# Al Burgio

> Al Burgio founded IIX in 2011, the enterprise interconnection business that became Console Connect, and served as its CEO before moving to chief strategy officer in 2016. He later founded DigitalBits and Zytara, extending his work from network connectivity into blockchain and digital finance. His career connects Ontario’s startup community, Silicon Valley infrastructure investors and the subsequent boom and difficulties of crypto sports partnerships.

- **Role:** Founder at Zytara
- **Organizations:** Console Connect (formerly IIX), Zytara, Zytara Labs, DigitalBits, Fusechain, TalkWorks
- **Education:** Brock University
- **Known for:** Founded the interconnection business that became Console Connect., Led IIX’s expansion from Ontario into international markets., Named inventor on US9246766, Method and apparatus for a distributed internet architecture, granted January 26, 2016.

## Career timeline

- **2006** — Co-founded VoIP provider TalkWorks; latency-sensitive voice traffic helped prompt his interest in improved network interconnection.
- **2011** — Founded IIX, the business later known as Console Connect.
- **2012** — IIX received a $450,000 angel investment through Niagara Angel Network with Golden Triangle Angel Network participation.
- **2013** — IIX secured a $1.25 million round from Dot Capital; Burgio moved from Ontario to establish Silicon Valley headquarters.
- **2014** — IIX raised a $10.4 million Series A led by NEA and acquired Allegro Networks.
- **2015** — IIX acquired IX Reach and announced a $26 million Series B led by Formation 8.
- **2016** — Jef Graham succeeded Burgio as CEO in September; Burgio became chief strategy officer.
- **2017** — In November, HKT and PCCW Global acquired Console Connect’s software platform, brand and technology team; Stephen Wilcox separately acquired certain network assets and customer contracts.
- **2018** — Discussed Fusechain and the DigitalBits project with John Furrier on theCUBE.
- **2019** — Founded Zytara, according to its December 2020 launch announcement.
- **2020** — Zytara announced plans for banking and payments tailored to gamers and esports audiences.
- **2021** — Zytara Labs announced partnerships with AS Roma and Inter involving the DigitalBits brand.
- **2023** — Inter terminated its sponsorship agreement with Zytara Labs on May 26 for non-performance, according to the club’s financial reporting.

## Achievements

- Founded the interconnection business that became Console Connect.
- Led IIX’s expansion from Ontario into international markets.
- Named inventor on US9246766, Method and apparatus for a distributed internet architecture, granted January 26, 2016.
- His LinkedIn profile also lists routing patent US9832105B2, issued November 28, 2017.
- Built a company whose software platform and technology team were acquired by HKT and PCCW Global in 2017.

## Latest updates

- **2024-02** — Inter’s financial results reiterated the May 2023 termination of the Zytara Labs agreement and reported a Milan court injunction in relation to the unpaid sponsorship.
- **2023-04** — DigitalBits Foundation CEO Daniele Mensi said Burgio was no longer involved in the foundation’s strategic, operational or management activities.

## Links

- Website: https://www.zytara.com/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alburgio

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/al-burgio
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21