Charles Birnbaum

Charles Birnbaum is a partner at Bessemer Venture Partners, based in their New York office. He specializes in early-stage investments, particularly in fintech infrastructure, embedded financial services, and consumer-facing products. Birnbaum has a keen interest in the intersection of decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi), focusing on companies that bridge these two sectors.126

Professional Background

Before joining Bessemer in 2013, Birnbaum was one of the earliest team members at Foursquare, where he played a significant role in developing the company's merchant-facing tools and building strategic partnerships. His career also includes experience in investment banking, having worked at firms like Deutsche Bank, Jefferies & Co., and Banc of America Securities, where he focused on technology, media, and telecom sectors.246

Education

Birnbaum holds an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Arts in international studies from the Lauder Institute at the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts in history from Northwestern University.67

Investment Focus

At Bessemer, Birnbaum has led investments in various sectors, including fintech, consumer internet, and education. He is particularly interested in companies that provide critical infrastructure for financial services, emphasizing the importance of trust and customer experience in fintech.256 Notable investments include companies like Alloy and Betterment, showcasing his focus on innovative solutions in the financial landscape.34