For the first time we joined forces with our friends at Startup Grind Tel Aviv for this special virtual talk, followed by virtual business networking.

Eugene Fooksman is the founder of the Fooksman Family Foundation and a software pioneer. His philanthropic work follows decades of leadership in Silicon Valley, where as a key developer of messaging service WhatsApp he helped to transform the high-tech landscape.

Eugene kindly agreed to share his journey and key learnings with entrepreneurs from the Startup Grind communities in London and Tel Aviv. As a bonus, Eugene will join us for virtual business networking. 

Born in St Petersburg, Russia to a civil engineer and molecular scientist, Eugene immigrated to the US with his family in 1999. The Fooksmans settled in the Bay Area, where Eugene’s career in startup life began. His professional success was soon complemented by philanthropic activity.

Eugene's commitment to philanthropy has grown throughout his journey: the life-changing connections he has forged, have informed and inspired his philanthropic interests, which span community building, arts and culture initiatives, and the next wave of young philanthropists.

Eugene established the Fooksman Family Foundation in 2018 as a way to participate more fully in his philanthropy. With an eye for innovation that fuels social change, his driving force is positive impact.

Alongside his investments, consultancy and philanthropic work, Eugene enjoys spending time with his two children and experiencing the world through travel.