Samir Arora

Infobox_Celebrity
name = Samir Arora

---

birth_date = 1965
occupation = Entrepreneur
website = [http://www.samirarora.com Samir Arora]

Samir Arora (born November 5, 1965) is best known for being the founder, CEO and Chairman of the web design pioneering company NetObjects, Inc. from 1995 - 2001, and being the co-founder, CEO and Chairman of Glam Media since 2003. Samir Arora holds 13 US software patents as co-inventorcite web
url = http://www.google.com/patents?q=Samir+Arora&btnG=Search+Patents
title = Samir Arora - Google Patents
work = Google Patents
publisher = Google
accessdate = 2008-07-09 See also [http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO2&Sect2=HITOFF&p=1&u=%2Fnetahtml%2FPTO%2Fsearch-bool.html&r=0&f=S&l=50&TERM1=arora%2C+samir&FIELD1=INNM&co1=AND&TERM2=&FIELD2=&d=PTXT US Patent Office Database] .] .

Education

Samir Arora grew up in New Delhi, India, as the eldest son of a wealthy Indian family. His father ran a hotel-related business. Samir Arora attended a Jesuit high school at St. Xavier's and later took courses at INSEAD Business School in France and the executive education program at Harvard Business School. He holds a diploma in sales and marketing from the London Business School and studied electrical and electronic engineering at Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS).cite web
url = http://www.sbtv.com/channels/dotcommerce/06arora.htm
title = Samir Arora
work = Dot Commerce
publisher = SBTV.com™
accessdate = June 26
accessyear = 2008
archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20010128121500/www.sbtv.com/channels/dotcommerce/06arora.htm
archivedate = 2001-01-24] cite web
url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article4186873.ece
first = Andrew
last = Davidson
title = Glam.com Samir Arora boss is in the pink
work = Times Online
publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd.
accessdate = June 23
accessyear = 2008]

The Apple and Rae years

Samir Arora worked at Apple Computercite web | url = http://www.vnunet.com/crn/features/2010314/face-face-net-luminary | title = Face to Face - Net Luminary | publisher = Incisive Media Ltd. | accessdate = December 8 | accessyear = 2007] cite web
url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article4186873.ece
first = Andrew
last = Davidson
title = Glam.com Samir Arora boss is in the pink
work = Times Online
publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd.
accessdate = June 23
accessyear = 2008] in Software and New Media from 1983 to 1992, and moved to Cupertino, California, in 1986.

Arora wrote a white paper called "Information Navigation: The Future of Computing" in late 1986cite web
url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article4186873.ece
first = Andrew
last = Davidson
title = Glam.com Samir Arora boss is in the pink
work = Times Online
publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd.
accessdate = June 23
accessyear = 2008] , and worked on early Desktop Publishing, HyperCard and 4th Dimension systems.cite web
url = http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/Business/Innovators97/ss03.html
first = Dan
last = Shafer
title = "BUILDER.COM - Web Business - The 1st annual Web Innovator Awards - Samir Arora, NetObjects Fusion"
work = CNET Builder.com
publisher = CNET Networks, Inc.
accessdate = June 21
accessyear = 2008
archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20010505054830/builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/Business/Innovators97/ss03.html
archivedate = 1998-12-12] He is known for creating the first "External Objects" specification, coined the terms "MacNavigator" and "MacBrowser" and worked on the early prototypes that lead to the making of the "Knowledge Navigator" video in 1987. Arora worked for the Chairman and CEO of Apple Computer, John Sculley, from 1987 to 1991.cite web
url = http://www.sbtv.com/channels/dotcommerce/06arora.htm
title = Samir Arora
work = Dot Commerce
publisher = SBTV.com™
accessdate = June 26
accessyear = 2008
archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20010128121500/www.sbtv.com/channels/dotcommerce/06arora.htm
archivedate = 2001-01-24]

From 1992 to 1995, Arora was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rae Technology (a spin-off from Apple Computer)cite web
url = http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/Business/Innovators97/ss03.html
first = Dan
last = Shafer
title = "BUILDER.COM - Web Business - The 1st annual Web Innovator Awards - Samir Arora, NetObjects Fusion"
work = CNET Builder.com
publisher = CNET Networks, Inc.
accessdate = June 21
accessyear = 2008
archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20010505054830/builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/Business/Innovators97/ss03.html
archivedate = 1998-12-12] , which developed "information navigation applications" that can be seen as predecessors of Web sites. Rae Technology created Rae Assist, one of the first Personal Information Managers (PIM).

NetObjects

In 1995 Samir Arora founded NetObjects, Inc., together with David Kleinberg, Clement Mok and Sal Arora. With a high-class development and design team, NetObjects Fusion, one of the very first web design tools, was created.

