Out of Office with Yon Raz-Fridman: Building for human flourishing

Sep 23

Yonatan (Yon) Raz-Fridman is no ordinary entrepreneur. A repeat founder, Yon has spent his career at the intersection of emerging technology and human advancement, building ventures that democratize computing, foster emotional resilience through AI, inspire imaginative play in VR, and create deep social connections in virtual worlds. Compassion and curiosity guide his work, as he strives to build tools that empower people and enable human flourishing in a rapidly changing world.

Fresh off the successful exit of his latest venture, Supersocial — a game studio focused on next-generation platforms like Roblox — Yon is now embracing a rare pause. We caught up with him at his home in New Albany, to learn how he’s spending this transitional period, what keeps him inspired, and where he sees opportunity for Ohio’s tech community.

Where are you right now?

I’m in New Albany, just outside Columbus. My wife grew up in Central Ohio, and after our years in New York, we made the move about five years ago. It’s been a great place to build community and raise our daughter. And the summer weather often reminds me of my hometown in Israel.

Coffee or tea? How do you take it?

Definitely coffee. A well-made hot cortado is my go-to first thing in the morning. Sometimes several first things in the morning! I’ve gotten comfortable with Starbucks for the convenience, but I’m always happy to find a great artisanal shop. Before living in New York, I lived for years in London, England. Great coffee is maybe what I miss most about London.

How are you spending your “out of office” time?

I break it down into four buckets:

Reading and learning: Exploring new technologies (especially AI tools) and reading on topics that could shape the future of humanity.
Talking with people: Founders, investors, friends. Learning from their journeys while sharing my own ideas.
Helping other founders: Offering guidance on fundraising, team building, and strategy, especially for early-stage CEOs.
Connecting the dots: Synthesizing what I’m learning to define my next venture, with a keen focus on where Ohio can lead.

How do you unplug?

I’ve recently gotten back into running after a decade away from it, and I play basketball weekly with a great group here in New Albany. I’m also a regular at the movies. You might catch me solo at the movie theater in the morning, enjoying popcorn and a Sprite Zero. And at home, I love to get lost in physical books, newspapers, and the magazines I collect (despite my wife’s objections to the growing piles).

What are you reading?

I focus on nonfiction, biographies, history, and business books. I collect rare biographies of leaders like Napoleon and Louis XIV. Recent favorites include Play Nice but Win by Michael Dell, What It Takes by Stephen Schwarzman, The Gene by Siddhartha Mukherjee, and Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond.

Favorite local spot?

For brunch, we love Emmett’s in Columbus. It reminds us of Brooklyn. Joya’s in Worthington is another favorite, and Rooh in Columbus is a spot I enjoy sharing with friends for some good Indian.

What should Ohio tech leaders be paying attention to?

If you’re not focused on Ohio’s potential as a global AI hub, you’re missing the big story. From next-generation data centers to AI factories, we have an incredible opportunity to shape innovation in healthcare, devices, and beyond.

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