Faces Of The Startup Nation: Q&A With Internet Pioneer Jeff Pulver

Jeff Pulver is an Internet pioneer known for his work in the Voice over IP industry. A globally renowned thought leader, inspirational speaker and entrepreneur, in 1995 Jeff defined “VON” to stand for Voice/Video on the Net. In 2004 the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued what is known as “The Pulver Order.” Pulver has also been involved as the founder, co-founder, advisor and/or investor of a number of startups including: Free World Dialup (FWD) (the first worldwide Internet Telephony Phone network), the VON Coalition, Vivox and VoIP provider, Vonage. Currently, Jeff serves as Chairman of Zula, a company he co-founded together with Jacob Ner-David. In 2003, Pulver was dubbed a ‘Tech Guru’ by Business Week for his commitment to the future of the Internet and expertise in his field.

What were your first steps into the business world? Happened when I was a comic book dealer at a comic book convention when in 6th grade.

Who is the one person, past or present, you’d love to have dinner with? My late father. Been missing him since 1998.

Falafel or Shawarma? Falafel. It’s gluten free and vegan.

What is your hidden talent? Acting. I’ve been an extra on Law and Order, Spin City and the Israeli television series “Mesudarim”

If you were a selfie, what would you look like?

What is your homepage? www.jeffpulver.com, of course.

What are you totally addicted to? Living. Energy. Being. Flow. Feeling. Doing and helping others do the same.

What is the biggest risk you’ve ever taken? Trying to answer your questions. Or maybe it was realizing I was driving my life without looking at the user manual. Or maybe it was going for my dreams and never looking back.

Star Wars or Star Trek? I’ve been to both worlds. I have a home in both places. I live in Star Trek and vacation in Star Wars.

Bar Refaeli or Gal Gadot? I have invested in one of Bar Refaeli’s startups. So I am biased and going with Bar.

If you weren’t an entrepreneur, what would you be? Not sure. I have lived the life of: accountant, software developer, consultant, systems integrator, conference producer, investor, and at times I continue to do some of these. I don’t live in a black and white world. I learned to take having fun seriously and I try to enjoy everything I do. Some things I do don’t come with a title or description. But that doesn’t stop me from being or trying.

What are your favorite weekend activities? Spending time with my kids; Exercise; running near the beach when possible; Instagram; thinking; reflecting; being; enjoying a new gluten free eating spot (NOTE: Jeff recently lost 120 lbs. (54 kgs.) and is now an advocate of healthy eating and regular exercise.)

Part of Jeff’s healthy diet

If you could be a movie character, who would you be? Someone who brings the world more happiness and love and helps others appreciate life.

Tel Aviv or New York? Both. I enjoy the energy and flow of Tel Aviv.

What’s the best advice you ever got from your parents? If you never ask the answer is no!

What’s your favorite Hebrew word? Hafooch (upside down) followed by Hebook (hugs).

What is your biggest inspiration? I would have to say I am inspired by encouraging people to believe in themselves and to follow their dreams. Why? Because once they learn to do this they can continue to do this for the rest of their life and encourage others to do the same along the way.

NoCamels “Faces of the Startup Nation” features the leading entrepreneurs, innovators, investors and visionaries to give you an exclusive peak into the movers and shakers of Israel’s innovation scene. If you want to suggest a “Face”, write us in the comments below!

Photos: Courtesy/ GameInformer