Nadav Shoval (born 1990) is an Israeli-American entrepreneur, investor, and technology executive. He is the founder of OpenWeb and FlowMode, and a co-founder of Project Omega. Shoval currently serves as chief executive officer of FlowMode, a board member of Project Omega, and a senior advisor to OpenWeb.[1][2] In 2012, he founded OpenWeb,[3][4][5] a U.S.-based software company that works with online publishers and advertisers. He served as its CEO from 2015 to 2024.[6][7][8][9][10] In 2017, he was included in Forbes Israel's "30 Under 30" list.[11][12][13]
Early life and education
Nadav Shoval was born in 1990. During childhood, he was diagnosed with Kawasaki disease, a condition that limited his physical activity for a period of time.[8][14][15] During his recovery, he developed an interest in computers and began participating in online communities. He built chat platforms and forums, and contributed to classroom computer projects.[6][16][17]
Career
In July 2005, Nadav Shoval founded Looop Ltd., a company focused on online marketing and sales.[18] In May 2010, he launched Simple One, an app designed to organize social media platforms and SMS communications, where he served as CEO.[19]
In 2015, Shoval co-founded Spot.IM, later renamed OpenWeb, a U.S.-based software company.[20] The company develops tools for online publishers and advertisers, including moderation software and community engagement platforms.[21][22] According to interviews, Shoval described the company's mission as creating safer online communities through social media tools.[23][20]
As CEO, he oversaw the company's expansion into AI- and ML-driven moderation technologies, as well as its growth in data and advertising sectors.[24][25]
In 2024, Shoval stepped down as chief executive officer of OpenWeb following a settlement with the company's board of directors. He subsequently assumed the role of senior advisor to the company.[2][26]
Project Omega
In early 2025, Shoval co-founded Project Omega, a technology venture alongside Stafford Sheehan.[27] Project Omega builds technologies that turn nuclear waste into renewable energy.[28][29] In 2026, the business emerged from stealth raising $12 million from venture capitalists including Starship Ventures, Mantis Ventures, Buckley Ventures, Slow Ventures, and Decisive Point. Shoval serves as a co-founder and member of the board of directors.[27]
Investments
Beyond his operational roles, Shoval is an active angel investor and startup advisor. He has invested in numerous early-stage technology companies, including Jedify, Terra One, Synonym, Cased, and TitleDock.[30]
Personal life
As of 2023, Shoval lives in Brooklyn, New York City. He is married and has one child.[6]
References
- Nadav Shoval Spot.IM. Advice to young entrepreneurs: 5 things I wish I'd known before taking on the CEO role VentureBeat, 2015-03-15, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- Sophie Shulman. OpenWeb CEO dispute ends with Shoval stepping down and accepting advisory role ctech, 2025-02-18, retrieved 2026-02-21^
- Patrick Coffee. OpenWeb, Which Helps Publishers Target Readers With Ads, Raises $170 Million Wall Street Journal, 2022-10-27, retrieved 2024-01-05^
- “How many times does a board have to tell a CEO his services are no longer needed?”: OpenWeb counters Shoval's lawsuit ctech, 2024-10-20, retrieved 2025-01-24^
- Unicorn OpenWeb announces new CEO, but founding CEO refuses to step down ctech, 2024-09-11, retrieved 2025-02-07^
- The Human Founder: Why is Working on Our Mental Muscles the Most Important Job as Startup Founders? Geektime, 2022-09-21, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- Nadav Shoval, Openweb Inc: Profile and Biography Bloomberg.com, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- Michael Gallant. #16 - From Kawasaki Disease to Tech Unicorn - Nadav Shoval MBA without BS, 2020-06-05, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- Nadav Shoval Fast Company Executive Board, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- N12 - הנער שלא האמינו בו והפך ליזם מיליונר N12, 2017-04-14, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- Forbes Press Releases. Forbes Announces Second Annual Forbes Israel 30 Under 30 List, Highlighting the Accomplishments of 60 Game Changers from Across Israeli Society Forbes, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- Rupert Merson. Growing a Business: Strategies for leaders and entrepreneurs Profile, 2016-02-25^
- גלית חתן. אופן ווב חתמה על עסקאות בהיקף מאות מיליוני דולרים Globes, 2023-07-26, retrieved 2024-01-05^
- James Spiro. Talkback platform Spot.im is rebranding and cracking down on online toxicity CTECH - www.calcalistech.com, 2020-06-25, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- The Human Founder Podcast www.galiblochliran.com, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- גלית חתן. אופן ווב חתמה על עסקאות בהיקף מאות מיליוני דולרים Globes, 2023-07-26, retrieved 2024-01-05^
- דורון אביגד. לא עשה בגרות אבל הקים חברה של מאות מיליונים: "דחפו לי רטלין" Globes, 2021-10-23, retrieved 2024-01-05^
- TheOrg (Nadav Shoval)^
- Contactout.com^
- Spot.IM מגייסת 13 מיליון דולר כדי להציל את המו"לים מפייסבוק TheMarker, retrieved 2024-01-05^
- FinSMEs. OpenWeb Raises $170M In Series F Funding At $1.5 Billion Valuation FinSMEs, 2022-10-27, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- TechAviv www.techaviv.com, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- Where's This Going: #78 Nadav Shoval on Apple Podcasts Apple Podcasts, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- OpenWeb CEO on Creating a Healthier Internet, Elon Musk 'Acting Like a Troll' Cheddar News, retrieved 2024-01-03^
- גלית חתן. אופן ווב חתמה על עסקאות בהיקף מאות מיליוני דולרים Globes, 2023-07-26, retrieved 2024-01-05^
- Court rejects Nadav Shoval's petition against OpenWeb ouster Globes, 2024-11-13, retrieved 2025-01-24^
- Craig Bettenhausen. Project Omega comes out of stealth with nuclear batteries and recycling Chemical & Engineering News, 2025-01-21, retrieved 2026-02-21^
- Phoebe Liu. This Startup Wants To Turn America’s Nuclear Waste Into Power Forbes, retrieved 2026-02-21^
- Project Omega Emerges From Stealth to Recycle America’s Spent Nuclear Fuel Morningstar, Inc., 2026-02-11, retrieved 2026-02-21^
- Nadav Shoval - Investor at Synonym Biotechnologies THE ORG, retrieved 2026-02-21^