Yaniv is the founder of Startup Systems. He works with organizations around the world to build and manage startup programs and train their teams.

Yaniv led a research and development team at IBM Research where he built a platform for serious games (called Games for Crowds) that use the wisdom of the crowd to solve complex problems (an EU project; Budget: 4M Euros). He is an internationally recognized Gamification expert and has helped companies like Google, Pfizer, and Li&Fung to increase user engagement by incorporating game dynamics into their business processes, products, and services.

Yaniv built and ran several local and global innovation and entrepreneurship programs, such as the Shenkar College Accelerator program, Explorium Innovation Lab (Shanghai and Hong Kong), and TechLinks (NYC with Global Brands Group).

Yaniv holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Urban Planning from the Technion - Israel Institute of Technology and a dual Master’s Degree in Architecture and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During his studies at MIT, He worked at the Media Lab, developing folding cars, interactive urban design tools with Legos, responsive lighting for office buildings, and architectural design tools that leverage social media.

Yaniv volunteers as a mentor at some of the best accelerators, including BizTEC, Siftec, Masschallenge Boston, Road2, and others. He’s also a member of the Israeli MIT alumni club and MIT Enterprise Forum Israel.

Yaniv lives with Gila and their three children in Kiryat Tivon (Israel).