ottopia team

Meet Our Team

The people behind our remote driving magic.

Ottopia team
ottopia teamman look on ottopia system screens
ottopia teamottopia team

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

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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

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About

Amit Rosenzweig

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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

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About

Asaf Fox

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Asaf has over 16 years of experience in product management and operations. He previously led the growth operations at Hexa, served as VP of Product at AppsVillage, and held key roles at Promo.com, Wix, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Amdocs. Asaf has a strong background in strategic partnerships, product strategy, and managing international markets.

Asaf Fox

Director of Operations

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About

Gaby Prechner

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Gaby is passionate about technology and innovation, with over 17 years of experience leading teams and technologies in video, communication, and positioning from concept to mass production. Before joining Ottopia, he led teams at Meta, Intel, and IDF’s 8200 unit. Gaby also holds 25 issued patents.

Gaby Prechner

VP R&D

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About

Keren Argaman

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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

Director of Finance

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About

Paul Kandel

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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

Director of Business Development

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About

Zvi Kleiner

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Zvi loves solving challenging tech problems creatively and sustainably. With over 7 years as a Product leader and 17 years in software development across various domains, he has worked on enterprise, military, and consumer products. Before Ottopia, Zvi led teams at TytoCare, Comigo, and DSP Group. He began his career at IDF MAMRAM and draws inspiration from open water swimming.

Zvi Kleiner

VP Product

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About

Board of Directors

Aaron Applbaum

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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

About
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Amit Rosenzweig

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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

About
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Elly Keinan

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Elly is the Group President of IBM’s new company, Kyndryl, a 90,000-employee global leader in IT infrastructure management and modernization. He is also a private equity and venture capital advisor and board member. Previously, Elly served as IBM's General Manager for North America, President and Chairman of IBM Japan, and President of IBM Latin America. He has over 30 years of experience in B2B and digital transformation.

Elly Keinan

About
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Eyal Rosner

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Eyal is a co-managing partner of IN Venture, Sumitomo Corporation's CVC in Israel. With over 25 years of investment and business experience in the Israeli high-tech ecosystem, he is a seasoned expert in the field. Eyal is also the founder and former chairman of The Fuel Choices and Smart Mobility Initiative under the Israeli Prime Minister's office, where he established and led the national program to create and support smart mobility and alternative energy ecosystems in Israel.

Eyal Rosner

About
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Koby Simana

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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

About
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Advisory Board

Alisyn Malek

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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

About
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Drew Gray

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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

About
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Mark Joseph

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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

About
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Michel Taride

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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

About
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Ronald (Ron) D. Fisher

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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

About
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Steve Basra

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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

About
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Pablo

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Pablo, when given the chance to risk his life for Ottopia, didn’t hesitate, even though it’s not in his job description. This superhero stands in harm's way, allowing the R&D team to test remote driving safety. His dedication is unmatched, he never takes a day off, and never wastes time on Facebook.

Pablo

About
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Steve Basra

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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.

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Ronald (Ron) D. Fisher

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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.

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Pablo

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Pablo, when given the chance to risk his life for Ottopia, didn’t hesitate, even though it’s not in his job description. This superhero stands in harm's way, allowing the R&D team to test remote driving safety. His dedication is unmatched, he never takes a day off, and never wastes time on Facebook.

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Michel Taride

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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.

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Mark Joseph

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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.

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Drew Gray

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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.

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Alisyn Malek

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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.

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Koby Simana

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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.

linkedin icon

Elly Keinan

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Elly is the Group President of IBM’s new company, Kyndryl, a 90,000-employee global leader in IT infrastructure management and modernization. He is also a private equity and venture capital advisor and board member. Previously, Elly served as IBM's General Manager for North America, President and Chairman of IBM Japan, and President of IBM Latin America. He has over 30 years of experience in B2B and digital transformation.

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Aaron Applbaum

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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.

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Paul Kandel

Director of Business Development

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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.

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Zvi Kleiner

VP Product

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Zvi loves solving challenging tech problems creatively and sustainably. With over 7 years as a Product leader and 17 years in software development across various domains, he has worked on enterprise, military, and consumer products. Before Ottopia, Zvi led teams at TytoCare, Comigo, and DSP Group. He began his career at IDF MAMRAM and draws inspiration from open water swimming.

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Keren Argaman

Director of Finance

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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.

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Gaby Prechner

VP R&D

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Gaby is passionate about technology and innovation, with over 17 years of experience leading teams and technologies in video, communication, and positioning from concept to mass production. Before joining Ottopia, he led teams at Meta, Intel, and IDF’s 8200 unit. Gaby also holds 25 issued patents.

linkedin icon

Eyal Rosner

close btn

Eyal is a co-managing partner of IN Venture, Sumitomo Corporation's CVC in Israel. With over 25 years of investment and business experience in the Israeli high-tech ecosystem, he is a seasoned expert in the field. Eyal is also the founder and former chairman of The Fuel Choices and Smart Mobility Initiative under the Israeli Prime Minister's office, where he established and led the national program to create and support smart mobility and alternative energy ecosystems in Israel.

linkedin icon

Asaf Fox

Director of Operations

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Asaf has over 16 years of experience in product management and operations. He previously led the growth operations at Hexa, served as VP of Product at AppsVillage, and held key roles at Promo.com, Wix, Teva Pharmaceuticals, and Amdocs. Asaf has a strong background in strategic partnerships, product strategy, and managing international markets.

linkedin icon

Amit Rosenzweig

Founder and CEO

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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.

linkedin icon

Alex Kirshon

CTO

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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.

linkedin icon