestyle, and emerging consumer categories, giving him a 360° view from product to POS. At Butterpie, Marc’s mandate is creator-first and execution-obsessed: identify the right talent, align incentives around ownership, and pair audience insight with Butterpie’s in-house manufacturing and fulfillment to go from idea to market quickly and compliantly.
Marc Benitez is a consumer-brand operator and dealmaker who builds creator-owned companies from concept to shelf. As President, CBDO at Butterpie, LLC he leads the end-to-end revenue motion: originating and structuring creator partnerships, shaping category and product roadmaps with the studio team, opening retail and distribution, and turning momentum into investor-visible traction. Marc works cross-functionally with Operations, Technology/AI, and Sales to ensure what’s promised publicly can be produced, shipped, and scaled. Marc’s career spans two decades across brand building, licensing, and retail. He has held senior business development and partnerships roles working with global consumer names, including Coach (Tapestry), Authentic Brands Group (ABG) / Creative Artists Agency-GBG, Century 21, and Von Dutch, where he negotiated complex agreements, translated brand equity into sell-through, and led cross-functional teams through launch. His portfolio covers apparel, accessories, lifestyle, and emerging consumer categories, giving him a 360° view from product to POS. At Butterpie, Marc’s mandate is creator-first and execution-obsessed: identify the right talent, align incentives around ownership, and pair audience insight with Butterpie’s in-house manufacturing and fulfillment to go from idea to market quickly and compliantly.
bottom of page