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Ben Rubin
CEO & Co-Founder at Here Not There
Ben Rubin is a prominent entrepreneur based in New York, known for his role as the CEO and Co-Founder of Here Not There Labs, a company focused on developing decentralized communication tools. He has a notable history in the tech industry, having previously co-founded the viral livestreaming app Meerkat and the group video chat platform Houseparty, which was acquired by Epic Games in 2019.135
Education and Early Career
Rubin studied architecture at the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from 2009 to 2014. However, he transitioned from architecture to technology, founding his first company, Life on Air, shortly after leaving school. This venture primarily focused on live streaming products, leading to the creation of Meerkat, which gained significant attention during its launch.123
Professional Experience
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Here Not There Labs (April 2020 - Present): As CEO, Rubin leads the development of innovative communication solutions.
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Houseparty (December 2012 - June 2019): Co-founded and served as CEO until its acquisition by Epic Games. Houseparty became popular for facilitating group video chats, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Sequoia Capital: Rubin has also worked as a scout for this prominent venture capital firm since May 2017, identifying promising startups and trends in the tech landscape.
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Benchmark: He served as an Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR) from June 2019 to April 2020, where he contributed to various projects and initiatives.134
Rubin's entrepreneurial journey reflects a commitment to creating engaging digital experiences and adapting to evolving social trends, positioning him as a significant figure in the tech industry.
Highlights
Beyond the classic vanity metrics, the data that's most bullish for me about River's second-month post-Towns launch is that the strong spaces are getting bigger and more retentive. These are good signs.