Michael Benezra: Building Bridges Between Capital, Innovation, and Global Insight

In the modern landscape of entrepreneurship and global innovation, few figures embody as much versatility and forward vision as Michael Benezra. A leader who has moved effortlessly between government, venture capital, and technology, Benezra represents a new generation of investors — those who understand that innovation must be guided by both intelligence and integrity.

Today, as a Partner at Crewstone International in New York City and CEO of Signal87 AI, Benezra is shaping the next chapter of artificial intelligence and private equity investment. But his career is more than a string of titles; it’s a testament to the power of adaptability and purpose-driven leadership.

From Diplomacy to Data

Before entering the fast-moving world of venture capital, Michael Benezra served as an Economic Foreign Officer for the State of Israel. It was a role that demanded nuance — balancing diplomacy, intelligence, and negotiation on an international stage.

During his tenure, Benezra led economic intelligence and bilateral trade negotiations, helping Israeli companies secure partnerships and capital from multinational corporations. His work wasn’t confined to paperwork or policy — it had real-world consequences. One of his major achievements was negotiating a U.S.–Israel shipping route with Zim Shipping (NYSE: ZIM), a strategic move that strengthened trade relations and created new economic opportunities for both nations.

He also expanded Israel’s international footprint by cultivating trade and diplomatic relationships with Cabo Verde, working closely with its longest-serving Prime Minister and Ambassador to the United States. Those early years taught Benezra that leadership in the global economy is not only about transactions — it’s about building trust and long-term collaboration.

Venturing Into Innovation

In 2022, Michael Benezra founded Erez Capital, a venture capital and consulting firm that has quickly become known for its focus on AI-driven startups across fintech, medtech, and proptech. The firm’s reach is impressive: with more than 80 venture partners, Erez has backed high-potential companies like Curio, RealReports, and Clockout, each pushing the boundaries of technology in their respective sectors.

Benezra’s approach to investing is grounded in both data and empathy. “Capital alone doesn’t build great companies — people do,” he’s been known to say. At Erez Capital, he ensures that founders receive not just funding but strategic guidance and mentorship. As a board partner, he continues to advise several of Erez’s portfolio companies, helping them scale ethically and sustainably.

His work has also inspired collaboration between technologists and policymakers — a bridge that few investors are equipped to build. By combining his diplomatic background with deep knowledge of AI, Benezra is uniquely positioned to navigate the regulatory and ethical challenges that come with technological disruption.

Recognition and Thought Leadership

Benezra’s accomplishments haven’t gone unnoticed. He was recognized as one of Boston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” honorees — a celebration of leaders transforming business and society before the age of 40. Beyond his own ventures, he serves on the advisory boards of Frankenbuild Ventures, Curio Legacy Technologies, and the Brex Consumer Advisory Board, lending his expertise to emerging companies and innovators.

His academic foundation is as impressive as his professional record. Benezra holds a Master’s in American Government from Harvard University, where he honed his analytical and strategic thinking, and a Bachelor’s in Social Policy from the University of Washington, grounding his leadership in empathy and civic responsibility.

The Human Side of Capital

What makes Michael Benezra’s journey so compelling isn’t just his success — it’s his philosophy. He operates with a belief that the future of venture capital lies not in chasing trends, but in building ecosystems that connect innovation with humanity.

His leadership across Crewstone International, Signal87 AI, and Erez Capital is a living example of that ethos: a fusion of intellect, ethics, and execution. Benezra doesn’t view technology as a replacement for human decision-making, but as an enhancement of it — a means to expand opportunity, efficiency, and understanding on a global scale.

In an era when markets are volatile and AI continues to evolve faster than policy can catch up, Michael Benezra stands as a model for balanced leadership. He bridges continents, industries, and generations with a vision rooted in collaboration, not competition.

From the negotiating tables of international diplomacy to the high-stakes world of venture investment, his story underscores a timeless truth — that real leadership is about creating value not just for shareholders, but for society at large.