Entrepreneur-Centered Investing
With 30+ years of experience in starting, scaling, and operationalizing start-ups, the Inspiration team delivers big returns for investors by relentlessly supporting entrepreneurs at every phase of the journey. For us, backing founders isn’t about offering up lip service or signing a check and walking away; it’s about delivering brutally honest guidance through compassionate feedback and collaboration. From early funding in Buffer and UserTesting to more recent investments in DailyPay, the team is committed to investor success through dedication to fearless founders.
Gady Nemirovsky
Gady has over 20 years of experience, including 10 years as founder and CEO of Sonnet Financial and Adzaar. Prior to Sonnet, Gady held senior positions at AlterEgo Networks and C*ATS Software, and began his career as an institutional funds manager at J.P. Morgan Investment Management. Gady serves as director or advisor on several corporate boards including UserTesting (NYSE: USER), Caban Systems, 'nuffsaid, Preciate, DailyPay, and OneEleven. Gady received dual degrees in electrical engineering and finance from the University of Pennsylvania’s Moore School of Engineering and The Wharton School of Business, respectively, where he graduated with honors.
Robert Fanini
Over the last 30 years Robert has gained a wealth of operational experience as the founder and CEO of startup companies from initial concept through venture funding to successful exit. Eight in total, the most successful includes: Capital Technologies, sys admin consulting; Foglight Software, IT performance management software; SiteROCK US / SiteROCK KK, network managed service providers in the US / Japan; and GroundWork, open source IT management solution. Robert's operational experience is offered to all portfolio companies as he serves as director or advisor on several corporate boards including Buffer, Reactful, GoodBoy Studios, Polymer, BSPK and Gladly. Robert is a graduate of the UC, Berkeley with a degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Jay Bartels
Jay has over 20+ years of experience as a technology executive, investor and advisor with a focus in revenue generating products. Throughout his career, he has filled executive roles ranging from VP of Engineering to VP of Business Development to Chief Operating Officer to Chief Executive Officer. At each opportunity, he was able to help build the team and the customer relationships that ultimately resulted in the sale of the company or taking the company to the next liquidity event. Jay has a BS In Computer Science from Stanford University and a Masters from UC Berkeley.
Antonio Beja
Antonio brings 25 years of global investment expertise from McKinsey & Co, Investment Banking, and Family Offices. For 18 years, he has managed single-family office portfolios, investing in early- to late-stage companies across diverse sectors, with notable successes in scaling high-growth startups. Recently, he has specialized in emerging technologies, leveraging his strategic insight and extensive global network to identify and nurture AI-driven ventures. His proven track record and connectivity enhance our fund’s capacity to drive transformative opportunities.
Roger Lang
With 30+ years of Silicon Valley experience, Roger has founded two companies that went public - one start to finish as CEO - driving innovation and growth in the fintech sector. Roger also launched a VC fund focused on sustainable agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, backing transformative solutions for a resilient future. As a personal LP in Inspiration’s previous funds, Roger has built over 35 years of trust and collaboration with the founders, aligning his passion for mentoring entrepreneurs with the company’s mission. Roger is a graduate of Stanford University, with an AB and AM in Anthropology.