Founder Spotlight

Benji Shomair is an entrepreneurial operator and investor who spent over a decade at Facebook (now Meta), where he built and scaled multiple billion-dollar global businesses across ads, messaging, and commerce. Most recently, he served as VP of Commerce Business at Meta, leading the commerce experiences team and shaping how billions of users engage with shopping on Facebook and Instagram.Benji has had a front-row seat to the evolution of digital platforms— scaling Facebook's ads business globally, turning messaging into a powerful sales engine, and helping brands adapt to a content-driven commerce world. Benji has been a 3i Member since 2024.In this episode, hear about:• How “following the customer” helped inform the development of new products and business at Facebook (now Meta) • How messaging became the go-to sales channel for SMBs globally• Why content is the new storefront—and what brands must do to stay relevant

What do BlackBerry, Swiffer, Impossible Burger, Sonos, and Febreze have in common? They were all named by one man—David Placek, founder of Lexicon Branding, the agency behind more than 100 iconic brand names. Fast Company calls Lexicon “the most envied branding agency in the world.”A 3i Member since 2024, David has spent decades naming companies—from Silicon Valley startups to global giants like Apple and Coca-Cola—craft the language that defines their brands. He also lectures on creativity at Stanford GSB and UC Berkeley Haas, advises startups, and runs River Lane Vineyard in Sonoma.In this episode, David sits down with Mark Gerson to reveal the surprising stories behind some of the world's most recognizable names—and why the best ideas often come from unexpected places. He explains:• How Lexicon's three-team system helps spark creativity through controlled chaos• The strategy behind names like Impossible, PowerBook, and Dasani• Why the sound of a name matters just as much as its meaning• How risk, discomfort, and even polarization signal a name that has real power• What entrepreneurs often get wrong when naming their company or product

A 3i Member since 2024, Ankur Bansal is the President of HomeLight Inc. He brings over a decade of experience as a founder, operator, and investor in the technology space. Ankur began his career in private equity before launching SnapSaves, a receipt-scanning cashback app that was acquired by Groupon in just 11 months. He later served as a founding executive at SnapTravel (now Super.com), where he helped scale the business from inception to over $175 million in revenue in just two years.In this episode, Ankur talks about: • Lessons from building and exiting SnapSaves in under 12 months • Opportunities and emerging trends in proptech—and where the space is heading • How AI is already reshaping mortgage operations and real estate workflows • Why product-market fit is a spectrum—and how entrepreneurs should think about raising capital

A 3i Member since 2022, Adam H. Schwartz is a Partner and Portfolio Manager at First Manhattan, where he has worked since 2001. Adam played a pivotal role in launching the FM First China Funds in 2009—First Manhattan's China-focused investment vehicles—and regularly travels to China to collaborate on research, portfolio management, and due diligence. He holds a BA in Economics and International Relations from Brown University and an MBA from Columbia University Graduate School of Business. First Manhattan has a deep-rooted legacy of partnership and investment alignment with Warren Buffett. Throughout his 25 years at First Manhattan, Adam has embraced and carried forward this tradition, fostering lasting relationships with Berkshire Hathaway and securing exclusive access to the Annual Shareholder Meeting on behalf of 3i members for the third consecutive year. In this episode, Adam shares:• Effective strategies for investing in China• Importance of management incentives and compensation• Long-term discipline in navigating technological disruption

Craig Weiss is a leading Entrepreneur, Investor, and an Author. Currently, he is the Managing Partner of Flagstaff Ventures, where he brings entrepreneur-focused perspective to the venture capital field as one of the few institutional investors to have both built a unicorn as a CEO and also identified and invested in an early-stage startup that has achieved unicorn status. Craig has been a 3i Member since 2023.In this episode, Craig discusses his experience writing two books on Israel's War of Independence, coining the concept of a "karmapreneur," and finding deep community value in Зі. He reveals how spiritual and commercial aims merge to create both financial and societal impact.Listen to the podcast to learn more about:Lessons from Authorship: Through archival research, interviews, and declassified military documents, Craig uncovered overlooked historical narratives-an approach he sees as mirroring the diligence required in startup investing.Pivoting from Patent Attorney to CEO: How a background in patent law primed Craig for evaluating inventions and led to growing a vaping-tech startup that helped bring about a near smoke-free generation.Integrating Business & Spirituality: Craig reflects on seeing seemingly different domains—venture investing, intellectual life, and moral purpose—as fundamentally connected, guiding his vision for future “karmapreneurs.”Craig's Books:I Am My Brother's Keeper: American Volunteers in Israel's War for Independence 1947-1949Fighting Back: Stan Andrews and the Birth of the Israeli Air ForceDocumentary:Above and Beyond (2014 documentary featuring Craig Weiss)Craig's Professional Links:Flagstaff Ventures (Craig Weiss's Venture Firm)Craig Weiss LinkedInAdditional References from Conversation:Reason.com article covering Sen. Rockefeller's vaping remarksCast a Giant Shadow (1966 film about Mickey Marcus, mentioned in episode)3i Members Links:3i Members Official Website3i Members LinkedIn

