Alex Benik

Alex Benik is the Founder and Partner of Encoded Ventures, a seed stage venture fund focused on modern infrastructure software and supporting ambitious technical founders.1 He started Encoded in 2024 after spending two decades investing in infrastructure and security at Battery Ventures.1

Key points about Alex Benik:

1. Career background:

   • Over 20 years of experience investing in infrastructure1
   • Previously a Partner at Battery Ventures from January 2001 to July 20233
   • Worked as an Analyst in Data Communications Practice at the Yankee Group from January 1997 to January 20003

2. Expertise:

   • Specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in technical and infrastructure-related startups1
   • Known for his deep understanding of technology, from hardware to serving LLMs1
   • Described as more technical than typical business people and more business-minded than most technical people1

3. Investment approach:

   • Typically writes initial checks of around $500,0001
   • Focuses on inception, pre-seed, and seed stages1
   • Leverages his extensive network of technologists, practitioners, and leaders1

4. Personal traits:

   • Described as a good listener, honest, and "not a jerk" by his peers1
   • Husband, father of two, cyclist, and a Roma fan1
   • Grew up programming in Logo on a Commodore641

5. Encoded Ventures:

   • Founded in 20241
   • Based in Lincoln, United States2
   • Currently has one fund in the market, opened in March 20242

Alex Benik is well-regarded in the venture capital community, with several successful founders praising his ability to understand deep technology and his support throughout their entrepreneurial journeys.1