Alumni Spotlight is pleased to announce The Top 100 Columbia Alumni in Technology of 2021. As the fifth oldest institution of higher learning in the United States and whose alumni, faculty, and staff have included seven founding fathers of the United States and four U.S. presidents, Columbia has produced some of the most revered and accomplished leaders across the globe. With the advent of the technology industry in the mid 1900’s, Columbia was quick to adapt and in turn paved a way for the brightest minds to study and advance many specializations within computer science, biotechnology, energy and many other technical fields. In more recent years, alumni of Columbia have excelled in areas seeing some of the most rapid growth including financial technology, healthcare technology and venture capital.
Perhaps one of today’s most well-known venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, Ben Horowitz exemplifies excellence in the advancement of technology and true thought leadership on effective entrepreneurship. Meanwhile, other Columbia Alumni are having profound impact in various areas of financial technology – they lead companies such as Compass, Addepar, Betterment, Fundera and Albert, among many others. And in healthcare, companies like Kaia Health, Omada Health and Pear Therapeutics show us what’s possible in the years ahead when it comes to improving the lives of those facing unique physical challenges and ailments. It is our distinct honor to be able to recognize such an accomplished group of industry leaders. Please join us in celebrating the achievements of the Top 100 Columbia Alumni in Technology of 2021.
1. Robert Reffkin
Compass
Robert Reffkin is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Compass. He first joined the company in 2012. Compass is a real estate technology company with a powerful end-to-end platform that supports the entire buying and selling workflow.
Previously, Reffkin was the chief of staff to the president and COO at Goldman Sachs, and before that an associate in the mergers and acquisitions group at Lazard. Earlier in his career he worked with McKinsey & Company as a business analyst in the generalist group. Reffkin earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University’s Business School and his undergraduate degree in economics, philosophy, and history from Columbia University in New York City.
2. Ben Horowitz
Andreessen Horowitz
Ben Horowitz is the Co-Founder and General Partner of Andreessen Horowitz. Andreessen Horowitz is a stage-agnostic venture capital firm with assets under management across multiple funds. Horowitz has worked more than 22 years in the venture capital and private equity industry. He began his career in 1999.
Before joining Andreessen Horowitz he was a vice president and general manager at Hewlett-Packard, and before that the president and CEO at Opsware, Inc. Horowitz graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
3. Christopher Bergh
DataKitchen
Christopher Bergh is the Chief Executive Officer, Founder, and Head Chef at DataKitchen. DataKitchen offers a complete enterprise DataOps platform that simplifies complex toolchains, environments, and teams. It automates end-to-end data workflows so cross-functional teams can quickly innovate, test, and deliver the kind of error-free, on-demand insight that wins respect and appreciation across the organization.
Bergh got his start in 1986 as a high school teacher in the Peace Corps. From there, he went on to NASA-Ames before eventually rising to regional vice president of revenue management intelligence at Model N, his most recent position prior to joining DataKitchen. Bergh graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree and from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an undergraduate degree.
4. Inaki Berenguer
Coverwallet
Inaki Berenguer is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Coverwallet. Coverwallet is an online platform that offers insurance management services to its clients. Berenguer has worked for more than 16 years in the insurance industry. He began his career in 2005.
Before joining Coverwallet, Berenguer was the CEO and co-founder at Klink Inc. (acquired by Thinkingphones), and before that the CEO and co-founder at Pixable (acquired by SingTel). Earlier in his career he worked with McKinsey & Company as an associate.
Berenguer graduated from MIT’s Sloan School of Management with a Master of Business Administration degree, from the University of Cambridge with a PhD and Master's in engineering, and from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Arts degree.
5. Konstantin Mehl
Kaia Health
Konstantin Mehl began his professional career over eight years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kaia Health. Kaia Health is a leading digital therapeutics company that creates evidence-based treatments for a range of disorders including musculoskeletal conditions and COPD.
Mehl first got his start in 2013 as the founder and CEO at foodora. Mehl graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a dual Master's degree and from Technische Universität München with an undergraduate degree in chemistry and finance.
6. Haohan Xu
Apifiny
Haohan Xu is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Apifiny. He first joined the company in 2018. Apifiny is a digital asset marketplace that facilitates access to regulated, global financial markets to provide superior liquidity, pricing, and faster order fills for institutions.
Previously, Xu was a PWM analyst at Morgan Stanley. Xu earned an undergraduate degree in operations research from Columbia University in New York City.
7. Jon Oringer
Shutterstock
Jon Oringer is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Shutterstock. Shutterstock offers an online platform that enables its users to find and buy images, vectors, videos, and music. Oringer has worked more than 23 years in the tech industry. He began his career in 1998.
Before joining Shutterstock, Oringer was the founder and CEO at SurfSecret Software. Oringer graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree in computer science and from Stony Brook University with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
8. Jun Rao
Confluent
Jun Rao began his professional career over 21 years ago. Today, he is the Co-Founder of Confluent. Confluent offers a streaming platform based on Apache Kafka that enables companies to easily access data as real-time streams.
Rao began his career in 2000 as a research staff member at IBM Almaden Research Center. From there he went to LinkedIn, his most recent position prior to joining Confluent. Rao graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a PhD in computer science and from Tsinghua University with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
9. Fatima Dicko
Sugar
Fatima Dicko is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sugar. She first joined the company in 2019. Sugar is a venture-backed, seed-stage technology company that envisions a world where people in close proximity are better connected. Previously, Dicko was the founder and CEO at mybestbox, and before that a senior product engineer at Procter & Gamble.
Dicko earned her Master of Business Administration degree from Stanford University Graduate School of Business and her undergraduate degree in chemical engineering from Columbia University in New York City.
10. John Johnson
Harmony Labs
John Johnson is the Founder and Chair of Harmony Labs. Harmony Labs builds communities and tools to reform and transform media systems. Johnson has over 12 years in the research industry. He began his career in 2009. Before joining Harmony Labs, Johnson was a co-founder at Buzzfeeed and Johnson Research Labs, and before that a founder at the Pacific Foundation.