Zoë, formerly the Senior Vice President of AI at Citi, is a distinguished leader in the AI field with over 12 years of experience. At Citi, she spearheaded the adoption of agentic AI across the firm, enhancing various business processes. Prior to this, as a Staff Applied Scientist at Etsy, she led initiatives in personalized search and discovery. A graduate of NYU with a deep background in AI, Zoë holds three patents in large language models and is an active angel investor in AI-first startups such as Tough Day, Starcycle, and Eden Labs. She is now the co-founder and CEO of Sequen AI, where she patented the first-of-their-kind scalable specialized agents that autonomously seek to maximize conversion rates. She has been a 3i member since 2024.In This Episode, Hear About:Sector Impact: Discover how AI is transforming sectors like banking, healthcare, and retail, setting the stage for future innovations and investment opportunities.Bridging the AI Ecosystem: Zoë shares insights from her experiences on how AI strategies vary between corporate giants and nimble startups across various fields.Emerging AI Trends: Zoë highlights the latest advancements in AI, including generative models, Deepseek, and agentic technologies, and their profound effects on the market.Learn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.

Peter Boockvar is the Chief Investment Officer at The Bleakley Group and publisher of The Boock Report. He is a trusted voice in financial media, regularly contributing to CNBC. Prior to joining Bleakley, Peter was the Chief Market Analyst at The Lindsey Group, a macroeconomic and market research firm founded by former Federal Reserve Governor Larry Lindsey. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Macro Analyst and Portfolio Manager at Omega Advisors and served as an Equity Strategist and Portfolio Manager at Miller Tabak + Company. Peter has been a 3i Member since 2023. In This Episode, Hear About:2025 Market Predictions: Positioning portfolios for shifting economic cyclesGlobal Opportunities: Leveraging Asia's growing middle class and regional momentumThe Role of Crypto: Evaluating digital assets as a hedge and growth opportunity in volatile marketsLearn more about 3i Members at 3imembers.com and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. 

Mawi Asgedom is a world-renowned speaker, bestselling author, and entrepreneur. After fleeing Ethiopia as a child and spending years in a refugee camp, Mawi overcame incredible challenges to graduate from Harvard University, where he delivered a commencement address to 30,000 people.Driven by his passion for social-emotional learning (SEL), Mawi founded Mawi Learning in 1999, transforming education for millions and earning prestigious awards before its acquisition by ACT in 2019. In 2023, he launched Inner Heroes Universe, a groundbreaking platform empowering kids with mental health and SEL skills through innovative tools for parents and educators.In this episode, you'll discover:How Mawi's journey from refugee to Harvard graduate shaped his resilience and entrepreneurial visionLessons on grit, goal-setting, and overcoming imposter syndromeThe impact of Inner Heroes Universe on education and youth developmentLearn more about 3i Members at 3imembers.com and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. You can learn more about Mawi at Mawi.com and InnerHeroesUniverse.com.

Ed Newman is a Managing Director and Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG), where he leads the firm's Corporate Strategy business in North America and the private equity and M&A team in the Midwest. With over a decade of experience, Ed specializes in corporate strategy, portfolio management, and shareholder value creation. He has co-authored influential reports, including “Ten Lessons from 20 Years of Value Creation Insights” and “Four Ways PE Can Accelerate Returns in Automotive.”Listen to the episode to hear:• Insights into effective corporate strategy and value creation• Common pitfalls in corporate management and how to avoid them• Advice for young professionals entering corporate America or consultingLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.

