Benny Lorenzo

Since 1996, Benny has been the managing partner of Aspira Capital Management. He is a member of both the New York Angels and Harvard Business School Alumni Angels, actively supporting and mentoring young companies. With a diverse portfolio spanning financial technology, artificial intelligence, software, and healthcare, Benny has invested in over 40 companies across Series Seed, A, B, and C+ rounds.

 

Previously, Benny served as Chairman and CEO of Kaufman Bros, L.P., an investment bank focusing on the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. With more than four decades of experience, including senior roles at IBM and AT&T, he excelled as an equity sell-side research director, originated various banking transactions, and led multimillion-dollar fundraising efforts. As a former portfolio manager and general partner of P.A.W. Capital Partners, L.P., he played a key role in growing the long/short equity hedge fund's assets under management from $35 million to over $350 million.

 

Benny is also committed to community service and volunteers with organizations including the City University of New York's Dominican Studies Institute and the Washington Heights and Inwood Chambers of Commerce. In recognition of his contributions, Benny has received numerous awards including awards from the governments of the Dominican Republic and City of New York.

 

Born in the Dominican Republic, Benny overcame obstacles to earn a BS in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Cornell University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He holds several FINRA licenses, including Series 7, 24, 66, and 87.

 

Benny enjoys reading, jazz music and walking across the George Washington Bridge.