References

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"I was introduced to Ben in January 2014 through a mutual contact. From the first meeting at his office he took an immediate interest in what we were building, instantly believing in our ability and vision to improve oral health by disrupting the oral care industry through good design. He wrote us the very first check within days of that meeting and started making introductions to other strategic investors/advisors and helpful resources- during a time we needed it most. Besides opening up his vast network, he continues to help any way he can- with a passion, energy and positive force that is unmatched. He also placed the very first quip toothbrush order on launch day in February 2015! I am grateful to have Ben as our first investor and advisor, and recommend that any founder or co-investor find a way to work with him!"

 "Ben has gone above and beyond as an advisor, our first investor, and mentor for myself and the Caraway team. Ben's proven track record and great success in the consumer space has been nothing short of invaluable to learn from. He is a huge value add to our business and we are a more successful company because of his efforts and time. We are lucky to have Ben as a partner and I am excited that he has joined us on our journey building Caraway! "  

"Ben fully embodies the term "Angel Investor". He’s with you from the start, when no one else is, believing in you and your vision and leveraging his extensive CPG knowledge and network to guarantee you succeed. Ben’s enthusiasm, process, strategy and pace were the reason I closed my pre-seed round ahead of plans. He was an invaluable first investor and I know he will be a long term member of the team!"  

 "I met Ben through an investor introduction and from day one Ben made a difference. In just about 7 days he closed our seed plus round and brought in phenomenal investors who were experts in the space and simply good humans to work with. He is always offering introductions that make a huge difference, has been hugely helpful in strategic decisions, and never steps in unless you ask or need him. I'm incredibly excited to work with him more and could not recommend him more to any founder considering his mentorship, investment, or partnership."

 "Ben is an A+ investor with an incredible eye for the consumer products market. He has been a fantastic supporter of Brightland from the earliest days, constantly providing valuable introductions whenever possible or asked. Ben is always there to give helpful feedback and has deep respect for founder time constraints. He is always looking for ways to promote our brand and is the very definition of 'value-add.' I wholeheartedly recommend Ben to any other founder looking to add a top tier angel investor to their cap table!" 

"Since becoming friends with Ben we've not only done multiple deals together, but Ben has introduced me to partners that I would go on to work with on multiple projects. He has a great network of vendors, agencies, and partners that really align with founders. Plus, he is also a phenomenal resource himself to founders. I know that if Ben is investing in something early, it's in my best interest to also get in there as soon as possible!"

 "Ben is a visionary. He not only invests in the future before the rest of the crowd gets there, but he rolls up his sleeves to make it happen when you and your team need the extra lift. When Ben is on your cap table you enter his ring of support, and it's where you want to be. He will move mountains for his portfolio companies — text Ben asking for an intro and the connect email will land in your inbox in the next 10 minutes. The first time I met Ben I remember thinking — now here is a guy who is all action. On top of all the accolades around his expertise and instinct, he's also the guy who your whole team ends up getting to know, and deeply values." 

 "Ben believed in me and Lalo when it was just a mere idea. Since that time as Lalo has evolved as a business, Ben has evolved as not only an investor of ours but as an integral part of Lalo. He has been with us every step of the way thus far. What I appreciate most is the fact that he is just 1 text or 1 phone call away. Some people say this about themselves, but with Ben it's true. He is always there to listen, give advice, and provide help when needed. " 

 "I connected with Ben, who came highly referred to us through a trusted mutual connection, as we were raising our seed round. From the very first call it was clear why - he had an innate ability to identify the most impactful areas of our business, and after taking the time to learn about our story, mission/vision and overall plan for the company, he was quick to his decision to participate. And if that wasn't enough, he brought in other strategic co-investors to join alongside him! Ben is constantly looking for ways to add value, whether it be hiring introductions or other partnership ideas. He's incredibly respectful of our time and a true partner. We are excited to have Ben on the team and highly recommend him to other founders!" 

"Ben is the definition of a connector. He has an incredible pulse on new opportunities, founders and investments within the start-up world. When he believes in a company, he genuinely puts himself out there to help founders broaden their networks, making valuable introductions day in and day out. When I was on the founder side, he was so helpful in introducing us to other angels and entrepreneurs. He is not only generous with his time and spirit, but each step he takes is also strategic and thoughtful. As a founding advisor and first investor at Quip, he has proven to be instrumental in their impressive growth. Ben is a true value-add angel investor and I am so grateful my entrepreneurship journey has allowed our paths to cross."