Johnson graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master's degree in research methodology and quantitative methods and from St. John's College with an undergraduate degree in philosophy and mathematics.
11. Matthew Gross
Newsela
Matthew Gross began his professional career over 23 years ago. Currently he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Newsela. Newsela is an ed-tech startup that takes content from trusted providers and turns it into learning materials.
Gross first got his start in 1998 as the president at Submedia. From there, he went on to PENCIL before eventually rising to executive director at Regents Research Fund, his most recent position prior to joining Newsela. Gross graduated from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in music.
12. Reuven Moskowitz
Litify
Reuven Moskowitz is the Founder of Litify. He first joined the company in 2016. Litify offers technology solutions for law firms by providing a trusted, intelligent platform for practice management.
Previously, Moskowitz was the COO at Morgan & Morgan, P.A., and before that the senior director of mobile at Shutterfly. Earlier in his career he worked with OneReceipt as a co-founder. Moskowitz earned a doctorate in law from Columbia University School of Law and an undergraduate degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University-Metropolitan Campus.
13. Kumar Saurabh
LogicHub
Kumar Saurabh is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LogicHub. LogicHub automates security analysts’ intelligence process to reduce breach detection time. Saurabh has over 22 years in the computer and network security industry. He began his career in 1999.
Before joining LogicHub, Saurabh was a co-founder and VP of engineering at Sumo Logic, and before that an algorithm and data architect at Mint.com. Earlier in his career he worked with Cadence India as a software engineer. Saurabh graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree in computer science and from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
14. Jared Hecht
Fundera
Jared Hecht began his professional career over 12 years ago. Today, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fundera. Fundera provides expert insights and tailored options—from loans to credit cards to bank accounts—so business owners can shop and compare financial choices they often don’t know they have.
Hecht first got his start in 2009 in business development at Tumblr. From there, he went on to GroupMe before eventually rising to director at Microsoft, his most recent position prior to joining Fundera. Hecht graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree.
15. Zak Ringelstein
Zigazoo
Zak Ringelstein is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Zigazoo. He first joined the company in 2020. Zigazoo is the most trusted and fun social streaming app for kids. Zigazooers do video challenges by the world’s biggest kids’ brands and share them with friends. Previously, Ringelstein was the CEO and founder at UClass, and before that worked as a teacher at the International School of Tanganyika. Earlier in his career he worked with the United Nations as a researcher at the Millennium Villages Project.
Ringelstein earned a PhD in politics and education from Columbia University Teachers College, a Master's degree in education from Arizona State University, and an undergraduate degree in history and human rights from Columbia University in New York City.
16. Sean Duffy
Omada Health
Sean Duffy is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Omada Health. Omada Health is a digital care company that offers innovative and clinically effective digital health programs to empower individuals to engage in their health and lead healthier lives. Duffy has over 18 years in the healthcare industry. He began his career in 2003.
Before joining Omada Health, Duffy was an editor at Medgadget, and before that a health and wellness domain specialist at IDEO. Earlier in his career he worked at the Dr. Rae Silver Neurobiology Laboratory as a research assistant.
Duffy graduated from Harvard Medical School with an doctorate in medicine, from Harvard Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree, and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in neuroscience.
17. Samantha John
Hopscotch Technologies
Samantha John began her professional career over 12 years ago. Today, she is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Hopscotch Technologies. Hopscotch is a programming app for kids, allowing them to design, code, and share their own art and games.
John first got her start in 2009 as an entrepreneur in residence at YouWeb Incubator. From there, she went on to be a programmer at Pivotal Labs, her most recent position prior to joining Hopscotch Technologies. John graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in applied mathematics.
18. Matthew Kalish
DraftKings
Matthew Kalish is the President and Co-Founder of DraftKings. He first joined the company in 2011 as the co-founder and CRO. DraftKings is a digital sports entertainment and gaming company created to fuel the competitive spirits of sports fans with products that range across daily fantasy leagues, regulated gaming, and digital media.
Previously, Kalish was a CRM marketing manager at Vistaprint, and before that a business manager at Capital One. Earlier in his career he worked with Fidelity Investments as an operations analyst. Kalish earned his Master of Business Administration degree from Boston College’s Carroll School of Management and his undergraduate degree in economics and computer science from Columbia University in New York City.
19. Stephen Kennedy Smith
Pear Therapeutics
Stephen Kennedy Smith is the Co-Founder of Pear Therapeutics. Pear Therapeutics is a software-based digital therapeutics platform designed to treat disease and enhance the efficacy of pharmaceuticals. Smith has over seven years in the healthcare industry, beginning his career in 2014.
Smith graduated from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education with a Master of Arts degree, from Columbia Law School with a doctorate of law, and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree.
20. Andrzej Baraniak
Albert
Andrzej Baraniak began his professional career over 16 years ago. Today, he is the Founder of Albert. Albert is a financial technology company aiming to democratize money management by making financial advice accessible and affordable.
Baraniak first got his start in 2005 as a project leader at Boston Consulting Group. Baraniak graduated from Harvard Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in economics.
21. Darrell Silver
Chegg, Inc.
Darrell Silver is the Vice President of Learning Services at Chegg, Inc. He first joined the company in 2019. Chegg is a student media learning platform offering services to universities and community colleges.
Previously, Silver was the CEO & co-founder of Thinkful, and before that the director of web archiving at Smarsh. Earlier in his career he worked with Clinton Group as the head of algorithmic trade execution and quantitative strategies. Silver earned an undergraduate degree in art history, criticism, and conservation from Columbia University.
22. Dan Schatt
Cred
Dan Schatt is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cred. Cred is a decentralized lending ecosystem that facilitates open access to credit anywhere and anytime based on the Ethereum blockchain. Schatt has over 26 years in the financial services industry. He began his career in 1995.
Before joining Cred, Schatt was a co-founder at Universal Protocol Alliance, and before that the chief commercial officer at Stockpile Inc. Earlier in his career he worked with the Financial Services Volunteer Corps as a country director.
Schatt graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Business Administration and Master of International Affairs degree, and from the University of California, Santa Barbara with an undergraduate degree in law and society.
