Early Life
Oren Zeev was born in Haifa, Israel, on September 23, 1964. He grew up in a supportive environment that fostered his interest in technology and innovation. Zeev's educational foundation was built at Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, where he earned a BSc cum laude in Electrical Engineering. He furthered his studies with an MBA from INSEAD in France, where he graduated with distinction. Before his career in venture capital, Zeev developed and implemented image and signal processing algorithms.
Rise to Success
Zeev began his investment career at Apex Partners in the 1990s. In 2002, he moved to Palo Alto, California, and later founded Zeev Ventures in 2007. This one-man venture capital firm has allowed him to focus on early-stage investments in technology companies, often becoming the main early investor and actively involved as a board member. Zeev's unique approach, working independently without partners or a large team, has contributed to his success and distinctive investment style.
Key Business Strategies
Zeev's investment strategy is characterized by his focus on building relationships with founders and supporting them through the early stages. He typically invests in only one or two new companies per year, with a preference for founders he connects with on a personal level. His portfolio includes successful investments in companies like Houzz, Chegg, TripActions (now Navan), and Tipalti. Zeev's method emphasizes a long-term perspective, usually maintaining his holdings throughout subsequent funding rounds. His strategy includes a keen eye for the entrepreneur and the technology, and often, love at first sight.
Philanthropy
Oren Zeev is known for his philanthropic endeavors. He is co-founder and co-chairman of ICON, a non-profit organization that connects Israeli and Silicon Valley technology and business. He also actively supports various causes, including education, healthcare, and technology initiatives, making significant contributions to these areas.