3i Member Ted Seides, CFA, is the Founder of Capital Allocators LLC, an ecosystem that encompasses podcasts, gatherings, and advisory services for managers and allocators. In this special edition podcast episode, we spotlight him on the launch of his new book, Private Equity Deals.In Private Equity Deals, Ted provides insights into the conversations that typically happen behind the closed doors of institutional investors and private equity managers. Through a series of case studies across different types of private equity transactions, the book reveals the dynamics of deal-making, companies, and ownership structures that make private equity a powerful force in the financial world.In this special edition Member Spotlight episode, Ted joined 3i Members Chair Mark Gerson for an insightful discussion on key takeaways from the book, followed by an interactive Q&A session.Listen to the episode to hear:- Insider conversations between investors and private equity managers revealed in Private Equity Deals- How smaller private equity funds can outperform mega funds, depending on deal size and strategy- The rise of retail private equity investing: liquidity challenges and new opportunitiesLearn more about 3i Members at our website and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.Purchase Private Equity Deals here: https://amzn.to/3XMPIHv

Dave Balter is a serial entrepreneur with a distinguished track record of impacting various industries. He founded BzzAgent, which was acquired by Dunnhumby, and Smarterer, which was acquired by Pluralsight. His current venture, Flipside Crypto, leads the way in providing indexes and investment vehicles for cryptocurrencies.Dave's career includes executive roles at prominent global organizations and venture investments as a partner at Boston Seed. In 2024, he was honored as one of The Boston Globe's Top 50 Tech Power Players. He is also the author of several influential books, including The Humility Imperative. Dave has been an engaged 3i Member since 2023. Listen to the episode to hear: * Revolutionizing industries with data: Insights from his work with BzzAgent and Flipside Crypto * Leadership and innovation: Key lessons from his book The Humility Imperative  * The future of blockchain and cryptocurrency: Dave's Predictions and strategic outlookLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. 

In this episode of our Member Spotlight podcast, Mark Gerson interviews Jon Weber, founder of Jon F Weber & Co., LLC, exploring the intricacies of corporate boards and the role of board members. Jon, a seasoned Board Member, Advisor, and Executive with over 20 years of experience, shares his insights from working with top institutional investors like Goldman Sachs, Icahn Enterprises, and Elliott Investment Management. With leadership roles including President of Icahn Enterprises (NYSE: IEP) and CEO of Philip Services, WestPoint Home, and Viskase, Jon brings a wealth of experience to the conversation. He also discusses his recent venture, Jon F Weber & Co., LLC, which assists creditors in value creation during post-restructuring.Tune in to learn about:The key differences between public, private equity, and post-reorganization boards.What to expect when serving on different types of boards and how to get involved as a board member.How aligning board roles with specific challenges can transform corporate governance and drive success.Learn more about  3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.Further reading:7 Deadly Sins of Post-Reorg BoardsGoverning the Post Restructured CompanyPicking Impactful Board Members

Igor is the CEO of Market Prophit and the Co-Founder and CEO of RWA.Holdings, a next-gen exchange for cryptocurrencies and all global tokenized Real World Assets (RWA). He has been an investor and trader of cryptocurrencies since 2016, specializing in Bitcoin mining, blockchain and Web 3.0 companies, disruptive energy technology, AI, machine learning, and fintech.Igor spent his career on Wall Street in commodities markets, most recently serving as the Global Head of Commodities Risk Management at BlackRock Alternative Investors. He began his Wall Street career at Goldman Sachs and Barclays. Igor has been a member of 3i Members since 2022.Listen to the episode to hear: - Chainlink: Chainlink is the most important blockchain powering all of Web 3 and all Real World Assets (RWA) - Tokenization of Real World Assets (RWA): The most important trend in the financialization of everything. - Cryptocurrency Markets and Global Macro Events: How global economic events will affect cryptocurrency markets.Learn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.