23. Hicham Oudghiri
Enigma Technologies
Hicham Oudghiri began his professional career over 11 years ago. Today, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Enigma Technologies. Enigma provides reliable data and insights on the identity, activity, and risk profile of every small business. Oudghiri graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree.
24. Ryan Bubinski
Codecademy
Ryan Bubinski is the Co-Founder of Codecademy. He first joined the company in 2011. Codecademy provides an online learning platform that teaches employable digital skills. Bubinski earned an undergraduate degree in biophysics and computer science from Columbia University in New York City.
25. Eric Poirier
Addepar
Eric Poirier is the Chief Executive Officer of Addepar. Addepar is a wealth management platform that specializes in data aggregation, analytics, and portfolio reporting for investment advisors. Poirier has over 17 years in the finance industry. He began his career in 2003.
Before joining Addepar, Poirier was a director at Palantir Technologies, and before that was a fixed income analyst at Lehman Brothers. Poirier graduated from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
26. Bharat Krish
TIME
Bharat Krish began his professional career over 23 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Technology Officer at TIME. TIME is a global media brand built on 98 years of unparalleled trust and authority, with an audience of more than 100 million people worldwide across their platforms.
Krish first got his start in 1998 as a software engineer in the diagnostic ultrasound group at GE Healthcare. From there, he went on to NBC Universal, before eventually rising to CTO at OTG Management, his most recent position prior to joining TIME.
Krish graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master’s degree in technology management, from Syracuse University with a Master of Science degree in computer engineering, and from Coimbatore Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in computer science and engineering.
27. Mukund Jha
Dunzo
Mukund Jha is the Chief Technology Officer at Dunzo. He first joined the company in 2015. Dunzo is an all-in-one, 24/7 delivery platform that picks up and delivers anything and everything within major Indian cities while guaranteeing super-quick deliveries.
Previously, Jha was a software engineer at Google, and before that worked as a programmer at Columbia Business School. Jha earned a Master's degree in computer science from Columbia Engineering and an undergraduate degree in computer science from Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology.
28. Aaron Schwartz
NPS
Aaron Schwartz is the Founder of NPS. NPS is a personal, catch-all company for Schwartz’s advising, consulting, and investing work. Schwartz has over 17 years in the consulting industry. He began his career in 2004.
Before joining NPS, Schwartz was the chief business officer at Returnly, and before that a chairman at Modify Watches. Earlier in his career he worked with Deloitte Consulting as a strategy and operations consultant.
Schwartz graduated from the University of California, Berkeley’s Walter A. Haas School of Business with a Master of Business Administration degree, and from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in history.
29. Jonathan Stein
Betterment
Jonathan Stein began his professional career over 18 years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chairman of the Board of Betterment. Betterment is a goal-based online investment company, delivering personalized financial advice paired with low fees and a good customer experience.
Stein first got his start in 2003 as a manager of business development at Kennedy Information. From there, he went on to consult at First Manhattan Consulting Group, his most recent position prior to joining Betterment. Stein graduated from Columbia Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Harvard University with an undergraduate degree in economics.
30. Oliver Holle
Speedinvest
Oliver Holle is the Managing Partner of Speedinvest. He first joined the company in 2011 as the CEO. Speedinvest is a venture capital fund investing in pre-seed, seed, and early-stage tech startups.
Previously, Holle was the CEO at TheMerger.com, and before that was VP of media and portals at Verisign. Earlier in his career he worked with Sysis AG as the CEO. Holle earned a Master’s degree in economics from Columbia University in New York City.
31. Josh Guttman
Small Door Veterinary
Josh Guttman is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Small Door Veterinary. Small Door provides veterinary services that are elevated, customer-centric, and hospitality-infused. Guttman has over 28 years in the healthcare industry. He began his career in 1998.
Before joining Small Door Veterinary, Guttman was a partner at SoftBank Capital, and before that was the SVP of platform sales at Outbrain. Earlier in his career he worked with Robertson Stephens & Co. as an investment banking analyst. Guttman graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Duke University with an undergraduate degree.
32. Wayne Slavin
Sure
Wayne Slavin began his professional career over 23 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Sure. Sure is an insurance technology company powering API-based digital insurance programs for the world's most recognized brands and carriers.
Slavin first got his start in 1998 as a senior network engineer at Terracom. From there he went on to Linspire before eventually rising to VP of product management at Tapingo, his most recent position prior to joining Sure. Slavin graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree in technology management and from San Diego State University with an undergraduate degree in management.
33. Isabelle Freidheim
Magnifi
Isabelle Freidheim is the Co-Founder of Magnifi. She first joined the company in 2018 as the CEO. Magnifi is an investment platform with the only search engine for the financial industry. Previously, Freidheim was a co-founder and managing partner at Starwood VC, and before that a venture partner at MissionOG. Earlier in her career she worked with Lehman Brothers as an investment banker.
Freidheim earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree in economics from Columbia University in New York City.
34. Julie Hansen
Babbel
Julie Hansen is the Chief Revenue Officer and U.S. Chief Executive Officer of Babbel. Babbel is the market-leading app for language learning. Hansen has over 32 years in the software industry. She began her career in 1989. Before joining Babbel, Hansen was the president and COO at Business Insider, and before that was SVP of interactive and GM of NCAA at CBS Interactive. Earlier in her career she worked with Workman Publishing as an editorial assistant.
Hansen graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Yale University with an undergraduate degree in English.
35. Justin Wenig
Coursedog
Justin Wenig began his professional career over three years ago. Today, he is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Coursedog. Coursedog is an internet company that provides curriculum and schedule planning solutions for higher education. Wenig graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
36. Eric Wang
Wind Mobility
Eric Wang is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Wind Mobility. He first joined the company in 2018. Wind Mobility is a micro-mobility company that offers convenient, last-mile transportation services.
Previously, Wang was a VP of global operations, business, and corporate development at Zenjoy Limited, and before that was co-founder and managing director at BYKE Mobility GmbH. Earlier in his career he worked with Merrill Lynch as an investment banking analyst in the mergers and acquisitions group. Wang earned his undergraduate degree in economics and mathematics from Columbia University in New York City.