  “Not only is Ben one of the most connected people in the NYC startup community, but he is truly a stand-up guy. I met Ben in the spring of 2019, and not long after, he made an investment in my startup, Branch. He brought a level of excitement that is rarely seen amongst investors in New York. Ben subsequently introduced us to a number of other investors who he thought might be (and were) interested in our round...he has a knack for knowing who fits well in an investment. Since that time he's continued to be generous with his time, ideas, and connections. He's an investor, but what you're really getting is a partner. In a nutshell, Ben gets it...he knows what it takes to build a business, and he is willing to pull strings within his enormous network to help his portfolio companies succeed. I couldn't be happier to have him as an investor. ”  

 "We were introduced to Ben through a trusted mutual friend. From the first phone call, Ben has been a huge supporter and pleasure to work with - signing and funding his commitment within days. He instantly believed in us and our vision for JUDY - and has been nothing but a champion since before launch! We are grateful for Ben's early conviction and recommend other founders find ways to get him involved!" 

   "I was introduced to Ben more than 10 years ago and know him to be a passionate entrepreneur, operator and investor - always on the hunt for innovative companies to partner with or invest in. He is as ambitious and motivated as it gets, willing to open his network to help others, constantly sharing quality deal flow and connecting us with talented founders. He is a master fundraiser, introducing his portfolio companies to strategic capital partners and quickly establishing himself as a force in the angel community. Do yourself and favor and get Ben on your team!"   

 "I've had the great fortune of collaborating with Ben as a partner, co-investor/co-advisor, and friend. As an entrepreneur himself, Ben brings a lot to the table for his founders and partners. He has learned the hard way how to drive business and is tirelessly focused, supportive and impactful to the startups and founders he works with. As a rainmaker, mentor, and your biggest fan, you want Ben on your team! "  

 "I have known Ben since freshman year at Boston University. We became close friends and ended up becoming roommates for 2 years in college. Ben is a true Entrepreneur. He has the ability to see the big picture and zero in on the most important aspects of what should be focused on. He has become a close friend and a really helpful investor. Ben is one of the earliest Swag.com investors and has had a huge impact on our success. Lucky to have Ben on the team!" 

 "Ben is that rare investor who actually adds a lot of value and "punches above his weight class." He has followed through on every promise that he has made--a rarity in a world where so few people actually follow through. He's smart, connected, and able to see the vision when it's still embryonic, which is why he has been such a successful angel investor. He's also just the kind of investor you would actually choose to meet with casually or professionally and not because you have to, but because you really want to. " 

 "Ben Zises is one of the hardest driving business men I have ever worked with. If you have met Ben, then there is no doubt you would agree he is on his way to become one of the most successful business people of the next generation. I am glad we started out together, because it will be a thrill to see how far he will climb. My suggestion to anyone reading this, is to take everything he says seriously, because he is the rare mix of talent, hard work and grit." 

  "Ben is what I call the "Ultimate Connector." He seems to know everyone and provides full access to his rolodex. He is also an accomplished investor/advisor, with tons of great companies in his portfolio. He seems to have a knack for spotting the winners and getting in on them early. Having Ben in your corner, is a massive value-add as an entrepreneur; especially if you are in early stage fundraising mode. "  

"Ben is a rockstar partner. While we’ve only recently started to work together, I already know he’s an investor I’d want to bring into any deal that he’s mutually excited about. Ben’s an endless advocate for the companies he invests in and an all-around super connector. He’s also one of the few angels who truly goes above and beyond to help his portfolio co’s. It doesn’t hurt that he’s a great communicator, super organized and all-around great guy :)." 

  "Ben is a highly motivated, results-driven entrepreneur who has the rare ability to simplify complex ideas into easily-understood concepts. Ben's professional network and attention to detail are second-to-none, and he routinely leverages his strategic expertise to deliver profitable P&Ls and drive continuous growth. I've also been amazed with Ben's negotiation skills and his ability to create lasting, committed partnerships with his clients, employees, and vendors. I would welcome the opportunity to work with Ben again anytime! "  

"I met Ben in 2019 through a mutual client and friend. In very short order, Ben has become an invaluable sounding board who is always eager to share knowledge and ideas. His open nature, generosity and brilliant ideas make him a true rarity in the VC space. I can only think of a handful of people I have met through my career who have the same zeal and enthusiasm for what they do. Ben is an incredible ally for any company or individual who is lucky enough to work with him."

"Ben has a knack for picking out the next exciting consumer brands and jumping in early. Ben saw the Character vision before we had a brand, a website or a prototype product and became one of our first investors and advisors. Whether through his own fund, his syndicate or his broad network of angel investors, Ben has been integral to building Character. I am constantly recommending Ben to consumer startup founders raising their first capital and looking for angel investors to partner with."