Itai Maron
Startup Mentor at Adelson School of Entrepreneurship
Palo Alto, California
Overview
Work Experience
Thought & Strategy Partner to Startup Founders and CEOs
2024 - Current
I help startup founders and CEOs navigate the challenges of building and scaling their companies, focusing on Product-Market Fit, Go-to-Market strategy, and fundraising readiness. My role blends the perspective of an insider VC with the dedication of a co-founder, engaging in high-level strategic thinking, problem-solving, and managing complex relationships with co-founders, board members, and executives.
Startup Mentor, Venture Accelerator
2023
Startup Mentor
2023
Mentor
2020
Venture Partner & Startup Builder
2018 - 2023
Based in Palo Alto, I served as Venture Partner & Startup Builder at Heroic Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and studio. In this role, I met with hundreds of entrepreneurs, working hands-on with founders to guide them from inception through various growth stages. Leveraging deep experience in funding and scaling, I helped founders build scalable, venture-backed companies that could thrive in the competitive Silicon Valley landscape. At Heroic Ventures, I gained invaluable insight into what it takes to build and fund exceptional startups, from market validation and fundraising to operational scaling and team building.
EIR | Startup Builder
2019 - 2022
As an Entrepreneur in Residence, I provided strategic guidance and hands-on support to portfolio companies, helping them establish robust business foundations, navigate key inflection points, and prepare for successful funding rounds.
Co-founder / CEO
2021 - 2022
Smart Delivery Networks for Perishables Built a venture-backed business, securing funding, driving sales, and achieving rapid growth. Reached a $1M revenue run rate within 10 months and completed over 100,000 deliveries across the Bay Area.
Co-founder/COO
2019 - 2021
Launched Portobel through Heroic Ventures' Venture Studio model as Co-founder/COO, leading it from concept to business and operational scaling.
Portobel is building the world’s leading DTC delivery network for fresh goods, optimized for efficiency, quality, and carbon savings
VP Business Development & Strategy
2016 - 2018
A Series B visual identification startup founded by the former Head of the IDF Intelligence Branch & 8200 Unit. Joined to lead Business Development and Strategy under Chairman Avi Naor. Spearheaded a new business roadmap and drove sales and market penetration efforts with key strategic retail accounts, including Walmart and Home Depot.
Business and Strategy Consultant
2016 - 2016
Business and Strategy Consultant to the family office of Avi Naor, Founder/ex-CEO of Amdocs [NASDAQ:DOX]
Chief Operating Officer
2013 - 2016
A $10M ARR startup focused on developing, manufacturing, and selling advanced B2B interactive platforms. Led global operations and professional services, building a partner network of IT providers across 50+ countries to drive international growth.
EyeClick is a world leade in interactive technology for over a decade and the creator of BEAM.
VP Operations & Business Development
2012 - 2013
A Seed startup (previously known as 'LifeBeam') specializes in high-awareness wearable technology (transitioned from aerospace to fitness). Led the company's product and business roadmap and managed operations.
VI is the leading Enterprise-AI platform in the health sector.
Raised $147,001,000.00 from Alpha Partners, General Atlantic and Savano Capital Partners.