Benoit Wirz

Benoit has an MBA, with Distinction, from INSEAD and BA and MA degrees from Stanford University in international relations, where his studies focused on Russia. He speaks French, Spanish and, on good days, remembers some Russian.

Benoit Wirz is a Partner with BrightEye, investing in early-stage, technology-driven companies that help people learn and grow. The firm invests in learning solutions that serve the European market at Pre-Seed, Seed and Series A Previously, Ben established and managed the Knight Enterprise Fund inside the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, investing in mission-aligned early-stage edtech and media startups. He invested in 40+ companies. Prior to Knight, Ben was a partner with US Global, where he invested in and developed companies in energy, manufacturing, and tech. Ben began his career in finance with Jefferies & Company after a brief stint as a reporter with Asahi Shimbun.

A member of Class 19, Ben served his fellowship at Knight Foundation under the mentorship of Juan Martinez.