NetObjects Fusion was revolutionary at the time of its introduction in 1996. It was innovative in the way Web sites were designed and structured.

For introducing NetObjects Fusion Samir Arora was elected as Web Innovator of the Year 1997 by CNET as someone who helped "shape the Web"cite web | url = http://news.com.com/html/aboutcnet/press/1998_99/041598.html | title = BUILDER.COM Debuts First Annual Web Innovator Awards | publisher = CNET Networks | accessdate = June 16 | accessyear = 2007] cite web
url = http://builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/Business/Innovators97/ss03.html
title = "BUILDER.COM - Web Business - The 1st annual Web Innovator Awards - Samir Arora, NetObjects Fusion"
work = CNET Builder.com
publisher = CNET Networks, Inc.
accessdate = June 21
accessyear = 2008
archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20010505054830/builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/Business/Innovators97/ss03.html
archivedate = 1998-12-12] cite web | url = http://www.macobserver.com/archive/1998/april.shtml | title = April, 1998 Archive | publisher = The Mac Observer | accessdate = June 16 | accessyear = 2007] cite web | url = http://www.netobjects.com/company/html/ceoinnovator.html | title = NetObjects CEO Receives Web Innovator Award From CNET's Builder.com| publisher = NetObjects, Inc. | accessdate = June 16 | accessyear = 2007] , and also was named Entrepreneur of the Year 1997 by the Emerging Business Council of the Information Industry Association (now Software and Information Industry Association)cite web | url = http://www.netobjects.com/company/html/ceoentrepeneur.html | title = IIA's Entrepreneur of the Year: Samir Arora—Chairman CEO and Founder | publisher = NetObjects, Inc. | accessdate = June 16 | accessyear = 2007] .

After the very successful launch of NetObjects Fusion, IBM bought 80% of the company for zero equity and approximately $40 million in debt and advances against royalties.cite web | url = http://edgar.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1009386/0001047469-99-003575.txt | title = February 5, 1999 Form S-1 Filing | publisher = SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | accessdate = June 23| accessyear = 2008] NetObjects, Inc. went public on NASDAQ in 1999 with IBM as a majority shareholder.

Not yet having turned a profit as a start-up companycite web | url = http://edgar.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1009386/0001047469-99-003575.txt | title = February 5, 1999 Form S-1 Filing | publisher = SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION | accessdate = June 23| accessyear = 2008] , tough competition and fast changing markets made NetObjects, Inc. introduce a shift in its business model from packaged software to a subscription model. Decreasing revenues and the decline in public markets heavily affected share prices, and following a de-listing notice from the NASDAQ, it's majority shareholder IBM made the decision to sell the company in 2001. Its assets including NetObjects Fusion were sold to Website Pros (now named Web.com), a web services company, based in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. A portfolio of seven patents was acquired by Macromedia (now Adobe), the distributor of Dreamweaver.

Information Capital LLC and Tickle

Since 1997, Samir Arora has been the Chairman of Information Capital LLC, a venture capital fund based in Woodside, California, USA, which invests in consumer publishing, media & technology companies.

From June 2003 to February 2004 Arora served as Chairman on the Board of cite web | url = http://www.advfn.com/news_Emode-Names-Samir-Arora-Chairman-of-the-Board-Enters-Media-Metrix-Top-50_6672268.html | title = Emode Names Samir Arora Chairman of the Board, Enters Media Metrix Top 50 | publisher = ADVFN PLC. | accessdate = February 28 | accessyear = 2008] . Tickle, one of the first social networking sites, was founded in 1999 in Boston as Emode.com, and moved to San Francisco in 2000. When Arora joined the company's board, it had been profitable for six quarters.cite web | url = http://www.infoworld.com/article/03/11/14/HNringo_1.html| title = Social networking site Emode tickles Ringo | author = Juan Carlos Perez | publisher = Infoworld | accessdate = February 28 | accessyear = 2008] Tickle was acquired by Monster.com in May 2004 and shut down in June 2008.cite web | url = http://www.alleyinsider.com/2008/6/monster_owned_social_network_tickle_shutting_down_mnst_| title = Monster-owned Social Network Tickle Shutting Down | author = Vasanth Sridharan | publisher = Silicon Alley Insider, Inc | accessdate = June 23 | accessyear = 2008] .

