Andrew Conru's journey is one of relentless curiosity, innovative problem-solving, and a deep-seated desire to foster connection. Raised on a small Indiana farm, his early life instilled a strong work ethic and a practical, hands-on approach. This practical foundation, combined with his engineering mindset, propelled him through a Stanford PhD during the internet's infancy. There, he became a pioneer in online social technologies, driven more by creating useful tools for human interaction than by purely commercial ambitions.

After achieving significant success in the tech world, a period of profound personal reflection led him to dedicate his resources and energy to philanthropy. Through the Conru Foundation and subsequently the Conru Art Foundation, he seeks to address what he sees as a growing societal need for deeper meaning and connection. His approach to philanthropy is marked by the same inventive spirit and service-oriented mindset that defined his entrepreneurial career: identifying needs and building impactful solutions.

An amateur artist himself, Andrew believes passionately in art's power to heal, inspire, and unite. He views the intentional pursuit of Beauty, Truth, and Love through masterful craft not merely as an aesthetic endeavor, but as a vital pathway to reconnecting with our shared humanity in an often-isolating modern world. The Conru Art Foundation, with its emphasis on (Restorative) Rehumanism and initiatives like the Seattle Prize, is a direct manifestation of this conviction—an "experiment with love" aimed at nurturing artists and exploring art's deepest potential to enrich lives and elevate the human spirit. Learn more about his life/art background and broader work.