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Kurt Wolf

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Professional Background

Kurt Wolf is an accomplished technology entrepreneur and investor who is known for his extensive experience in the fintech sector and B2B technology business acquisitions. Currently, he is embarking on an exciting new venture after his notable tenure as Chief Technology Officer at January, a rapidly growing fintech company that has raised over $27 million and employs over 90 skilled professionals. At January, Kurt played a pivotal role in transforming the debt collection landscape, combining advanced technology with a human-centric approach to deliver innovative solutions to banks, credit unions, and fintech lenders.

January's mission is to offer tech-enabled debt collection with a human touch, which has resulted in impressive outcomes. Through the implementation of compliance automation and a premier automated resolution portal, Kurt and his team have driven higher recovery rates and significantly lowered collection costs for their clients. What's more, they have successfully reduced compliance risks while resolving most accounts without direct agent intervention. The feedback from borrowers has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting January’s commitment to empathy and efficiency in the debt collection process.

Prior to his role at January, Kurt served as an Operating Partner at Arising Ventures, a firm that specializes in acquiring B2B tech businesses with annual revenues ranging between $2 million and $30 million, focusing on turnarounds and special situations. In his capacity at Arising Ventures, Kurt was instrumental in diligence and deal flow, and he also provided technical leadership across the firm’s portfolio. Notably, he was involved in the largest deal at Arising Ventures, which was with Jyve, a gig economy marketplace that bridges food distributors and retailers.

Kurt is also a dedicated angel investor, supporting founders who are working towards building the future of technology with their innovative ideas. Through his investments, he fosters growth within the tech community and helps launch aspiring entrepreneurs into successful ventures.

Education and Achievements

Kurt's academic foundation is rooted in a focus on Mathematics and Computer Science, having earned his B.S. from Brown University. His educational journey also took him to Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, as well as the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, where he honed his skills and expanded his understanding of technology and its potential applications. His rigorous training in mathematics and computer science equipped him with the analytical capabilities and technical knowledge to excel in the fast-paced tech industry.

Throughout his career, Kurt has gained invaluable experience working at renowned organizations. His previous role as a Software Engineer at Uber allowed him to contribute to one of the leading companies in the tech space, equipping him with robust software development skills and an understanding of how technology can disrupt traditional industries.

Achievements

Kurt’s career highlights include co-founding January and successfully steering it to become a recognized name in the fintech sector with significant venture capital backing. His impact in accelerating the growth of tech-enabled debt collection solutions is commendable, as he has positioned January as a leader in the industry.

As an Operating Partner at Arising Ventures, Kurt's keen eye for identifying potential in B2B tech businesses has allowed him to manage successful acquisitions and turnarounds. His strategic mindset has resulted in the stabilization and future growth of various tech entities under his guidance. Through his role at Arising Ventures, he played an essential role in enhancing business operations and profitability, demonstrating his expertise in the tech space.

Kurt Wolf is not just focused on his past achievements; he is actively seeking new opportunities that align with his passion for technology and innovation. His journey reflects a commitment to leveraging technology for positive change, providing guidance to emerging startups, and shaping the future landscape of the tech industry.

Highlights

Apr 4 · twitter

“Tariffs are good for you, the American worker” is the Republican Party’s 2025 version of “you don’t need masks.”

Related Questions

How did Kurt Wolf transition from his role at Uber to co-founding January?
What inspired Kurt Wolf to focus on tech-enabled debt collection at January?
In what ways did Kurt Wolf’s education at Brown University prepare him for his career in technology and entrepreneurship?
How does Kurt Wolf identify startups to invest in as an angel investor?
What key skills did Kurt Wolf develop while working as an Operating Partner at Arising Ventures?
How has Kurt Wolf's experience at January influenced his approach to his next venture?
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Location

New York, New York, United States