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George Bousis is the Founder and Executive Chairman of Raise and the Founder and CEO of Studio, based in Chicago, Illinois. Since launching Raise in 2013, he has scaled the digital gift card marketplace to process over $5 billion in sales, generating $250 million in customer savings while securing more than $225 million in venture funding from firms like Accel, Bessemer Venture Partners, and NEA. Bousis previously founded the contactless payment application Slide and the cryptocurrency firm Protagonist, and he currently holds 30 patents related to payment and loyalty technologies. As an active angel investor, he has backed over 85 early-stage companies and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and Political Science from DePaul University. His current professional focus centers on developing consumer technology, retail payments, and blockchain infrastructure for the Web3 ecosystem.
George Bousis stands as a distinguished figure in the venture capital landscape, widely recognized as the Founder and Managing Partner of 1/1 Capital. With a keen eye for innovation and a deep understanding of market dynamics, Bousis has cemented his reputation as a visionary investor dedicated to empowering the next generation of groundbreaking companies.
At 1/1 Capital, George Bousis leads the firm's strategic direction, focusing on early-stage investments that promise significant disruption and growth. His leadership ensures that 1/1 Capital not only provides essential funding but also acts as a true partner to founders, offering invaluable mentorship and operational insights. The firm's approach under Bousis's guidance is characterized by a commitment to long-term success and a hands-on philosophy that helps startups navigate complex challenges.
Bousis's investment focus areas are diverse yet strategically aligned with high-growth sectors. He actively seeks opportunities in consumer technology, supporting companies that redefine user experiences and engagement. His expertise extends to fintech, where he backs innovations that are transforming financial services and accessibility. Furthermore, George is a prominent investor in dynamic marketplaces, recognizing their potential to connect users and create new economic ecosystems. The SaaS (Software as a Service) sector also features prominently in his portfolio, targeting scalable solutions that drive efficiency and productivity across various industries.
Before launching 1/1 Capital, George Bousis built an impressive career as a serial entrepreneur. Most notably, he was the Founder and CEO of Raise, a leading gift card marketplace that revolutionized how consumers buy and sell gift cards. His entrepreneurial journey with Raise, culminating in its acquisition by RetailMeNot/Coupons.com, provided him with firsthand experience in scaling a successful startup from inception to exit. This invaluable operational background uniquely positions Bousis to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by founders, allowing him to offer practical, empathetic, and highly effective guidance.
George Bousis's investment philosophy is deeply rooted in his belief in strong founding teams and disruptive ideas. He is known for his ability to identify promising ventures early and provide the strategic capital and support needed to accelerate their growth. His commitment to fostering innovation and building lasting value makes him a pivotal force in the venture capital community, continually shaping the future of technology and business.
George Bousis is the Founder and Managing Partner of 1/1 Capital, a prominent venture capital firm. He is also a successful entrepreneur known for founding Raise.
George Bousis primarily invests in early-stage companies within the consumer, fintech, marketplace, and SaaS sectors, seeking innovative solutions and strong founding teams.
George Bousis works as the Founder and Managing Partner at 1/1 Capital, a venture capital firm dedicated to supporting promising startups.