# Matt Straz

> Matt Straz is the founder and former CEO of Namely, co-founder of advertising technology company Pictela, founder and chairman of Bennie, and co-founder and partner at FiDi Ventures. His career spans advertising, workplace software and early-stage investing.

- **Role:** Founder and Chairman of the Board at Bennie; Co-Founder and Partner at FiDi Ventures
- **Organizations:** Namely, Bennie, Pictela, MEC, AOL, FiDi Ventures, Rocketrip, Sayge
- **Known for:** Co-founded Pictela, acquired by AOL in 2010., Founded Namely and led it past 200 employees by October 2015., Authored more than 100 MediaPost columns by November 2013.

## Career timeline

- **Before Pictela** — Spent seven years as a senior partner at MEC, according to his personal biography.
- **2008** — Co-founded Pictela; served as chief marketing officer.
- **2010** — AOL acquired Pictela.
- **2012** — Founded Namely, using the founding year in his own interviews; career databases list a 2011 start.
- **2013** — Ended his MediaPost Online Spin column after more than 100 articles.
- **2015** — Reported Namely had surpassed 200 employees; appointed to Rocketrip’s advisory board in October.
- **2018** — Namely board dismissed him as CEO on May 15.
- **2019** — Founded Bennie.
- **2021** — Co-founded FiDi Ventures with Michael Manne.
- **2025** — Became Bennie chairman on July 15, with Brett Davis succeeding him as CEO.

## Achievements

- Co-founded Pictela, acquired by AOL in 2010.
- Founded Namely and led it past 200 employees by October 2015.
- Authored more than 100 MediaPost columns by November 2013.
- Founded Bennie and led it until the July 2025 CEO transition.
- Co-founded early-stage investment firm FiDi Ventures.

## Latest updates

- **2025-07** — Bennie announced Brett Davis as CEO and Straz’s transition to chairman of the board.

## Links

- Website: https://about.me/mattstraz
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattstraz
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/mattstraz

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/matt-straz
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22