37. Alex Maffeo
Boost
Alex Maffeo is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Boost. Boost powers digital insurance programs for innovators across all industries. Maffeo has over 12 years in the financial services industry. He began his career in 2009.
Before joining Boost, Maffeo was a principal at IA Capital Group. Maffeo graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in political science.
38. Mehmet Akcin
EdgeUno
Mehmet Akcin began his professional career over 18 years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of EdgeUno. EdgeUno is an internet datacenter and managed services provider in Latin America.
Akcin first got his start in 2003 as a principal network engineer at Universidad de Puerto Rico. From there, he went on to ICANN before eventually rising to senior director of global network infrastructure and services at Yahoo, his most recent position prior to joining EdgeUno.
Akcin graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree and from Inter-American University of Puerto Rico, Metropolitan Campus with an undergraduate degree in computer engineering.
39. Joey Levy
Simplebet
Joey Levy is the Co-Founder of Simplebet. He first joined the company in 2016. Simplebet is a B2B product development company using machine learning and automation to make every moment of every sporting event a betting opportunity.
Previously, Levy was the co-founder and CEO at Draftpot. Levy earned an undergraduate degree in history from Columbia University in New York City.
40. Ram Ahluwalia
PeerIQ
Ram Ahluwalia is the Chief Executive Officer of PeerIQ. PeerIQ is a leading provider of institutional credit risk analytics for owners and operators of consumer credit risk. Ahluwalia has over 19 years in the financial services industry. He began his career in 2002.
Before joining PeerIQ, Ahluwalia was an SVP at Bank of America, and before that a VP in the global bank group at Merrill Lynch. Earlier in his career he worked at the Cato Institute as a defense and national security analyst. Ahluwalia graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in economics and philosophy.
41. John Daniels
NavTrac
John Daniels is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of NavTrac. He first joined the company in 2017. NavTrac leverages computer vision to reimagine yard operations through automation and proactive optimization. The platform features an automated gate system (AGS) to increase data quality, detect damage, improve inventory management, and eliminate guard costs. Daniels earned an undergraduate degree from Columbia University in New York City.
42. Sameer Maskey
Fusemachines
Sameer Maskey is the Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Fusemachines. Fusemachines is an enterprise AI services and solutions provider on a mission to democratize AI. Maskey has over 14 years in the software industry. He began his career in 2007.
Before joining Fusemachines, Maskey was a research staff member at IBM. Maskey graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a PhD in computer science and from Bates College with an undergraduate degree in math and physics.
43. Ben Edelstein
LogRocket
Ben Edelstein is the Co-Founder of LogRocket. LogRocket records videos of user sessions with logs and network data, identifying UX problems and revealing the root cause of every bug. Edelstein graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
44. Alex Dickinson
ChromaCode, Inc.
Alex Dickinson is the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of ChromaCode, Inc. He first joined the company in 2015. Previously, Dickinson was an SVP at Illumina, and before that a co-founder, CEO, and board member at Luxtera. Earlier in his career he worked with AT&T Bell Laboratories as a member of the technical staff.
Dickinson earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia University’s Columbia Business School and a PhD and undergraduate degree in electrical engineering from the University of Adelaide.
45. Korawad Chearavanont
Amity
Korawad Chearavanont is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Amity. Amity powers in-app social experiences, helping developers to easily add pre-built social features to any app with a few lines of code. Chearavanont has over nine years of experience in the software industry. He began his career in 2012. Chearavanont graduated from Columbia University in New York City.
46. Dmitry Shevelenko
Tortoise
Dmitry Shevelenko is the Co-Founder and President of Tortoise. Tortoise is an automated delivery platform for the retail and logistics industries.
Shevelenko first got his start in 2006 as an associate publisher at Inside New York. From there, he went on to Time Inc. Home Entertainment before eventually rising to director of business development at Uber, his most recent position prior to joining Tortoise. Shevelenko graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in anthropology.
47. Marc DaCosta
Enigma
Marc DaCosta is the Co-Founder and Chairman of Enigma. He first joined the company in 2010. Enigma builds world-class data infrastructure, developer-friendly APIs, and intelligent tools to automate trusted decisions about every business.
DaCosta earned a PhD in cultural anthropology from the University of California, Irvine and an undergraduate degree in philosophy from Columbia University in New York City.
48. Reshan Richards
Explain Everything
Reshan Richards is the Board Chairman of Explain Everything. Explain Everything is the interactive whiteboard platform that enables teams to collaborate, share, and learn on an infinite canvas. Richards has over 21 years in the information technology and services industry. He began his career in 2000.
Richards graduated from Teachers College at Columbia University with a doctorate of education in instructional technology and media, from the Harvard University Graduate School of Education with a doctorate of education in learning and teaching, and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in music.
49. Joel Beal
Alloy
Joel Beal is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Alloy. Alloy enables consumer goods brands to scale demand and inventory visibility and turn it into action. Beal first got his start in 2010 as an engagement manager at Applied Predictive Technologies. From there, he went on to work as VP of product at Addepar, his most recent position prior to joining Alloy.
Beal graduated from Stanford University with a Master of Arts degree in economics and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and economics.
50. Michael Amori
Virtualitics, Inc.
Michael Amori is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Virtualitics, Inc. He first joined the company in 2016. Virtualitics provides data visualization in virtual reality and augmented reality environments.
Previously, Amori was a managing director at Deutsche Bank, and before that was a director at Credit Suisse. Earlier in his career he worked at Caltech as a researcher. Amori earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School and an undergraduate degree in physics from Columbia University in New York City.
51. Vishal Singh
Link3D
Vishal is Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer at Link3D, an additive manufacturing workflow, quality management and IoT platform designed to be the operating system for additive manufacturing organizations. His vision includes providing an end-to-end secure, connected ecosystem improving operational efficiency, creating a consistent and unified data model and enabling global, secure distributed manufacturing thereby enabling digital transformation for the customer base through the use of additive manufacturing and 3D printing.
