Richard Aberman

Overview

Richard Aberman is an experienced angel investor and partner at Open Core Ventures, focusing on early-stage technology startups. He co-founded WePay in 2008, leading product and growth until its acquisition by JPMorgan Chase in 2017. At Chase, he served as Managing Director of Chase Payment Solutions, integrating WePay’s technology to enhance small-business payments. In 2022, Aberman joined Y Combinator as a Visiting Group Partner, advising and mentoring founders across multiple batches. In 2024, he became a partner at Open Core Ventures, continuing to support early-stage founders, including leading demo day funds that back Y Combinator companies. As a full-time angel investor, Aberman has backed over twenty startups, often emerging from his Y Combinator network. His portfolio includes companies such as Central, SRE.ai, and ZeroEntropy—ventures at the forefront of AI, software infrastructure, and next-generation financial technologies. His investment focus is on seed and early-stage companies in the United States and Canada, particularly in sectors like technology, fintech, artificial intelligence, software infrastructure, and financial technologies. He typically invests between $1 million and $10 million per company, aiming to support innovative founders in building impactful businesses. Aberman's investment strategy emphasizes a hands-on approach, leveraging his extensive experience in product development and growth to guide startups through critical early stages. He is known for his active involvement in portfolio companies, offering strategic advice and facilitating connections within the industry. This approach reflects his commitment to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in navigating the challenges of scaling their businesses. Through his work at Open Core Ventures and previous roles, Aberman has demonstrated a consistent track record of identifying and nurturing high-potential startups. His focus on sectors like AI and fintech aligns with his vision of investing in technologies that have the potential to transform industries and improve lives. His philosophy centers on partnering with founders who are not only innovative but also resilient and adaptable, qualities essential for success in the dynamic startup ecosystem.

Investment Focus

• Innovative technology solutions
• Strong founding teams
• Scalable business models
• Clear market differentiation
• Potential for significant impact

Portfolio Companies