Artyom Sokolov

Artyom Sokolov is character in Cyberpunk Red.

Biography
The Founder and CEO of Zhirafa is an ex-Edgerunner named Artyom Sokolov. Zhirafa is quick to mention that Artyom is a self-made man who grew up in a grubby arcology in the heart of the Neo-Soviet Union and his mission statement is to spread affordable technology to the masses and push technological development forward no matter what. They're less upfront about his history on The Street, focusing on his most daring exploits and omitting his time spent as a Corporate soldier protecting SovOil assets in Africa, and the messy nature of his defection.

Artyom is a volatile, charismatic figure who maintains a relaxed, simple streetwear style accented by extravagant, custom cyberware that could pay an Edgerunner's rent 'til 2077. Artyom is often cited as being off-putting and unprofessional by rival tech companies due to his casual approach to business and his eccentric life. In the office, Artyom is known for rarely taking anything too seriously. Advertisements greenlit by Artyom are casual and honest, often lamp-shading the techniques of other Corporations. When faced with opposition, Artyom has earned a reputation for humiliating challengers with blackmail and humorously doctored photos. And of course, the subsequent disappearance of any particularly stubborn opposition has never been linked to his corporation. In his personal life, Artyom runs in eccentric circles, hosting parties in starscrapers with the glitterati and known Bratva members and sponsoring bizarre and often radical artists and musicians.

However, despite his strange and lavish lifestyle, fans of Zhirafa are always quick to point to the many interviews Artyom has given on the trajectory of Zhirafa and the future of robotics. In these interviews it's easy to see the glint of inspiration in Artyom's gold-plated cyberoptics even if it may be difficult from time-to-time to keep up with the technical jargon he runs through in his almost stream of consciousness style. It's hard, even for Artyom's detractors, to argue that the man isn't a driven tech with a complex understanding of robotics and technology.