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Elie Wurtman is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of PICO Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Jerusalem, Israel. Before launching PICO, he served as a General Partner at Benchmark Capital Israel from 2006 to 2012 and was the CEO of JVP Studio. As a serial entrepreneur, Wurtman has co-founded multiple technology companies and led three to initial public offerings, including the early VoIP pioneer Deltathree in 1999 and the online car retailer Vroom in June 2020. Through PICO Venture Partners, which closed an $80 million second fund in 2020, he has backed numerous startups such as Spot.io, which was acquired by NetApp for $450 million. Holding degrees from Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary, his current focus centers on early-stage enterprise software investments and advancing social impact initiatives like the PICO Kids educational program.
Elie Wurtman stands as a prominent figure in the Israeli venture capital landscape, serving as the Managing Partner at PICO Venture Partners. Based in Jerusalem, PICO Venture Partners is an early-stage venture capital firm dedicated to identifying and nurturing the next generation of Israeli technology leaders. As a co-founder of the firm, Elie Wurtman brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial grit and strategic investment acumen to his role, making him a valuable partner for founders navigating the complex journey of building a successful company.
At PICO Venture Partners, Elie Wurtman's investment focus is sharply defined, targeting high-growth sectors critical to the global digital economy. He actively seeks out innovative companies specializing in B2B SaaS, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fintech, and digital health. His keen eye for disruptive technologies and scalable business models has led to investments in companies poised for significant impact. Wurtman is particularly passionate about supporting founders who are building robust enterprise software solutions, leveraging his deep understanding of operational challenges and market opportunities.
Elie Wurtman's career background is distinguished by a series of successful entrepreneurial ventures prior to his transition into venture capital. He is a serial entrepreneur who founded and led several companies, including Jerusalem Online, which was later acquired, and Venture Medical, which was acquired by Medtronic. His experience as a founder provides him with invaluable empathy and insight into the challenges faced by startups, allowing him to offer practical, hands-on guidance. This operational expertise is a cornerstone of his investment philosophy, enabling him to help portfolio companies refine their product-market fit, scale their operations, and expand into international markets.
Among PICO Venture Partners' notable investments under Elie Wurtman's leadership are companies like Lightricks, a creative tools powerhouse that achieved unicorn status, and Autofleet, a leading platform for fleet management optimization. Other significant portfolio companies include Sayata, an insurance marketplace, and Aquant, which leverages AI for service intelligence. Through these investments, Elie Wurtman consistently demonstrates his commitment to fostering innovation within the Israeli tech ecosystem, helping local startups achieve global recognition and success. His strategic vision and unwavering support for founders underscore his reputation as a leading investor dedicated to building enduring value.
Elie Wurtman is the Managing Partner and co-founder of PICO Venture Partners, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Jerusalem. He is a seasoned investor and serial entrepreneur known for his expertise in Israeli technology and his focus on sectors like SaaS, AI, and cybersecurity.
Elie Wurtman primarily invests in early-stage Israeli technology companies through PICO Venture Partners. His investment focus areas include B2B SaaS, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, fintech, digital health, and enterprise software solutions.
Elie Wurtman works as the Managing Partner at PICO Venture Partners. The firm is headquartered in Jerusalem, Israel, and focuses on investing in Israeli tech startups.
