The Human FounderThe intersection of business and biblical wisdom
The Human Founder
The intersection of business and biblical wisdom
As part of her day job, Executive Coach Gali Bloch Liran helps founders, CEOs, and investors develop the right skills and mentality. Her podcast takes us through the roller coaster of vulnerability, humanity, and the personalities of these "top dogs" of business and tech
Michael Eisenberg, a prominent figure in the Israeli venture capital landscape, started his journey as an investor without even planning it. In our conversation he offers a candid and unique glimpse into the world of investments. As Co-founder and General Partner of Aleph, a leading early-stage venture capital firm, Michael shares with me his life experiences, philosophies, and insights about life and how these values also reflect on the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Ep 149: Michael Eisenberg, General Partner of Aleph
Relationships are the key
From his perspective, the investors are just the stagehands, the real heroes are the entrepreneurs. Michael believes that the key to being a good investor is to invest in long term relationships with entrepreneurs who have potential. Michael knows it takes time for companies to grow and for entrepreneurs to ripen.
He emphasizes the importance of understanding people, their motivations, and their potential. His ability to discern the "inner truth" of entrepreneurs is a core competency, allowing him to identify promising ventures.
What is the investor looking for?
In his opinion, the most important qualities in an entrepreneur are optimism and resilience. People who see problems and are optimistic enough to believe there is a solution and that they are the ones to solve it. . This positive, forward-thinking attitudeis essential for navigating the complexities of starting and running a business.
Additionally, resilience is crucial; it enables entrepreneurs to bounce back from setbacks and maintain their focus on long-term goals. They don’t back down from challenges, but face them head on. This proactive approach transforms difficulties into opportunities for growth and innovation, ultimately leading to greater success. By cultivating these traits, entrepreneurs can inspire confidence in others and drive their ventures toward realization.
Rooted in the community
Central to Eisenberg’s investment philosophy is a deep-rooted belief in the power of Jewish and Israeli culture. In our conversation it's interesting to see how he embodies the spirit of both Jewish tradition and Israeli innovation. This is also evident in his book “The Tree of Life and Prosperity”. The book explores the intersection of business and biblical wisdom, offering insights into ethical and moral principles for success.
In our conversation we dive into Michael’s personal journey, including his family life and experiences, which are intertwined with his professional life. His reflections on his upbringing, the loss of loved ones on 7.10, and the balancing act between personal and professional commitments, offer a multifaceted portrait of Michael as both a person and an investor.
Michael's story is one of personal growth, resilience, and a deep-rooted connection to his community. This podcast is all about the significance of human relationships and the role of leadership in every aspect of our life.
Gali Bloch Liran is the Founder & CEO of The Human Founder; Executive Coach & Startup Advisor; Entrepreneurship Lecturer at Reichman University; Host of The Human Founder Podcast
