Avi Kopelman is a seasoned engineering executive whose professional journey has been defined by a steadfast commitment to innovation, precision, and leadership excellence. With over two decades of experience spanning startups, mid-size enterprises, and Fortune-level corporations, Avi has consistently led the charge in transforming cutting-edge ideas into market-ready technologies. His tagline—“Innovation Through Systems Thinking”—aptly summarizes the foundation of his success: a deep-rooted ability to see the big picture while mastering the intricacies of engineering execution.
From the bustling labs of Silicon Valley to production floors in Asia, Avi’s career has navigated the intersection of advanced hardware design, embedded systems, wireless technologies, and supply chain orchestration. A native of Israel and fluent in both English and Hebrew, his global perspective has helped him lead diverse, multi-site engineering teams through some of the tech industry’s most complex development cycles. Over the years, he has cultivated a reputation for being both a strategic visionary and an execution-driven leader—a rare blend in the world of high-stakes technology development.
Avi began his executive ascent during his tenure at Palm Inc., where he led the hardware platform development for a new generation of smartphones. He architected and directed the development of these handsets, overseeing every aspect of in-house hardware development and delivery—from concept to production. This included critical components such as the touch panel, battery, display, camera, audio, RF, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, antennas, mechanical integration, and firmware. His ability to unify teams around a singular product vision helped accelerate time to market and paved the way for Palm’s competitive presence during a critical phase in the mobile device era. It was also during this time that Avi authored Palm’s RF standards, laying technical groundwork that would inform future product design.
His trajectory gained further momentum at GoPro, where he assumed responsibility as the Senior Director of Hardware Engineering and later the Head of Camera Development. Over a span of six years, Avi built and led a 100+ strong engineering team across multiple sites. He was the driving force behind six generations of camera products—selling over 15 million units worldwide—and was instrumental in the company’s venture into aerial devices and drone technology. Avi’s leadership in system architecture and supply chain negotiation played a vital role in positioning GoPro as a globally dominant brand in consumer imaging.
Not one to rest on past achievements, Avi transitioned to Reviver in 2017, where he served as SVP of Hardware Development and Operations. As de facto CTO, he spearheaded the development of the first digital license plate—a disruptive IoT product combining E Ink displays, BLE, and LTE Cat M connectivity. His dual focus on innovation and operational excellence enabled the company to scale product deployment internationally while maintaining high technical standards and managing complex regulatory landscapes. This role underscored Avi’s versatility: he could not only dream big but also build the systems to support those dreams at scale.
His next chapter unfolded at VergeSense, a rapidly growing spatial intelligence startup. As VP of Connected Devices, Avi took charge of developing sensor systems powered by edge computing and AI/ML technologies. Under his leadership, the company introduced groundbreaking products that redefined real-time workplace analytics. Avi’s strategic realignment of the technical roadmap—coupled with a 30% reduction in product cost of ownership—highlighted his uncanny ability to balance innovation with business acumen. His leadership proved pivotal in helping VergeSense mature from product ideation to robust commercial deployment.
In his most recent role as VP of Engineering at Reach, Avi directed all engineering, operations, and supply chain efforts for an ambitious wireless power transfer initiative. Charged with overseeing a complex array of functions—from RF to mechanical systems—he once again demonstrated his skill in assembling high-performing teams and navigating novel technologies through rigorous development pipelines. He built and scaled engineering teams across RF/Microwave, Hardware, Firmware, Mechanical, Program Management, and Operations—ensuring alignment with strategic goals and engineering excellence. All engineering groups, including the Cloud team, reported to Avi. By partnering with Tier-1 contract manufacturers, he ensured that the company’s groundbreaking phased-array antennas transitioned seamlessly from prototype to mass production.
Avi’s professional strengths stem not only from technical prowess but from his holistic understanding of the product lifecycle. He has worked extensively with Original Design Manufacturers (ODMs), Joint Design Manufacturers (JDMs), and Contract Manufacturers (CMs), optimizing every facet of the engineering-to-manufacturing journey. His engineering philosophy is both pragmatic and forward-thinking, guided by a belief in continuous improvement and cross-disciplinary collaboration. Whether managing firmware integration or negotiating component pricing, Avi approaches every challenge with clarity, focus, and resolve.
Internationally, Avi brings deep experience working with suppliers and engineering teams across China, Taiwan, Thailand, and Israel. These cross-border engagements have sharpened his insight into cultural dynamics, logistics, and compliance—making him a globally adaptable executive with strategic depth. His MBA from the University of Phoenix and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from the prestigious Technion in Israel provide a strong academic foundation that complements his vast industry experience.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Avi is an avid photographer who thrives in environments that demand focus, patience, and strategic play—attributes that mirror his leadership style. Though he does not currently serve on corporate boards, he has served on the board of a private nonprofit school as Officer and President for 10 years, demonstrating a quiet but firm dedication to community involvement and mentorship. With a personal mission to share his vast expertise with growing companies, Avi is now actively seeking board and advisory roles where he can amplify impact and help shape the next generation of engineering leadership.
Avi Kopelman is, at his core, a systems thinker with an instinct for innovation and a record of turning vision into reality. Companies seeking a transformative leader—someone who understands the interconnected layers of product development, operations, and market fit—will find in Avi a deeply experienced partner and executive mentor.
Character:
Avi exemplifies integrity and resilience, consistently bringing clarity and calm to complex, high-pressure environments. He is a steady presence who uplifts his teams through trust, transparency, and a shared commitment to excellence.
Knowledge:
With over 20 years of engineering leadership, Avi possesses deep technical fluency across RF, hardware, firmware, AI, and IoT systems. His mastery of both legacy technologies and emerging innovations makes him a rare and valuable asset to any organization.
Strategic:
Avi is a visionary thinker who aligns technical roadmaps with business outcomes, ensuring long-term sustainability and product-market fit. His strategic insights have repeatedly transformed early-stage concepts into scalable, commercial successes.
Communication:
A gifted communicator, Avi bridges the gap between engineering and executive leadership with ease. His ability to translate complex ideas into actionable strategies fosters collaboration, alignment, and momentum across all organizational levels.