Before joining Link3D, Singh was a co-founder at InnCreTech, and was CEO and CTO at Pintact. Earlier in his career he worked with Cisco Systems as a software development engineer. Singh graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree and from the National Institute of Technology Warangal with an undergraduate degree in electronics and communications engineering.
52. Laura Spiekerman
Alloy
Laura Spiekerman began her professional career over 13 years ago. Today, she is the Co-Founder of Alloy. Alloy enables consumer goods brands to scale demand and inventory visibility and turn it into action.
Spiekerman first got her start in 2008 as a paralegal at Clayman & Rosenberg. From there she went on to Kopo Kopo before eventually rising to head of business development and strategic partnerships at Knox Payments, her most recent position prior to joining Alloy. Spiekerman graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in political science.
53. Snehal Patel
MyDoc
Snehal Patel is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of MyDoc. He first joined the company in 2012. MyDoc is a patient-centric digital healthcare platform that is simplifying the business of getting well and staying well.
Previously, Patel was an SVP at Clermont Holdings, and before that was an attorney at Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Patel earned a doctorate in law from Columbia University School of Law, a doctorate in medicine from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, and an undergraduate degree in political science from Rice University.
54. Steven Wongsoredjo
Nusantara Technology
Steven Wongsoredjo is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Nusantara Technology. Nusantara Technology is a technology and media group created by Indonesians for the younger generation. Wongsoredjo has over 11 years of experience in the software industry. He began his career in 2010.
Before joining Nusantara Technology, Wongsoredjo served as president of the local Permias and UNICEF chapters in Washington DC. Wongsoredjo graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree and from Johns Hopkins University with an undergraduate degree.
55. Jordan Girard
Whiterock AI
Jordan Girard began his professional career over seven years ago. Today, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Whiterock AI. Whiterock AI uses data science to help real estate professionals make sense of the world's data.
Girard first got his start in 2014 as an investment analyst at GS Invest Group. Girard graduated from Harvard University with a Master's degree and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree.
56. Lissy Hu
CarePort
Lissy Hu is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer at CarePort, powered by WellSky. She first joined the company in 2012. CarePort is the leading care coordination network with thousands of providers connected across the U.S. The end-to-end platform bridges acute and post-acute EHR data, providing visibility into the entire patient journey for providers, physicians, payers, and ACOs.
Previously, Hu was an SVP and general manager at Allscripts. Hu earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School, a medical doctorate from Harvard Medical School, and an undergraduate degree in pre-medical studies and sociology from Columbia University in New York City.
57. Ato Kasymov
Zentist
Ato Kasymov is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Zentist. Zentist is a dental insurance billing platform that delivers improved practice financial performance and patient affordability. Kasymov has over 13 years in the healthcare industry. He began his career in 2008.
Before joining Zentist, Kasymov was a deputy CEO at National Investment Corporation, and before that the head of corporate finance at Sovereign Wealth Fund Samruk-Kazyna. Earlier in his career he worked with Renaissance Capital as an investment banking analyst.
Kasymov graduated from Columbia University’s Columbia Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Baruch College with an undergraduate degree in finance and investment.
58. Fermi Wang
Ambarella
Fermi Wang is the Chief Executive Officer of Ambarella. Ambarella is a leading developer of visual AI products. Wang first got his start in 1992 as a VP and general manager at C-Cube Microsystems. From there, he went on to become CEO at Afara Websystems, his most recent position prior to joining Ambarella. Wang graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a PhD in electrical engineering.
59. Kaushik Tiwari
Better Financial
Kaushik Tiwari is the Founder of Better Financial. He first joined the company in 2019. Better Financial offers a bank account with the world's first community safety net.
Previously, Tiwari was a founder at Truedime, and before that a co-founder at GlucoIQ. Earlier in his career he worked with Columbia University IT as a network analyst. Tiwari earned an undergraduate degree in operations research from Columbia University.
60. Heather Dahl
Indicio.tech
Heather Dahl is the Chief Executive Officer of Indicio.tech. Indicio.tech is an identity-focused, professional services firm that uses distributed ledger technology to deliver decentralized identity results across all industry verticals. Before joining Indicio.tech, Dahl was the CEO at Sovrin Foundation, and before that a principal and founder at Kometa. Earlier in her career she worked with National Media Outlets as a managing editor, senior news producer, and reporter.
Dahl graduated from Johns Hopkins University’s Carey Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree, from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism with a Master of Science degree in journalism, and from Willamette University with an undergraduate degree in political science.
61. Andrew Chen
Explo
Andrew Chen began his professional career over four years ago. Today, he is the Co-Founder of Explo. Explo allows users to create customer-facing dashboards and reports that can be embedded directly into applications.
Chen first got his start in 2017 as an analytics fellow at McKinsey & Company. Chen graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in financial engineering and economics.
62. Omar Haroun
Text IQ
Omar Haroun is the Co-Founder of Text IQ. He first joined the company in 2014. Text IQ is a B2B artificial intelligence company with a reimagined approach to managing and mitigating risks derived from unstructured data.
Previously, Haroun was a managing partner at Oxford Digital Consulting Group, and before that was CRO at Greatist (acquired by Healthline). Earlier in his career he worked with INDEGO AFRICA on the New York regional board of directors.
Haroun earned a doctorate in law from Columbia University in New York City, a Master of Business Administration from Columbia University’s Columbia Business School, and an undergraduate degree in philosophy, politics, and economics from the University of Oxford.
63. Noam Guzman
VATBOX
Noam Guzman is the Co-Founder and President of VATBOX. Guzman began his career in 1998. Before joining VATBOX, Guzman was the co-founder and CEO at Retalika, and before that was director of marketing at Comverse. Earlier in his career he worked with Motorola as a project manager.
Guzman graduated from Columbia Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev with an undergraduate degree in information system engineering.
64. Alex Li
Kubit
Alex Li began his professional career over 24 years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kubit. Kubit turns data warehouses into analytics powerhouses and makes deep data discovery and insights accessible for everyone.