Glam Media

In 2003 Arora helped found and invested in Glam Media - a privately held company that publishes Glam.com, one of the fastest growing Web properties in 2007cite web | url = http://www.comscore.com/press/release.asp?press=1731 | title = comScore Media Metrix Releases Top 50 Web Ranking for August | publisher = comScore, Inc. | accessdate = October 26 | accessyear = 2007] and 2008.cite web
url = http://www.thestandard.com/news/2008/06/17/glam-buys-u-k-ad-company-surpasses-facebook-reach
first = Matt
last = Marshall
title = Glam buys U.K. ad company, surpasses Facebook in “reach”
work = Venture Beat
publisher = The Industry Standard
accessdate = June 24
accessyear = 2008]

Industry observers discuss whether Glam can be seen as a new type of "distributed media company"cite web | url = http://mediabiz.blogs.cnnmoney.cnn.com/2007/08/16/the-glam-orous-life/ | title = The Glam-orous Life | author = Paul R. La Monica | publisher = CNNMoney.com | accessdate = October 17 | accessyear = 2007] cite web | url = http://www.foliomag.com/2008/glamorizing-brands | title = Glamorizing Brands | author = Bill Mickey Miller | publisher = Red 7 Media, LLC | accessdate = February 25 | accessyear = 2008] since it works as a platform for own as well as third-party produced content and advertisements. In February 2008, Glam Media closed a 4th round of financing (approximately $64 million in equity and $20 million in debt), indicating a valuation of $500 million.cite web | url = http://venturebeat.com/2008/02/24/womans-network-glam-raises-846-million-at-half-a-billion-valuation-adconian-raises-80m/
title = Woman’s network Glam raises $84.6 million at half a billion valuation, Adconion raises $80M | author = Matt Marshall | publisher = VentureBeat | accessdate = February 25 | accessyear = 2008]

As of 2008, Samir Arora serves as Chairman and CEO of Glam Media.

Interests in the arts and entertainment

Besides his media and software activities, multi-talented Samir Arora has had numerous activities in the entertainment industry. In Delhi from 1975 to 1983, he was trained by Sir Barry John, the leader of the Theatre Action Group (TAG), and took part in over 30 theatre and TV productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar (1975-76), Tommy (1978), Kidstuff (1979), Death of an Anarchist (1980), and The Day of Atonement (1981). Samir Arora studied theatre and music composition and wrote as well as produced several plays and musicals during this time, amongst them the plays: The Pinnacle (1982) and The Vulture Stooped Low (1984), and two musicals: The Wall (1981) and Stronger than Superman (1984).cite web
url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article4186873.ece
first = Andrew
last = Davidson
title = Glam.com Samir Arora boss is in the pink
work = Times Online
publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd.
accessdate = June 23
accessyear = 2008] Arora was one of the few members of the TAG team to leave theatre, TV and movies, and went on to join Apple Computer.

Arora serves on the board of trustees of TheatreWorks of San Francisco Bay Area and is an associate producer of that institutioncite web
url = http://www.theatreworks.org/images/Annual-Report.pdf
title = Theatre Works Annual Report 2004-05, p. 14, 23
accessdate = July 18
accessyear = 2008] cite web
url = http://www.theatreworks.org/images/dev_AnnualReport06_07.pdf
title = Theatre Works Annual Report 2006/07, p. 16, 26
accessdate = July 18
accessyear = 2008] .

Health and therapy, personal life

Samir Arora studied several forms of alternative health therapies. He is a certified body therapist (AISI) and has studied Bodywork, Ida Rolf's Structural Integration, Moshé Feldenkrais' Functional Integration, Zen Trigger Point, Berry Method, Trager Work, and Dub Leigh's Zentherapy. Samir Arora practices Zazen, and said in a Times-Interview from 2008: "The last time I had any traditional medicine was 18 years ago."cite web
url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article4186873.ece
first = Andrew
last = Davidson
title = Glam.com Samir Arora boss is in the pink
work = Times Online
publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd.
accessdate = June 23
accessyear = 2008]

Samir Arora divides his time between his home in Woodside, California and SoHo, New York , and is remarried twice.cite web
url = http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article4186873.ece
first = Andrew
last = Davidson
title = Glam.com Samir Arora boss is in the pink
work = Times Online
publisher = Times Newspapers Ltd.
accessdate = June 23
accessyear = 2008]

References

External links

* [http://www.samirarora.com Personal Homepage]
* [http://web.archive.org/web/20010505054830/builder.cnet.com/webbuilding/pages/Business/Innovators97/ss03.html CNET feature from 1997]
* [http://www.vnunet.com/crn/features/2010314/face-face-net-luminary Interview from 1999]
* [http://www.forbes.com/free_forbes/2007/0917/056.html Forbes feature from 2007]
* [http://business.timesonline.co.uk/tol/business/movers_and_shakers/article4186873.ece Times Interview from 2008]