Hi, I’m Benjamin Wallo, a venture operator and community architect.
My work is about designing the spaces, cultures, and systems that compound ambition.
I’ve built out tech HQs worth $200M+, designed 100+ AI community events, and helped scale venture platforms from 0 - 1.
Welcome to my corner of the internet.
Startups
The most important work in startups happens before the first product ships.
It’s in the places where the early team gathers, the behaviors that keep them aligned, and the systems that amplify efforts.
I’ve leaned into shaping startups in many ways and across many stages, from HQs that anchor culture, to fellowships that train the next generation of investors, to founders learning how to effectively communicate vision.
Leading community for a $1B+ AUM seed fund. I design AGMs, summits, events, databases, and more, all with the goal of giving capital as much leverage as possible.
Supporting deeptech founders and investors, building community in robotics, defense, and hardware. All founders have a long road ahead, but deeptech founders, whose products alone may take years to develop, have the longest.
Leading platform initiatives at the growth stage, including marketing and social media, and supporting breakout A / B companies with events and large scale summits.
Before venture, I worked in San Francisco’s Class A construction ecosystem, helping deliver global HQs for Stripe, Asana, and Dropbox, and SignalFire.
Communities
Community is how people compound.
Alone, growth is linear.
Together, it’s exponential.
I’ve built fellowships, community houses, and venture platforms where people share knowledge, build trust, and accelerate each other’s paths.
Supporting one of the venture’s most selective programs. Susa Venture Fellows source deals, deploy capital, and often graduate into roles at top firms. Apply to be a part of the next cohort here.
The Green Queen
I founded and for 4+ years ran a co-living and co-working community in San Francisco that became a cultural hub during the rise of Cerebral Valley. The project drew 2,000+ applicants for 19 spots and developed a collaborative and creative culture that helped people thrive.
Founding member of a society that upended 600 years of University tradition, generated national press controversy for the royal family, and built lasting community around reform and entrepreneurship.
Some of my other passions
-
![Frana]()
History
Wallo is a Lemko name. My people were nearly erased in the 1940s, which is why the name is rare, and why this URL was available. That history drives my obsession with how cultures survive.
I hold an MA in Ancient History from the University of St Andrews, Scotland, where I studied what makes some belief systems last millennia. Today, I apply that same lens to startups and communities.
Photo: Sarajevo, at the spot where Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated in 1914, triggering WW1.
-
![]()
Wine
I spent the early years of my career in the wine industry, learning about grape genetics, organic viticulture, and winemaking.
I trained as a sommelier and now serve as a judge ranking sommelier education programs. I’m also a member of The Wine Century Club.
Photo: harvesting Carménère, a grape long believed to have gone extinct prior to rediscovery in the 1990s.
-
![]()
Performance
I’ve directed, produced, and/or acted in 100+ theatrical productions. Trained at VGIK Moscow, I went deep into Meisner and Stanislavski technique.
Today, I channel that training into pitch coaching for founders and execs.
Photo: Macbeth performed on Inchcolm Island, Scotland.
-
![]()
Travel
I was born in Japan, educated in five countries, and have lived in six while visiting more than fifty. What stays with me is the vast variety of perspectives: how people make meaning, share pride in place, and carry memory forward.
The photo? Me trolling Russian soldiers in St. Petersburg.
Ben consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, dedication, and a genuine passion for hospitality.”
— Sourav Panchanan, General Manager at The Caravela Beach Resort
“Ben is a highly self-motivated individual. An inquisitive problem solver with an energetic get it done attitude. He's a hard worker, quick learner and you can always count on him.”
— Mya Krikorian, COO at Principal Builders
“Ben motivates others and brings an abundance of positivity into the workplace.”
— Kristina Toor, Director of Operations at Clayton Timbrell & Co
“Through interaction with Ben, you get the feeling that he could be successful in almost any position.”
— Chris Przybysz, Project Manager at ACCEND Construction
Startups
→
Ancient History
→
Community
→
Performance
→
Wine
→
Construction
→
Venture
→
Startups → Ancient History → Community → Performance → Wine → Construction → Venture →
Think we’d find value in connecting further?
Let’s get coffee, either in person in SF or virtually.
Be sure to drop a line letting me know what you’re working on what you’d like to connect over.