Li first got his start in 1997 as a software engineer at IBM, IBC, and Liming Networks. From there, he went on to ePairs before eventually rising to CTO at Smule, his most recent position prior to joining Kubit.
Li graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree in computer science and from Shanghai Jiao Tong University with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
65. Nicolas Borensztein
CrowdAI
Nicolas Borensztein is the Founder and Chief Technology Officer of CrowdAI. He first joined the company in 2016. CrowdAI empowers organizations to create and deploy custom models for visual AI in a simple, code-free platform.
Previously, Borensztein was a VP of engineering at Adaptive Media, and before that worked as CEO at Ember. Earlier in his career he worked with AllianceBernstein as a technology associate in software development.
Borensztein earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of California, Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and an undergraduate degree in applied mathematics and computer science from Columbia University in New York City.
67. Alon Grinshpoon
echoAR
Alon Grinshpoon began his professional career over 13 years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of echoAR. Grinshpoon first got his start in 2008 as an NCO of software development and technological training at the Israeli Intelligence Service. From there, he went on to Mellanox Technologies before eventually rising to senior software engineer at Routier, his most recent position prior to joining echoAR.
Grinshpoon graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree in computer science and from Tel Aviv University with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
68. Brandon Kessler
Devpost
Brandon Kessler is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Devpost. He first joined the company in 2009. Devpost inspires software developers to build great software. They power the majority of virtual and in-person software competitions around the globe.
Previously, Kessler was the CEO and founder of Messenger Records, and before that was the owner of Messenger Entertainment. Kessler earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree from Columbia University in New York City.
69. Stanley Yuan
Otto Radio, Inc.
Stanley Yuan is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Otto Radio, Inc. Otto Radio transforms time spent on everyday tasks into opportunities to be entertained and stay informed. Yuan has over seven years in the industry. He began his career in 2014.
Before joining Otto Radio, Yuan was a TMT investment banking analyst at Goldman Sachs. Yuan graduated from Columbia University with an undergraduate degree in applied mathematics and economics.
70. Sylvia Kang
Mira
Sylvia Kang is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mira. She first joined the company in 2015. Mira is the first FDA and CE registered comprehensive women’s health monitoring platform with 99% accuracy in clinical trials. Mira tracks cycles, predicts ovulation, monitors fetal health, measures ovarian reserve, and detects menopause at home.
Previously, Kang was a product director of Gorilla Glass at Corning Incorporated, and before that was an associate research scientist at Exelixis. Kang earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Cornell’s Johnson Graduate School of Management, a Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering from Columbia University in New York City, and an undergraduate degree in bioengineering from the University of Pittsburgh.
71. John Trbovich
Arsenal Growth
John Trbovich is the Co-Founder and General Partner of Arsenal Growth. Arsenal is a private equity firm that provides growth capital for software companies. Trbovich has over 28 years in the venture capital industry. He began his career in 1993.
Before joining Arsenal, Trbovich was an investment manager at Neptune Research Inc., and before that was an investment manager at Liberty Medical. Earlier in his career he worked with Smith Barney as an investment banking analyst. Trbovich graduated from Harvard Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in industrial engineering.
72. Sasha Caskey
Kasisto, Inc.
Sasha Caskey is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Kasisto, Inc. He first joined the company in 2013 as a co-founder and VP of engineering. Kasisto was founded in 2013 with the vision of enabling companies to engage and transact with their customers through intelligent conversations anytime and anywhere.
Previously, Caskey was an engineer at IBM Research, and before that was a speech scientist at ScanSoft International. Earlier in his career he worked with the MITRE Corporation as a senior artificial intelligence engineer. Caskey earned a Master of Science degree from Columbia University in New York City and an undergraduate degree in computer science from Brandeis University.
73. Chris Danzig
Interplay
Chris Danzig is the Venture Partner of Interplay. Interplay cofounds, incubates, and invests in companies. The firm is sector-, geo-, and stage-agnostic, focusing on disrupting industries using technology and design. Interplay is located in New York City with offices across the U.S., Philippines, and South America. Danzig has over 25 years in the venture capital industry. He began his career in 1996.
Before joining Interplay Danzig was a co-founder of QLabs Venture Studio at AOL Ventures, and before that was co-founder and product lead at Indaba Music. Earlier in his career he worked with Walt Disney Imagineering as an imagineer. Danzig graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
74. Sheena Xin Liu
Medebound
Sheena Xin Liu began her professional career over six years ago. Today, she is the Founding Partner and Chief Executive Officer of Medebound. Medebound provides tele-health services intended to connect patients around the globe with top doctors in the U.S. Liu graduated from Columbia University with a PhD in biomedical informatics.
75. John Pasmore
Yestime
John Pasmore is the Managing Partner at Yestime. He first joined the company in 2016. Yestime is building software that connects online platforms to offline experiences from shopping to venues and events.
Previously, Pasmore was the CEO at Trace USA, and before that served as CEO and board member at Voyage.tv. Earlier in his career he worked with Russell Simmons Oneworld as president. Pasmore earned an undergraduate degree in computer science from Columbia University in New York City.
76. Gil Akos
Astra
Gil Akos is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Astra. Astra is a leading provider of advanced bank-to-bank transfer technology for financial institutions, fintech startups, and enterprises. Akos has over 14 years in the financial services industry. He began his career in 2007.
Before joining Astra, Akos was an executive chairman at Mode Lab, and before that a visiting assistant professor at the Pratt Institute. Earlier in his career he worked with Acconci Studio as a designer.
Akos graduated from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation with a Master of Science degree in architecture, and from the University of Kansas with a Master of Architecture and an undergraduate degree in architecture.
77. Vivian Rosenthal
Frequency Mind
Vivian Rosenthal began her professional career over 20 years ago. Today, she is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Frequency Mind. Frequency is an emotional fitness platform offering live-streamed, virtual breathwork classes.
Rosenthal first got her start in 2001 as a co-founder and partner at Tronic. From there, she went on to Snaps before eventually co-founding Lavva, her most recent position prior to joining Frequency. Rosenthal graduated from Columbia University’s School of Architecture with an undergraduate degree in architecture.
