Venn Honored by Goldman Sachs for Entrepreneurship
Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) is recognizing Venn CEO Or Bokobza as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs of 2019 at its Builders + Innovators Summit in Santa Barbara, California.
Goldman Sachs selected Or Bokobza as one of 100 entrepreneurs from multiple industries to be honored at the three-day event. Raised on a cooperative in Israel, Mr. Bokobza learned the importance of innovation, participation, and community at an early age and has dedicated his career to integrating these values into the real estate industry. In 2016, he pushed forward on a new model of ‘urban neighboring’ by co-founding Venn, which transforms developing urban areas into thriving communities by managing quality homes and shared spaces, supporting local businesses, and encouraging residents to create local events through a digital platform and app.
With his co-founders, David Sherez and Chen Avni, Mr. Bokobza led Venn’s expansion into three top real estate markets (New York, Berlin, and Tel Aviv) while pioneering the company’s innovative “double bottom line,” which produces both financial and social return on investment (SROI). Venn has raised $40 million to date and publishes their social impact in semi-annual reports.
“Urban living needs more heart. People need more opportunities to meet their neighbors and participate in their neighborhood. We think technology can power not just a smart city but also a warmer community,” said Mr. Bokobza, CEO and Co-founder of Venn. “We are honored to be recognized by Goldman Sachs for our vision of combining real estate, social impact, and technology to create a more meaningful approach to urban neighboring.”
“True innovation is built from a diversity of perspectives and experiences,” said David M. Solomon, Chief Executive Officer of Goldman Sachs. “Our Builders + Innovators Summit brings together a collective of impressive future leaders who are striving to drive meaningful change. For 150 years, Goldman Sachs has supported entrepreneurs as they launch and grow their businesses. That’s why we are pleased to recognize Or Bokobza as one of the most intriguing entrepreneurs of 2019.”
In addition to honoring 100 entrepreneurs, the summit consists of general sessions and clinics led by seasoned entrepreneurs, academics and business leaders, as well as resident scholars.
