Nadav Shoval

Nadav Shoval
נדב שובל
Born1990 (age 35–36)
Occupationsentrepreneur, investor
Known forfounder of OpenWeb; founder of FlowMode; co-founder of Project Omega

Nadav Shoval (Hebrew: נדב שובל; born 1990) is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, investor, and technology executive. He is the founder of OpenWeb and FlowMode, and a co-founder of Project Omega. Shoval currently serves as chief executive officer of FlowMode, a board member of Project Omega, and a senior advisor to OpenWeb.[1][2] In 2012, he founded OpenWeb,[3][4][5] a U.S.-based software company that works with online publishers and advertisers. He served as its CEO from 2015 to 2024.[6][7][8][9][10] In 2017, he was included in Forbes Israel's "30 Under 30" list.[11][12][13]

Early life and education

Nadav Shoval was born in 1990. During childhood, he was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a condition that limited his physical activity for a period of time.[8][14][15] During his recovery, he developed an interest in computers and began participating in online communities. He built chat platforms and forums, and contributed to classroom computer projects.[6][16][17]

Career

In July 2005, Nadav Shoval founded Looop Ltd., a company focused on online marketing and sales.[18] In May 2010, he launched Simple One, an app designed to organize social media platforms and SMS communications, where he served as CEO.[19]

In 2015, Shoval co-founded Spot.IM, later renamed OpenWeb, a U.S.-based software company.[20] The company develops tools for online publishers and advertisers, including moderation software and community engagement platforms.[21][22] According to interviews, Shoval described the company's mission as creating safer online communities through social media tools.[23][20]

As CEO, he oversaw the company's expansion into AI- and ML-driven moderation technologies, as well as its growth in data and advertising sectors.[24][25]

In 2024, Shoval stepped down as chief executive officer of OpenWeb following a settlement with the company's board of directors. He subsequently assumed the role of senior advisor to the company.[2][26]

Project Omega

In early 2025, Shoval co-founded Project Omega, a technology venture alongside Stafford Sheehan.[27] Project Omega builds technologies that turn nuclear waste into renewable energy.[28][29] In 2026, the business emerged from stealth raising $12 million from venture capitalists including Starship Ventures, Mantis Ventures, Buckley Ventures, Slow Ventures, and Decisive Point. Shoval serves as a co-founder and member of the board of directors.[27]

Investments

Beyond his operational roles, Shoval is an active angel investor and startup advisor. He has invested in numerous early-stage technology companies, including Jedify, Terra One, Synonym, Cased, and TitleDock.[30]

Personal life

As of 2023, Shoval lives in Brooklyn, New York City. He is married and has one child.[6]

References

  1. ^ Spot.IM, Nadav Shoval (2015-03-15). "Advice to young entrepreneurs: 5 things I wish I'd known before taking on the CEO role". VentureBeat. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  2. ^ a b Shulman, Sophie (2025-02-18). "OpenWeb CEO dispute ends with Shoval stepping down and accepting advisory role". ctech. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  3. ^ Coffee, Patrick (2022-10-27). "OpenWeb, Which Helps Publishers Target Readers With Ads, Raises $170 Million". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  4. ^ ""How many times does a board have to tell a CEO his services are no longer needed?": OpenWeb counters Shoval's lawsuit". ctech. 2024-10-20. Retrieved 2025-01-24.
  5. ^ "Unicorn OpenWeb announces new CEO, but founding CEO refuses to step down". ctech. 2024-09-11. Retrieved 2025-02-07.
  6. ^ a b c "The Human Founder: Why is Working on Our Mental Muscles the Most Important Job as Startup Founders?". Geektime. 2022-09-21. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  7. ^ "Nadav Shoval, Openweb Inc: Profile and Biography". Bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  8. ^ a b Gallant, Michael (2020-06-05). "#16 - From Kawasaki Disease to Tech Unicorn - Nadav Shoval". MBA without BS. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  9. ^ "Nadav Shoval | Co-Founder and CEO - OpenWeb". Fast Company Executive Board. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  10. ^ "N12 - הנער שלא האמינו בו והפך ליזם מיליונר". N12. 2017-04-14. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  11. ^ Releases, Forbes Press. "Forbes Announces Second Annual Forbes Israel 30 Under 30 List, Highlighting the Accomplishments of 60 Game Changers from Across Israeli Society". Forbes. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  12. ^ Merson, Rupert (2016-02-25). Growing a Business: Strategies for leaders and entrepreneurs. Profile. ISBN 978-1-78283-047-4.
  13. ^ חתן, גלית (2023-07-26). "אופן ווב חתמה על עסקאות בהיקף מאות מיליוני דולרים". Globes. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  14. ^ Spiro, James (2020-06-25). "Talkback platform Spot.im is rebranding and cracking down on online toxicity". CTECH - www.calcalistech.com. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  15. ^ "The Human Founder Podcast | Ep. 75". www.galiblochliran.com. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  16. ^ חתן, גלית (2023-07-26). "אופן ווב חתמה על עסקאות בהיקף מאות מיליוני דולרים". Globes. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  17. ^ אביגד, דורון (2021-10-23). "לא עשה בגרות אבל הקים חברה של מאות מיליונים: "דחפו לי רטלין"". Globes. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  18. ^ "TheOrg (Nadav Shoval)".
  19. ^ "Contactout.com".
  20. ^ a b "Spot.IM מגייסת 13 מיליון דולר כדי להציל את המו"לים מפייסבוק". TheMarker. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  21. ^ FinSMEs (2022-10-27). "OpenWeb Raises $170M In Series F Funding At $1.5 Billion Valuation". FinSMEs. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  22. ^ "TechAviv | Nadav Shoval". www.techaviv.com. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  23. ^ "Where's This Going: #78 Nadav Shoval on Apple Podcasts". Apple Podcasts. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  24. ^ "OpenWeb CEO on Creating a Healthier Internet, Elon Musk 'Acting Like a Troll'". Cheddar News. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  25. ^ חתן, גלית (2023-07-26). "אופן ווב חתמה על עסקאות בהיקף מאות מיליוני דולרים". Globes. Retrieved 2024-01-05.
  26. ^ "Court rejects Nadav Shoval's petition against OpenWeb ouster". Globes. 2024-11-13. Retrieved 2025-01-24.
  27. ^ a b Bettenhausen, Craig (2025-01-21). "Project Omega comes out of stealth with nuclear batteries and recycling". Chemical & Engineering News. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  28. ^ Liu, Phoebe. "This Startup Wants To Turn America's Nuclear Waste Into Power". Forbes. Archived from the original on 2026-02-21. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  29. ^ "Project Omega Emerges From Stealth to Recycle America's Spent Nuclear Fuel". Morningstar, Inc. 2026-02-11. Retrieved 2026-02-21.
  30. ^ "Nadav Shoval - Investor at Synonym Biotechnologies". THE ORG. Retrieved 2026-02-21.