78. Jens Christensen
SweetRain
Jens Christensen is the Founder of SweetRain. He first joined the company in 2017. Previously, Christensen was the CEO and founder at Jaunt XR, and before that the CEO and founder at the Ellerdale Project. Earlier in his career he worked with PostModern Computing as the CEO and founder.
Christensen earned a PhD in computer science from Stanford University and an undergraduate degree in computer science from Columbia University in New York City.
79. Adam Selig
Audience
Adam Selig is the Chief Executive Officer of Audience. Audience helps clients turn digital marketing into lead generation solutions by focusing on the audience and taking a holistic view of the digital customer journey. Selig has over 28 years in the marketing and advertising industry. He began his career in 1993.
Before joining Audience, Selig was a managing partner and COO at Lumentus, and before that the CEO at Fresh Track Advisors. Earlier in his career he worked with Ernst & Young as an auditor. Selig graduated from Columbia University’s Columbia Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Binghamton University’s School of Management with a Master of Science degree and an undergraduate degree in accounting.
80. George Eleftheriou
Sentio Solutions Inc.
George Eleftheriou began his professional career over 11 years ago. Today, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Sentio Solutions Inc. Sentio is a San Francisco-based startup, developing digital biomarkers and therapeutics to change the way mental health is diagnosed, managed, and cared for.
Eleftheriou first got his start in 2010 as a project engineer at INNOVA S.A. From there he went on to McKinsey & Company before eventually rising to senior consultant in analytics at Cisco Consulting Services, his most recent position prior to joining Sentio Solutions.
Eleftheriou graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master's degree in management science and engineering and from the National Technical University of Athens with an Master of Business Administration degree and undergraduate degrees in electrical and computer engineering.
81. Tom Caulfield
Globalfoundries
Tom Caulfield is the Chief Executive Officer of Globalfoundries. He first joined the company in 2014 as an SVP and site GM. Globalfoundries is an American full-service semiconductor foundry that manufactures integrated circuits in high volume.
Previously, Caulfield was the president and COO at Soraa, and before that the president and COO at Ausra. Earlier in his career he worked with IBM as the VP of 300mm semiconductor operations. Caulfield earned a Doctor of Engineering Science, Master of Science, and undergraduate degrees in materials science and engineering from Columbia University.
82. Alan Meckler
Jupitermedia
Alan Meckler is the Chief Executive Officer of Jupitermedia. Jupitermedia produces tradeshows including Inside 3D Printing, RoboUniverse, and Virtual Reality Summit. Meckler has over 50 years in the media production industry. He began his career in 1971.
Before joining Jupitermedia, Meckler was the CEO of Mecklermedia. Meckler graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a PhD and an undergraduate degree in American history.
83. Stella Sarraf
Amydis, Inc.
Stella Sarraf is the Chief Executive Officer, Founder, and Director of Amydis, Inc. She first joined the company in 2013. Amydis is a privately held pharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative chemistry to detect diseases that involve the presence of amyloid proteins.
Previously, Sarraf was a senior research chemist at Merck. Sarraf earned a PhD in organic chemistry from Columbia University in New York City and an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from the University of California, Berkeley.
84. Linh Le
Flextrapower
Linh Le is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Flextrapower. Flextrapower is a technology company that ensures people stay healthy and puts the power back into their hands (and feet). Le has over six years in the biotechnology industry. He began his career in 2015.
Le graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a PhD in chemical engineering and material sciences, from Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science with a Master of Science degree in chemical engineering, and from Vietnam National University, Hanoi with an undergraduate degree in analytical engineering.
85. Kingsley Chin
KICVentures Group
Kingsley Chin began his professional career over 32 years ago. Today, he is the Founder, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer at KICVentures Group. KICVentures Group is a global corporation dedicated to providing a vertically integrated platform of leading differentiated technologies to improve healthcare.
Chin first got his start in 1989 as an experienced management consultant at Accenture. From there, he went on to MANTIS before eventually rising to co-founder and CEO at SenseDriver Technologies, his most recent position prior to joining KICVentures Group. Chin graduated from Harvard Medical School with a medical doctorate and from Columbia Engineering with an undergraduate degree in electrical, electronics, and communications engineering.
86. Michelle Zhou
Juji
Michelle Zhou is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Juji. She first joined the company in 2017. Juji specializes in powering cognitive AI assistants in the form of chatbots. Juji AI assistants can engage users in one-on-one, deeply personalized, natural language conversations and accomplish diverse tasks.
Previously, Zhou was the co-founder and CEO at Juj.io, and before that was a senior manager at IBM Watson Group. Zhou earned a PhD in computer science from Columbia University in New York City.
87. Amy Wang
Cogniac Corporation
Amy Wang is the Co-Founder and Vice President of Systems at Cogniac Corporation. Cogniac is building a one-of-a-kind human-centric computer vision platform and operating it as a cloud-scale service for every business that wants to optimize the state of their physical world. Wang has over 23 years in the software industry. She began her career in 1998.
Before joining Cogniac Corporation, Wang was senior manager of the AP software team, wireless system performance lead, and principal system engineer at Ruckus Wireless, and before that was VP of technology at Mela Networks. Earlier in her career she worked with Symbol Technologies as a principal system engineer. Wang graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a PhD in electrical engineering and from Tsinghua University with an undergraduate degree in automation.
88. Peter Schwartz
PromoteIQ
Peter Schwartz began his professional career over 16 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of PromoteIQ. PromoteIQ automates vendor marketing for e-commerce.
Schwartz first got his start in 2005 as a project engineer and assistant project manager in construction field operations at Bovis Lend Lease. From there, he went on to director of technical client solutions at MediaMath, his most recent position prior to joining PromoteIQ. Schwartz graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in civil engineering.
89. Oren Fuerst
Fuerstech
Oren Fuerst is the Managing Director of Fuerstech. He first joined the company in 1999. Fuerst Technology Innovations creates and nurtures technologies and provides strategic advisory in a broad range of areas, including healthcare, fintech, agtech, and e-commerce.
