FNG Exclusive… FNG has learned that online brokerage and social trading startup Public.com has hired Ron Zori as the company’s new Head Of Business Development.

Ron Zori has been involved with Public.com as an investor and advisor since February 2020. The former professional soccer player, who played for two years for Maccabi Netanya FC in his native Israel as well as collegiately in Division 1 for Columbia University, had been with WeWork competitor Knotel for four and a half years, as Head of Revenue NY, prior to joining Public.com.

Founded two years ago and co-run by well-known FX industry executive Jannick Malling (ex Saxo Bank, CFH Group, Tradable) and serial web entrepreneur Leif Abraham, Public.com is an app-only online broker, targeting younger traders with a social-trading bent. Its roster of investors and backers includes traditional VCs such as Accel and Greycroft, but also celebrities such as actor/rapper Will Smith, NFL star JJ Watt, and popular Youtuber Casey Neistat.

Most recently, we reported that Public.com had received a “seven figure investment” from well-known NYU business professor Scott Galloway.

Mr. Zori posted the following note on social media:

I’ve joined Public.com.

(i) As an investor. Feb 2020.

It was a tricky time to be active in the public markets, but the embrace of the community made the journey through the downs & ups much smoother.

Following the moves of friends and acquaintances alongside actions and comments from folks like Shaquille O’Neal and Scott Galloway was beyond fun – it encouraged discussion and education and made me a more aware investor.

I’ve also made some money. Sure, that’s important. But equally important was the feeling of safety, inclusion and learning and wanting to contribute to bringing that experience to more people. That led to part (ii).

(ii) As part of the team. Today.

After 4.5 wonderful years of building with the Knotel family, I’ve left full of gratitude to the team and to our customers and partners. If you’re part of that group and I didn’t get to tell you that directly – Thank You.

Today I join the Public team to help make the stock market safe and accessible to everyone. If you’d like to chat about ideas, feedback or just catch up, let’s do it.

And if you want to talk public markets, share advice, or just check out my (or Shaq’s) portfolio – come onboard.