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Gil Hirsch is a highly successful serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and advisor. He is best known as the co-founder and CEO of Face.com, which was acquired by Facebook, and StreamElements, which was acquired by Logitech.
Gil Hirsch primarily invests in early-stage technology companies. His focus areas include artificial intelligence (AI), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), consumer internet, and platforms that leverage innovative technology.
Gil Hirsch operates as an independent Angel Investor and Advisor. He previously held roles as CEO of Face.com and StreamElements, and for a period, as a Venture Partner at StageOne Ventures.
Gil Hirsch stands out as a prominent figure in the technology and venture capital landscape, renowned for his exceptional track record as a serial entrepreneur, angel investor, and strategic advisor. His career is marked by the successful founding and scaling of two groundbreaking technology companies, culminating in significant acquisitions by industry giants. Today, Gil leverages his deep operational expertise and keen market insight to identify and nurture the next generation of innovative startups.
Hirsch's entrepreneurial journey began with Face.com, a pioneering company in facial recognition technology. As its co-founder and CEO, he led the company from its inception to its acquisition by Facebook in 2012. This early success demonstrated his ability to identify emerging technological trends and build robust platforms that address critical market needs. Face.com's technology was instrumental in advancing social media capabilities and user experience, solidifying Hirsch's reputation as a visionary leader.
Following his success with Face.com, Gil Hirsch co-founded StreamElements, where he again served as CEO. StreamElements quickly grew to become a leading platform providing tools and services for live stream production, monetization, and audience engagement for content creators. Under his leadership, StreamElements became an indispensable resource for the booming live streaming industry, attracting millions of users and facilitating billions of dollars in transactions. The company's impressive growth trajectory led to its acquisition by Logitech in 2021, further cementing Hirsch's legacy as a builder of high-impact, scalable technology businesses.
Currently, Gil Hirsch operates as an active Angel Investor and Advisor, dedicating his efforts to supporting early-stage technology companies. His investment focus is broad but centered on sectors where he possesses deep domain knowledge and can add significant value. These areas include artificial intelligence (AI), Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), consumer internet platforms, and developer tools. He seeks out startups with strong founding teams, disruptive technologies, and clear market potential, often providing not just capital but also invaluable mentorship and strategic guidance drawn from his own experiences.
Hirsch's approach to investing is informed by his firsthand experience navigating the challenges and triumphs of startup growth. He understands the intricacies of product development, market penetration, and scaling operations, making him a highly sought-after advisor for nascent ventures. While specific public investments are often confidential in the angel investing space, his involvement is highly valued by founders looking to replicate the success he achieved with Face.com and StreamElements. Gil Hirsch continues to be a driving force in the tech ecosystem, empowering entrepreneurs and shaping the future of technology through his strategic investments and advisory roles.
Gil Hirsch is the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of StreamElements and an active angel investor based in Tel Aviv, Israel. He previously co-founded the facial recognition startup Face.com in 2007, serving as its CEO until the company was acquired by Facebook for a reported $100 million in 2012. Following the acquisition, Hirsch worked as a Product Manager at Facebook before launching his current venture in 2017. Under his leadership, StreamElements has developed production and monetization tools utilized by millions of creators across platforms like Twitch. The creator economy platform has secured over $115 million in total funding, including a $100 million investment round led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 in September 2021. His current focus centers on scaling creator monetization technologies while actively investing in early-stage artificial intelligence and consumer internet startups across the broader technology ecosystem.