Benny Peretz (Greenoaks Capital): 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Benjamin "Benny" Peretz is a managing partner at Greenoaks Capital, a prominent venture investment firm known for its concentrated, long-term investments in technology-enabled companies worldwide. Co-founding Greenoaks in 2012 alongside Neil Mehta, Peretz has played a critical role in shaping the firm's strategy and success in backing transformational startups. From identifying promising founders to steering investments in innovative companies, Peretz’s experience spans across private and public markets. This article explores ten essential aspects of Benny Peretz’s career, Greenoaks Capital’s distinct investment approach, and their impact on the tech ecosystem.

1. Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Greenoaks Capital

Benny Peretz co-founded Greenoaks Capital in 2012 with Neil Mehta, after both left D.E. Shaw, a renowned investment and technology firm. As managing partner, Peretz steers the firm’s investment strategy, focusing on long-term partnerships with technology companies. His leadership is marked by a deep conviction in a research-driven, patient capital approach, allowing Greenoaks to nurture promising companies across multiple funding stages with substantial resources and expertise.

2. Prior Experience at D.E. Shaw

Before co-founding Greenoaks Capital, Peretz gained significant experience investing in both public and private companies globally while working at D.E. Shaw & Co., L.P. This background equipped him with strong analytical skills and a broad perspective on markets, which he later applied in starting Greenoaks. The rigorous and quantitative approach from D.E. Shaw influenced Greenoaks’ investment philosophy, blending data analysis with fundamental research.

3. Academic Background in Economics and Engineering

Benny Peretz holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, alongside a Bachelor of Applied Science from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the same university. This blend of economics and engineering education provides him with a unique analytical toolkit, combining financial acumen with technical understanding, which is instrumental when evaluating technology companies.

4. Greenoaks Capital’s Investment Philosophy

Under Peretz’s leadership, Greenoaks Capital is characterized by a hybrid investment philosophy described as a fusion of venture capital and value investing. The firm pursues concentrated portfolios of about 15 companies per fund, focusing on mid-stage venture to early growth companies. Greenoaks emphasizes deep due diligence and a long-term horizon, typically committing initial investments between $25 million and $75 million, with additional capital reserved for follow-on rounds.

5. Focus on Technology-Enabled Businesses Globally

Greenoaks Capital invests broadly in technology-enabled companies, spanning multiple industries, sectors, and geographies. Its mandate allows it to cross asset classes and invest in both private companies and public markets. Notable portfolio companies include Coupang, Discord, Stripe, Carvana, Databricks, Flipkart, and Wiz. This global strategy demonstrates Peretz’s vision for backing innovations that have the potential to redefine markets and consumer behaviors worldwide.

6. Notable Investment in Wiz and Its Successful Exit

One of Greenoaks’s landmark investments under Peretz’s tenure was in the cloud security company Wiz. Greenoaks participated from Wiz’s early Series B round at a $1 billion valuation and continued investing through multiple rounds, eventually leading sizable funding rounds. In 2025, Wiz was acquired by Alphabet for $32 billion, resulting in an estimated $2 billion return to Greenoaks on a $300 million investment. This exit highlighted Greenoaks’ ability to identify and support companies with transformative potential.

7. Approach to Founder Partnerships

Peretz’s philosophy emphasizes becoming the "single most important resource" for the founders of portfolio companies. This involves providing not only capital but also operational support, strategic guidance, and connections. Greenoaks builds long-term relationships, often spanning decades, reflecting Peretz’s belief in sustained company growth rather than short-term gains. This approach differentiates Greenoaks in the venture capital industry.

8. Concentrated Portfolio Strategy

Unlike many venture firms that back numerous startups, Peretz’s Greenoaks maintains a highly concentrated portfolio, typically investing in around 15 companies per fund. This concentration allows the team to dedicate significant resources and due diligence efforts to each investment, ensuring high underwriting standards and active post-investment involvement. This hands-on approach is key to the firm’s consistent performance and strong founder relationships.

9. Growth of Assets Under Management and Fund Performance

As of the end of 2024, Greenoaks Capital managed approximately $12.6 billion in assets, with Fund V closing at over $2.1 billion. The firm’s recent funds have shown strong performance, with IRRs ranging from around 11% to nearly 20% on flagship funds. This rapid growth and performance underscore the effective investment strategy driven by Peretz and his partners, establishing Greenoaks as a significant player in venture capital and growth equity.

10. Influence in the Global Venture Ecosystem

Benny Peretz, through Greenoaks Capital, has significantly impacted the global venture ecosystem by supporting companies that become industry leaders and category-defining platforms. The firm’s investments cross continents and sectors, contributing to technological innovation and new business models. Peretz’s leadership and vision have helped shape the trajectory of high-growth tech companies, exemplifying the blend of rigorous investment process and long-term value creation.

Conclusion

Benjamin "Benny" Peretz stands out as a visionary investor who has, through Greenoaks Capital, pioneered an investment approach blending venture capital’s boldness with value investing’s patience. His strong academic foundation, prior experience, and partnership-driven philosophy have helped build a firm known for backing category-defining technology companies globally. As Greenoaks continues to grow its assets and influence, Peretz’s role in shaping the future of technology investments remains pivotal. How Greenoaks and Peretz will continue nurturing tomorrow’s market leaders is a compelling story still unfolding.