Meet Our Team
The people behind our teleoperation magic.
We are driven by
Excellence
Excellence at Ottopia is about making precise judgments that drive impactful results. We prioritize clear communication to amplify our collective passion, pushing boundaries to achieve greatness in every endeavor.
Growth
Our growth is fueled by continuous feedback, an unyielding curiosity about the future, the boldness to innovate, and the courage to redefine the possible.
Good
Good defines our purpose: to act with unwavering truthfulness, bring joy and fun into our work, care deeply for our relationships, and maintain humility as we strive for significant accomplishments.
Leadership
Alex Kirshon
Alex has over 13 years of software engineering experience with a focus on cybersecurity and low-level coding. He is an expert in designing and building highly reliable products for complex, real-time environments. A natural problem solver (and likely a server in his past life), Alex’s tenacity, knowledge, and attention to detail continuously turn science fiction ideas into remote driving reality.
Alex Kirshon
CTO
Amit Rosenzweig
Amit has 17 years of deep tech experience. He led product management for Microsoft’s Advanced Threat Analytics and Screenovate Technologies. At Unit 8200, he led a Cyber Security R&D department of 50 researchers. A Talpiot graduate, Amit developed algorithms for the Iron Dome and Arrow missile defense systems, and holds six patents in wireless communication, cybersecurity, and teleoperation safety.
Amit Rosenzweig
Founder and CEO
Damir Bar
Damir is passionate about technology and leadership, with a strong foundation in software engineering. Starting his career in 2018 while pursuing a computer science degree, Damir quickly advanced through the ranks due to his technical expertise and leadership skills. Joining Ottopia in 2021, he initially served as a software engineer before being promoted to team lead, and now serves as the VP of R&D. Damir is dedicated to driving innovation and leading Ottopia’s technological advancements.
Damir Bar
VP R&D
Keren Argaman
Keren has over 9 years of accounting professional experience for private and public companies. Keren started her career path at the high-tech department at EY. After EY, she was the Controller at Atera for 4 years where she was responsible for all financial matters including several successful fundraising processes. Keren has a BA in business management with an accounting major from The College of Management.
Keren Argaman
VP of Finance
Paul Kandel
Paul loves figuring out how to transform large markets with new technology. He has over 15 years of experience covering all aspects of commercial growth, across business development, partnerships, marketing, and corporate strategy. Before joining Ottopia, Paul led the business side of an “internal startup” at Intel and led strategic alliances at Kornit Digital. Paul earned his Executive MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.
Paul Kandel
VP of Business Development
Board of Directors
Aaron Applbaum
Aaron is a Managing Partner at MizMaa Ventures, he is based in Israel. Previously, Aaron was the Director of Investments at Strategic Cyber Ventures and on the Direct Investments desk at Hudson Bay Capital Management. He graduated from the Princeton School of Public and International Affairs. Aaron is a member of YPO, and is a Kauffman Fellow.
Aaron Applbaum
Amit Rosenzweig
Amit has 17 years of deep tech experience. He led product management for Microsoft’s Advanced Threat Analytics and Screenovate Technologies. At Unit 8200, he led a Cyber Security R&D department of 50 researchers. A Talpiot graduate, Amit developed algorithms for the Iron Dome and Arrow missile defense systems, and holds six patents in wireless communication, cybersecurity, and teleoperation safety.
Amit Rosenzweig
Founder and CEO
Koby Simana
Koby holds the position of Senior Manager for Venture Investments at Hyundai Motor Group. In addition to his role in venture investments, Koby serves as a trusted advisor in the realm of venture capital and holds several board positions. Previously, he held the CEO position at the IVC Research Center, the leading source of data and insights on Israel's dynamic venture capital industry. Koby is recognized for his vast networking abilities, strong sales acumen, and a strategic business vision that he consistently translates into results.
Koby Simana
Advisory Board
Alisyn Malek
Alisyn Malek, Chief Operations Officer at SkillFusion, is a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in automotive and mobility sectors. She founded and serves as CEO of Middle Third and previously co-founded May Mobility. Alisyn held leadership roles at GM and Newlab Detroit and is a Mentor in Residence at the University of Michigan.
Alisyn Malek
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Dani Ziv
Dani Ziv, born in 1952, is a seasoned defense industry leader based in Kibbutz Sasa. As Founder & CEO of Plasan Sasa Ltd. (1989-2023), he transformed it from a plastics producer to a leader in defense composite armor and special vehicles, growing to 600 employees and peak revenues of $850 million. In 2017, Dani received the NDIA Red Ball Express Award for his contributions to U.S. military vehicle armor. He is married to Miriam and has four children.
Dani Ziv
Drew Gray
Drew Gray has extensive experience in the automotive industry, having served as CTO of Voyage and Director of Engineering at both Uber and Otto. He also held the role of VP of Engineering at Cruise and was the first hire for Tesla's Autopilot team. Currently, he is the CTO of Coral Gardeners and co-founder of Fathom Ocean and Aqualink.
Drew Gray
Mark Joseph
Mark Joseph, CEO of Mobitas Advisors, is an entrepreneur and business executive with more than 30 years of experience in public transportation. Prior to Mobitas, Mark spent over 15 years in various leadership roles at Transdev, a leading international transportation services company, including CEO Americas.
Mark Joseph
Michel Taride
Michel Taride, former Group President of Hertz International, has 38 years of experience in Automotive, Mobility, and Travel. At Hertz, he led operations in 150 countries. Since 2019, Michel has taken on advisory roles, including Senior Advisor at Drive TLV and Venture Partner at NextGear Ventures. He also supports several Travel and Mobility associations and is Chairman of the GTTP.
Michel Taride
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Ronald (Ron) D. Fisher
Ronald (Ron) D. Fisher, Vice Chairman of the Board at SoftBank Group Corp. and a Board member at Arm, has over 40 years of experience in telecom and technology. Since joining SoftBank in 1995, he has overseen its U.S. operations and founded SoftBank Capital. Ron also served as Vice Chairman at Sprint and held key roles at TRW Inc., Interactive Systems Corp., and Phoenix Technologies Ltd.
Ronald (Ron) D. Fisher
Steve Basra
Steve Basra, Head of Auto Industries at Google, has over 25 years of experience in the automotive industry. He co-founded and was CEO of Toyota Connected, focusing on AI and data science for connected vehicle platforms. Steve has held global leadership positions in the UK, Belgium, India, Japan, and the US.
Steve Basra