Kristine Thompson is a CEO, investor, entrepreneur, and board director from Trinidad & Tobago. She has held regional CEO positions for various companies in the Caribbean, including a regional snack manufacturer, a private equity energy fund and Canadian-based golf brand Cabot's world class golf course and luxury real estate development on the island of Saint Lucia. In 2012, she co-founded Yay! Entertainment. More recently, she co-founded and serves as Managing Partner of Rise Guyana, a real estate fund she started with two other members of the 3i network. Kristine holds degrees from Queen's University and Harvard Business School and has been a 3i member since 2023.Listen to the episode to hear:- Launching international franchises & funds in the Caribbean- The importance of developing and nurturing a network- Development opportunities in underappreciated marketsLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Samy Bahra is the Co-Founder and Former CTO of Backtrace I/O, a turn-key debugging platform that stabilized large-scale companies' software with clients including Amazon, Cisco, Verizon, and more. Backtrace was purchased by Sauce Labs in 2021. Samy is also the founder of the Concurrency Kit project, which several leading technology companies rely on for scalability and performance. Additionally, he is an avid investor in venture opportunities and is currently launching his new company, which is in stealth mode. Samy has been a 3i Member since 2022. Listen to the episode to hear:Influence of engineering experience on entrepreneurshipTailored lessons and advice for technical foundersInsights into investment philosophy and actionable venture tipsLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Mitch Julis, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman of Canyon Partners, leads one of the world's largest and most successful multi-strategy hedge funds. Established in 1990, Canyon Partners specializes in value-oriented and event-driven investments. Before establishing Canyon, Julis held positions as a portfolio director and practiced bankruptcy and creditors' rights law. His scholarly work on bankruptcy and distressed credit investing has been widely published in law journals and other periodicals. Mr. Julis was honored with Institutional Investor's Lifetime Achievement Award in 2014. He holds degrees from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs, Harvard Law School, and Harvard Business School. Mitch has been a member of 3i since 2022.Listen to hear:* Mitch's upbringing and academic philosophy, pivotal lessons from Princeton, Harvard Business & Law School* Founding & success of Canyon Partners, the importance of a compatible co-founder & partner* Predictions and opportunities in private creditLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Alicia Levine is the Head of Investment Strategy and Equity Advisory Solutions at BNY Mellon Wealth Management. She is a prominent market commentator, frequently appearing on CNBC and Bloomberg News. Additionally, she is a member of the Investment Committee for the National Academy of Design. Alicia earned a Bachelor of Arts from Brown University and a Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Chicago. She was awarded a pre-doctoral fellowship from Stanford University, a post-doctoral fellowship from Harvard University, and a research fellowship from the Hoover Institution. Alicia has been a 3i Member since 2022. Listen to the episode to hear:- Strategies for market analysis and predictions- Impact of continuous learning- Power of community and networkingLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Craig Weiss is a leading Entrepreneur and Investor, esteemed by both Goldman Sachs as a top 100 innovator and acknowledged by Forbes as a Disruptor. He is currently the Managing Partner of Flagstaff Ventures, where he brings entrepreneur-focused perspective to the venture capital field as one of the few institutional investors to have both built a unicorn as a CEO and also identified and invested in an early-stage startup that has achieved unicorn status. Craig has been a 3i Member since 2023. Listen to the episode to hear:- His entrepreneurial journey from patent attorney to CEO of unicorn NJOY, Inc.- Strategy & opportunity in early-stage investment, particularly in consumer products- The concept & philosophy of “karmapreneur"Learn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Billy Libby is the Co-Founder & CEO of Upper90, a leading private credit firm that provides senior secured asset-backed facilities to technology companies with positive unit economics and collateral. Additionally, he is a Co-Founder and Board Member of 3iMembers. Before starting these new ventures, he served as the Head of Quant Execution and Market Making Sales at Goldman Sachs and as Managing Director at Knight Capital. He Co-Founded 3i Members in 2021 with Mark Gerson and Teddy Gold.Listen to the episode to hear:Billy's journey from Wharton to Goldman Sachs to creating a startup-focused financial firm.The strategy behind Upper90's unique investing philosophy for early-stage companies.His perspective on the future of venture capital and community-driven investment model.Learn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Alfred Johnson is an entrepreneur and investor operating at the intersection of climate tech and financial services. In 2023, he co-founded Crux, the ecosystem for developers, tax credit buyers, and financial institutions to transact & manage transferable tax credits, where he is the current CEO. Prior to Crux, Alfred was Deputy Chief of Staff of the US Treasury and Co-Founder of Mobilize, a marketplace software platform acquired in 2020. Before that, he was the Head of Sales & People at Clara Lending and Vice President of BlackRock's Financial Markets Advisory Group. From 2009-2012, Alfred served in the Obama Administration as Special Assistant to the White House Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor for Financial Markets at the US Treasury. Alfred has been a 3i Member since 2021.  Listen to the episode to hear:-Career journey from Stanford to the Treasury Department-Tactical tips for entrepreneurs-Latest venture, Crux, focusing on a marketplace for transferable tax credits under theclimate billLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Ted Seides, CFA is the Founder of Capital Allocators LLC, an ecosystem that includes podcasts, gatherings, and advisory to managers and allocators. The show reached 17 million downloads in September 2023 and has been recognized as the top institutional investing podcast.Ted previously worked under David Swensen at the Yale Investments Office, served as Co-CIO of Protégé Partners, made a famous bet with Warren Buffett, and authored two investment books. Ted graduated Cum Laude from Yale University and received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He has been a 3i Member since 2023.Listen to the episode to hear:Lessons learned from institutional investing to founding Capital AllocatorsTed's long-term bet with Warren BuffetLeading advice from the top money managers and allocators of capital Learn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