Previously, Fuerst was the CEO, chairman, and co-founder at DarioHealth Corp., and before that a co-founder and chairman at PrePex. Earlier in his career he worked with KPMG in the capital markets department. Fuerst earned a PhD from Columbia Business School and an undergraduate degree in economics and accounting from Tel Aviv University.
90. Alex Sherman
PromoteIQ
Alex Sherman is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of PromoteIQ. PromoteIQ automates vendor marketing for e-commerce. Sherman has over 12 years in the e-commerce industry. He began his career in 2009.
Before joining PromoteIQ, Sherman was a product manager at MediaMath. Sherman graduated from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in history.
91. Derrik Deyhimi
Iconixx Software
Derrik Deyhimi began his professional career over 30 years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Iconixx Software. Iconixx Sales Performance Management automates incentive compensation, delivers accuracy and transparency, builds trust, and drives sales performance—while presenting a bright, visible picture of the future for every company and every person who is part of driving sales.
Deyhimi first got his start in 1991 as a senior analyst at Compaq Computer Corporation. From there, he went on to BSG Alliance before eventually rising to VP at Moxie Software, his most recent position prior to joining Iconixx Software.
Deyhimi graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Science degree in computer science, the University of Houston’s C.T. Bauer College of Business with a Master of Business Administration and MIS in management, and the University of Texas at Austin with an undergraduate degree in mathematics and philosophy.
92. Taariq Lewis
UniFi DAO
Taariq Lewis is the Co-Founder of UniFi DAO. He first joined the company in 2020. UniFi DAO features demos of startup projects and opportunities for investors to freely invest.
Previously, Lewis was the CEO and co-founder at Promise Software, and before that the CEO and founder at Aquila Services. Earlier in his career he worked with Compete Inc. as a sales director of wireless.
Lewis earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan School of Management and an undergraduate degree in economics and philosophy from Columbia University.
93. Jacob Navok
Genvid Technologies, Inc.
Jacob Navok is the Chief Executive Officer of Genvid Technologies, Inc. Genvid Technologies develops software tools for eSports interactive streaming. Navok has over 16 years in the software industry. He began his career in 2005.
Before joining Genvid Technologies, Navok was an SVP at Shinra Technologies, and before that was director of business development and CEO at Square Enix Holdings. Earlier in his career he worked with AJ Advisers as an associate.
Navok graduated from Columbia Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree, from Columbia University in New York City with a Master of Arts degree in Japanese history, and from Fairfield University with an undergraduate degree in history.
94. Alberto Lopez Toledo
Freshly
Alberto Lopez Toledo began his professional career over 14 years ago. Today, he is the Chief Technology Officer and technical Co-Founder of Freshly. Freshly simplifies the path to healthy eating by delivering high-quality, professionally prepared, and affordable gourmet meals straight to customers’ doorsteps.
Toledo first got his start in 2007 as a research scientist at Telefonica R&D. Toledo graduated from Columbia University in New York City with a PhD and Master of Science degree in electrical engineering.
95. J. Scott Zimmerman
Xola.com
J. Scott Zimmerman is the Chief Executive Officer of Xola.com. He first joined the company in 2011. Xola.com is a booking and marketing platform that powers businesses offering lifestyle experiences. Their software manages back-office and online reservations, payment processing, calendaring, inventory and guide management, and customer relationship management.
Previously, Zimmerman was a senior financial analyst at the Related Companies. Zimmerman earned his medical doctorate from Brown Medical School and an undergraduate degree in economics from Columbia University in New York City.
96. Charlie Yi
Zipster, Inc.
Charlie Yi is the Chief Executive Officer of Zipster Inc. Zipster develops and operates an online food delivery platform. The company provides curated foods prepared by top chefs through its web-based platform. Yi has over 31 years in the industry. He began his career in 1990.
Before joining Zipster, Yi was a managing director at Cedrus Investments, and before that was Chief Strategy Officer at Dubai Holdings. Earlier in his career he worked with J.P. Morgan as an analyst. Yi graduated from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.
97. Andrew Cohen
Brainscape
Andrew Cohen began his professional career over 15 years ago. Today, he is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Brainscape. Brainscape is a web and mobile education platform that uses cognitive science to help people learn things faster.
Cohen first got his start in 2006 as an economic development specialist at the World Bank. From there, he went on to work with the United Nations before eventually rising to e-learning and management consultant at Satori Consulting, his most recent position prior to joining Brainscape. Cohen graduated from Columbia University with a Master’s degree in education and from the University of Georgia with an undergraduate degree in economics and finance.
98. Jeff Gale
Accelerated Partners
Jeff Gale is a Partner with Accelerated Partners. He first joined the company in 2021. Accelerated Partners is a direct investment firm located in Birmingham, Alabama and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Their core focus is identifying, partnering with, and accelerating privately held companies that show unique capability for growth.
Previously, Gale was an entrepreneur in residence at Techstars, and before that was CEO at TicketBiscuit. Earlier in his career he worked with AmSouth Bank as an application architect. Gale earned an undergraduate degree in drama and theatre arts from Columbia University in New York City.
99. Stephen Blose
FI Consulting
Stephen Blose is the Managing Consultant of FI Consulting. FI Consulting is a management consulting firm based in Virginia. Blose has over 22 years in the consulting industry. He began his career in 1999. Before joining FI Consulting, Blose was an analyst at Equity Research, and before that was the co-founder and CEO at Signal Data Corporation. Earlier in his career he worked with Terrapin Partners as an analyst.
Blose graduated from Johns Hopkins’ Whiting School of Engineering with a Master of Science degree in financial mathematics and Master of Science degree in data science and from Columbia University in New York City with an undergraduate degree in economics.
100. Steven Gilman
Acies
Steven Gilman began his professional career over 13 years ago. Today, he is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Acies. Acies allows companies to efficiently invest in their people by automating the management of learning and development budgets.
Gilman first got his start in 2008 as a mechanical engineer at Johnson & Johnson. From there he went on to IBM before eventually rising to COO at Life Style Plan, his most recent position prior to joining Acies. Gilman graduated from Columbia University’s Columbia Business School with a Master of Business Administration degree and from Yale University with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering.