The global technology community expresses its profound grief at the passing of the esteemed Israeli tech power couple, Liron and Naomi Petrushka, who tragically perished in a plane crash in California. Renowned for their success as entrepreneurs and investors, the couple had been residing in California for several years. Notable entities within their impressive investment portfolio included prominent companies such as Check, Next Insurance, and the venture capital firm UpWest.
The unfortunate incident occurred near Tahoe Truckee Airport in Northern California during a snowstorm, resulting in the untimely loss of Liron and Naomi Petrushka. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed that there were no survivors, and an investigation is currently underway to establish the cause of the crash.
Liron and Naomi Petrushka were esteemed figures within the Israeli technology industry, boasting a history of prosperous ventures and investments. Their most notable feat was the sale of their company, Check, to the American financial giant Intuit in 2014, for a remarkable $360 million. Additionally, they were involved in the financial technology unicorn, Next Insurance, and contributed to the growth of the venture capital firm UpWest, which focuses on supporting Israeli-led startups in the United States and Israel.
Their entrepreneurial journey commenced with the sale of CommerceBid, a company they co-founded, which accrued a noteworthy $200 million. Following the acquisition, the Petrushkas remained with the buyer, CommerceOne, and worked closely for approximately two years. Liron Petrushka, who also had a background in sports, previously played for the Israeli soccer team, Hapoel Ramat Gan.
The aircraft involved in the tragic crash was a single-engine turboprop plane, which had taken off from Centennial Airport in Colorado on a Saturday afternoon. The particulars of what led to the devastating crash are currently under scrutiny, with authorities seeking to establish the cause.
The loss of Liron and Naomi Petrushka is deeply mourned not only within the technology community but also in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing and collaborating with them. Their impact on the industry, both in Israel and the United States, stands as a testament to their commitment and foresight.
As we grapple with this distressing news, we extend our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Liron and Naomi Petrushka. Their legacy and contributions to the technology world will be forever cherished.