David Lyon is the Co-Founder and CEO of Sound Advice, a subscription-based mobile app designed for the next generation of wealth-builders. Previously, David Co-Founded and was CEO of Oranj, a cloud-native technology platform providing digital collaboration tools to financial advisors and their clients, which was acquired by SEI in 2021. David has been a 3i member since 2022.Listen to the episode to hear:The journey of transitioning from the entertainment industry to the startup world.The process and challenges of digitalizing an antiquated industry.Experiences, setbacks, and advice related to app development.Learn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Jessica Beck is the Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer of Alfred, a leading technology-first residential property management platform in North America, currently managing $7.5B of institutional real estate. Jessica holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Economics from Williams College. Jessica has been a 3i member since 2022.Listen to the episode to hear:Experience & lessons learned at Harvard Business SchoolNavigating startup funding during unprecedented timesBusiness strategy & expansion of AlfredLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Fabrice Grinda is a leading internet entrepreneur and investor with over 300 exits on 1100 angel investments. He was named the “#1 Angel Investor in the World” by Forbes. Fabrice has served as CEO for three multinational companies and has an impressive track record as an early investor in Alibaba, Coupang, Airbnb, Instacart, Flexport, Delivery Hero, and many more. Fabrice is currently a Founding Partner at venture fund FJ Labs. Fabrice has been a 3i Member since 2021. Listen to the episode to hear:- Angel investment philosophy- Tactical tips for entrepreneurs- Predictions & opportunities in cryptocurrencyLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Greg Waldorf is an entrepreneur, investor, and CEO. He is currently a Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Business and is the former CEO of Invoice2go and eHarmony. He also serves as a Senior Advisor at Sixth Street Partners and Concrete Rose Capital. He has been a 3i member since 2022.Listen to the episode to hear:- Lessons learned as CEO of eHarmony & Invoice2go- Essential components of successful entrepreneurship- Investment approach & strategies Learn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to the Rosen Report here.

Mark Gerson is an investor, businessman, and philanthropist. He Co-Founded Gerson Lehrman Group (GLG), and most recently, 3i Members. Mark is also the Co-Founder and Chairman of United Hatzalah, a network of volunteer medics in Israel, and the African Mission Healthcare Foundation. Listen to the episode to hear:- 3i deal process- Mark's philanthropic philosophy- Characteristics of entrepreneurial successLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates. Subscribe to The Rosen Report here.

The first episode of the “Founder Spotlight” is with 3i Members CEO/Co-Founder Teddy Gold.A Middlebury College graduate with a degree in Political Science, Teddy's experience spans Investment Banking, Private Equity, Venture Capital, and Startups.After meeting Mark Gerson (GLG) and Billy Libby (Goldman Sachs, Upper90) in 2021, Teddy launched 3i Members, which has become a global network of over 375 founders, fund managers, and family offices that facilitates over $25m per month in private investments and convenes top minds in real estate, finance and technology across the world.The Founder Spotlight Series is moderated and co-produced by Eric Rosen (The Rosen Report). Listen to the episode to hear:- The founding story of 3i Members  - The power of mentorship  - Lessons and successes of building a network  - Future guests on the podLearn more about 3i Members and follow us on LinkedIn for updates.