Michael Benezra: The Global Strategist Bridging AI, Investment, and Diplomacy

In an age where artificial intelligence and global economics increasingly intersect, few leaders have navigated both worlds as effectively as Michael Benezra. A New York-based entrepreneur and investor, Benezra’s career embodies a rare fusion of public diplomacy, financial insight, and a visionary approach to technology.

As a Partner at Crewstone International, a private equity firm headquartered in New York City, Benezra helps drive strategic investments and growth across sectors. His leadership extends beyond traditional finance — blending geopolitical understanding with cutting-edge innovation. At Signal87 AI, where he serves as CEO, he leads a team at the forefront of artificial intelligence development, applying advanced machine learning and analytics to real-world industries.

However, Benezra’s most defining venture may be Erez Capital, a firm he founded in 2022. With over 80 venture partners, Erez has rapidly grown into a respected player in the venture ecosystem, investing in AI-driven startups within fintech, medtech, and proptech. The firm’s portfolio includes promising companies such as Curio, RealReports, and Clockout — all of which are pushing boundaries in their respective fields. Beyond capital, Benezra remains closely involved as a board partner, guiding founders in scaling responsibly and sustainably.

“AI has transformative potential, but it must be built with transparency and long-term purpose,” Benezra has often emphasized. That philosophy underpins Erez Capital’s investment strategy — prioritizing startups that merge innovation with social and economic responsibility.

Before his rise in venture capital, Benezra’s global perspective was shaped by his time as an Economic Foreign Officer for the State of Israel. In that role, he led economic intelligence operations, bilateral trade negotiations, and international deal structuring that influenced policy and business alike. His accomplishments include helping Israeli companies secure capital and partnerships with multinational corporations, and negotiating a landmark U.S.–Israel shipping route with Zim Shipping (NYSE: ZIM).

Benezra also played a pivotal role in expanding Israel’s diplomatic and economic relations with Cabo Verde, working closely with the country’s longest-serving Prime Minister and its Ambassador to the United States. His tenure demonstrated not only his capacity for high-stakes negotiation but also his talent for fostering trust across cultures and sectors.

Benezra’s educational background reflects his commitment to both theory and practice. He holds a Master’s in American Government from Harvard University, where he explored the intersections of governance, policy, and innovation. Prior to that, he earned a Bachelor’s in Social Policy from the University of Washington, grounding his work in social responsibility and equity.

Recognized as one of the Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honorees, Benezra’s influence extends into mentorship and advisory roles. He currently serves on the boards of Frankenbuild Ventures, Curio Legacy Technologies, and the Brex Consumer Advisory Board, helping shape the next generation of technology and entrepreneurship.

What sets Michael Benezra apart is his ability to connect dots across domains that rarely converge. His journey from international diplomacy to venture capital reflects a vision rooted in global collaboration — where economic intelligence and technological innovation are tools for building bridges, not barriers.

In the evolving landscape of AI and global investment, Benezra stands as a leader who reminds us that progress is not defined solely by profit or algorithms, but by the capacity to use both for the greater good. Through his ventures and his voice, he continues to inspire a new generation of entrepreneurs to lead with intellect, integrity, and impact.